103. DNA of Defense: Alexander Titus on How NSCEB is Advancing Biotech for National Security Challenges

Karl and Erum bring on Dr. Alexander Titus, a commissioner on the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, to explore the exciting and challenging intersections of biotechnology and policy. Alexander shares his experiences from his unique journey across academia, government, and industry, diving into the role of biosecurity, the potential of synthetic biology, and the emerging convergence of tech and bio. They discuss ambitious projects like de-extincting the woolly mammoth, advances in biodefense, and the impacts of AI on biotech innovation. It’s a conversation that sheds light on how cutting-edge biotech could shape the future and the necessary balance between innovation and ethical responsibility.

Grow Everything brings the bioeconomy to life. Hosts Karl Schmieder and Erum Azeez Khan share stories and interview the leaders and influencers changing the world by growing everything. Biology is the oldest technology. And it can be engineered. What are we growing?

Learn more at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.messaginglab.com/groweverything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Behind the Scenes of Bureaucracy
• 00:00:30 - Democracy’s Turning Point
• 00:02:23 - A Fiery Day in Prospect Park
• 00:04:20 - How Spaces Shape Our Health
• 00:08:35 - Enter Alexander Titus: Biosecurity Visionary
• 00:10:13 - Biotech: The New Face of National Defense
• 00:15:09 - Where Tech and Policy Collide
• 00:23:10 - The Future of Biosecurity Unfolds
• 00:28:02 - Bold Science vs. Ethical Boundaries
• 00:30:24 - Robotics Meets Biotech: What’s Next?
• 00:33:29 - Hard Lessons from Cross-Industry Giants
• 00:35:49 - Innovation Clashes with Red Tape
• 00:36:11 - The Power of Expertise in Shaping Policy
• 00:42:26 - Biotech’s Hidden Environmental Risks
• 00:45:42 - The Commission’s Bold Path Forward
• 00:48:45 - Parting Thoughts: What Lies Ahead

Topics Covered: biotech, biosecurity, national security commission on emerging biotechnology, policy

Episode Links:

•  The Wild Life of Our Bodies by Robb Dunn 
•  Geerat Vermeij
•  BTO - Biological Technologies Office of DARPA
•  Bioeconomy.XYZ
•  The Nobel Turing Challenge
•  Range by David Epstein
•  NSCEB Interim Report
•  AI Safety Institute
•  The Echo Wife by Sara Gailey

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Email: groweverything@messaginglab.com

Music by: Nihilore

Production by: Amplafy Media