AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Serious Inquiries Only
SIO448: How To Build A Dinosaur
May 21, 2024
Dr. Eric Jaffe, a molecular biology expert and science communicator, dives into the intriguing idea of building a dinosaur. He debunks the Jurassic Park myth of extracting DNA from mosquitoes and discusses the real science behind reconstructing these prehistoric creatures. Jaffe explains the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds, revealing the complexities of gene expression and cellular signaling. We also explore how tiny genetic changes can lead to major anatomical transformations, highlighting the fascinating interplay of evolution and genetics.
58:01
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Building a dinosaur involves genetic manipulation of chickens, as they are direct descendants of theropod dinosaurs, rather than extracting ancient DNA.
- Popular media, like Jurassic Park, often distorts the scientific understanding of evolution and dinosaurs, presenting simplified, linear narratives that misrepresent reality.
Deep dives
The Concept of Building Dinosaurs
The process of theoretically building a dinosaur revolves around manipulating the genetic development of a chicken rather than relying on ancient DNA, which is largely unavailable due to its rapid degradation. Dr. Eric Jaffe highlights the improbability of extracting viable dinosaur DNA from sources like mosquitoes trapped in amber, which has often been popularized in cinematic storytelling. Instead, he proposes using contemporary genetic techniques to leverage the existing chicken genome, representing a direct descendant of theropod dinosaurs. This approach underscores the intricate link between modern birds and their prehistoric relatives, suggesting that avian species embody elements of dinosaur biology.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode