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WSJ’s The Future of Everything
Could Making a New Woolly Mammoth Help Human Health?
Jan 3, 2025
Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, is on a mission to resurrect the woolly mammoth through cutting-edge genetic engineering. He discusses how these efforts could restore biodiversity and ecosystems. Lamm shares insights on leveraging this technology for human health, including cancer resistance found in elephants. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of de-extinction and the complexities of rewilding these ancient species, making a compelling case for the intersection of conservation and biotechnology.
14:38
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Quick takeaways
- Colossal Biosciences aims to tackle biodiversity loss through the de-extinction of species like the woolly mammoth using advanced genetic technologies.
- The company’s research not only focuses on conservation but also seeks to leverage genetic insights from elephants for potential advancements in cancer treatments.
Deep dives
The Vision of De-Extinction
Colossal Biosciences is focused on genetically engineering hybrid species that resemble extinct animals such as the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, and dodo. This initiative is part of a broader movement aimed at addressing the imminent loss of biodiversity, with projections indicating that up to 50% of species may vanish by 2050. The company aims to utilize innovative techniques across various scientific fields, including genome engineering and synthetic biology, to create de-extinction tools. By starting with less controversial animals like the woolly mammoth, the company believes they can explore the ecological benefits of rewilding without facing significant public opposition.
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