Revisionist History Higher Animals with Michael Specter
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Apr 6, 2023 In this discussion, Michael Specter, a renowned science writer for The New Yorker and MIT professor, dives into the transformative potential of mRNA vaccines and synthetic biology. He argues that this revolution rivals the impact of electricity on society. They explore groundbreaking innovations like heritable vaccines for endangered species and reflect on the public health lessons from the 1947 smallpox outbreak in New York. The conversation balances excitement for scientific advances with a cautionary perspective on the risks of rapid biotechnological progress.
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Gladwell's Early Career
- Malcolm Gladwell recounts his early career at the Washington Post, highlighting his initial struggles and insecurities.
- He credits Michael Specter with mentoring him, teaching him valuable lessons about journalism and handling criticism.
mRNA Revolution
- The mRNA vaccine technology represents a revolution comparable to the invention of electricity, transforming biology into an information science.
- This shift enables rapid development and dissemination of medical advancements, as seen with the COVID-19 vaccine.
Interview with a Ferret
- Michael Specter interviewed a black-footed ferret, America's most endangered species, for his book.
- He discusses the possibility of using heritable vaccines to protect the ferrets from sylvatic plague.
