Tom Bilyeu's Impact Theory

Playing God or Saving Nature? Gene Editing, Artificial Wombs & the Return of Extinct Species | Ben Lamm PT 1

May 13, 2025

In this captivating discussion, Ben Lamm, the visionary CEO of Colossal Biosciences, dives into the future of conservation through de-extinction. He unveils the potential of gene editing technologies like CRISPR, sharing remarkable stories such as the creation of the woolly mouse and the revival of species like the mammoth. Lamm addresses the ethical dilemmas of synthetic biology and artificial wombs, emphasizing our responsibility in leveraging these advancements. If you’re curious about the intersection of science, ethics, and the revival of lost species, this is a must-listen!

01:01:24

Episode guests

Ben Lamm

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The revolutionary CRISPR technology enables precise genetic edits, allowing scientists to potentially resurrect extinct species like the woolly mouse and direwolf.

The development of artificial wombs presents a groundbreaking approach to gestation, promising significant advancements in conservation and restoration of endangered species.

Ethical considerations surrounding genetic editing emphasize the importance of responsible intervention, as society grapples with moral implications and the balance of technology and values.

Deep dives

Transforming Genetic Engineering with CRISPR

The power of CRISPR technology has revolutionized genetic engineering, enabling precise edits at the nucleotide level. This technique allows researchers to make individual changes to DNA strands, which can lead to significant advancements such as the creation of de-extinct animal species. By synthesizing larger DNA segments, scientists can replace or modify sections of the genome efficiently. The podcast highlights the ability to make multiplex edits, where multiple changes across the genome can be executed simultaneously, pushing the boundaries of what genetic engineering can achieve.

Intro

3min

Innovations in Gene Editing

9min

Advancements in Targeted Gene Editing and Its Implications

5min

Reviving the Extinct: Innovations in Genetic Research

12min

Exploring the Future of Artificial Wombs and Embryo Implantation

5min

The Future of Gestation: Artificial Wombs and Conservation

6min

Ethical Boundaries in Genetic Technology: Navigating Human Health and Conservation

4min

Embryo Selection and Genetic Ethics

8min

Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Embryo Selection

2min

10.

Ethics of Genetic Testing and Selection

5min

11.

Exploring Ethics in Science and Embracing Healthy Living

2min

In this thrilling installment of Impact Theory, Tom Bilyeu sits down with Ben Lamm, visionary founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, a company on a mission to reverse extinction and rewrite the future of conservation and synthetic biology. Ben and Tom dive deep into the mind-bending world of de-extinction, synthetic gene editing, and how the CRISPR revolution is not only unlocking the secrets of life—but also actively engineering it.

In Part 1, get ready for a rollercoaster of concepts as Ben explains the technical magic behind gene editing, DNA synthesis, and multiplex genome editing. From the birth of the woolly mouse to the debated revival of dire wolves, Ben reveals the breakthroughs, challenges, and wild stories behind reviving extinct species. You’ll learn how Colossal is using advanced computational biology, AI, and hands-on bioengineering to not only bring animals back but also reshape the future of healthcare, genetics, and ethical decision-making. This is part sci-fi, part practical science, and 100% mind-blowing.

SHOWNOTES

00:00 – Kicking Off: The Mysteries of Editing Life

00:14 – Emergence of the CRISPR Revolution

01:31 – What Is DNA Synthesis and Multiplex Editing?

03:47 – The Woolly Mouse: Engineering Traits Across Species

07:54 – Breaking Down the Process: IVF, Screening, and Sequencing

09:24 – Mapping Genotype to Phenotype and Its Challenges

12:10 – Targeting Gene Edits: From Theory to Application in Health and Conservation

17:09 – From Hair Organoids to Building Mammoth Traits in Mice

24:41 – The Quest for a Universal Egg and Overcoming Cellular Barriers

26:17 – Artificial Wombs: The Next Frontier in Conservation and Science

31:12 – Scaling Conservation and Bridging to Human Healthcare

FOLLOW BEN LAMM

Twitter/X: @federallamm

LinkedIn: Ben Lamm

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