Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, is on a mission to bring the woolly mammoth back to life through groundbreaking genetic engineering. He discusses inserting mammoth genes into Asian elephant embryos to create hybrid creatures that can thrive in the Arctic. Lamm reveals how this initiative could aid climate change efforts by restoring ecosystems and highlights the potential for advancing treatments for diseases affecting modern elephants. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations and challenges of de-extinction.
Colossal Biosciences aims to bring back extinct species, starting with woolly mammoths to aid in elephant conservation and restore Arctic ecosystems.
Colossal Biosciences actively engages with critics and collaborates with various stakeholders to ensure responsible decision-making and awareness.
Colossal Biosciences' work in genetic engineering extends beyond de-extinction and includes disease prevention and improving human and animal welfare.
Deep dives
Colossal Biosciences aims to bring back extinct animals through genetic engineering
Colossal Biosciences is a company at the forefront of de-extinction, working to bring back extinct species or proxies of them through genetic engineering. Their goal is to start with hundreds and eventually have thousands of these species, such as the woolly mammoth. The mammoth holds a special place in their work since it helps develop technologies that can aid in elephant conservation and understanding behaviors like human-elephant conflict and disease prevention. By rewilding mammoths, they hope to restore ecosystems and decrease carbon emissions in the Arctic. They plan to have their first mammoth calf by 2028.
Ethical considerations and public perception
Colossal Biosciences has an ethical framework and actively engages with critics to address concerns about the de-extinction process. They work with scientific advisors and focus on educating the public about the importance of biodiversity and how their technologies can contribute to conservation efforts. While they face criticism from some religious and ethical standpoints, the majority of feedback has been positive or neutral. Their inclusive approach includes collaborating with governments, conservation groups, and indigenous communities to ensure responsible decision-making and awareness.
Protecting the revived species and future applications of genetic engineering
Colossal Biosciences acknowledges the need to safeguard the revived species from threats such as hunting or poaching. They are exploring collaborations with technology companies to develop protective measures and sanctuary facilities. Their work in genetic engineering also extends to other areas, such as developing technologies for disease prevention and improving the health of embryos in IVF treatments. Through their research and advancements, they aim to make a positive impact on both animal and human welfare.
The potential of genetic engineering and its future implications
Colossal Biosciences' work in genetic engineering goes beyond the revival of extinct species. They are actively building technologies that can address complex diseases by editing multiple genes simultaneously. This multiplex gene editing approach shows promise in treating various health conditions. While the potential for genetic modifications in humans exists, Colossal Biosciences' primary focus is on preserving and restoring biodiversity and supporting conservation efforts.
Potential of Gene Editing for Disease Treatment
Advancements in gene editing technologies hold promise for eradicating disease states in the future. For example, the use of a PKS9 inhibitor, which blocks the response of a specific gene, has been shown to lower cholesterol levels significantly. This breakthrough has been a game changer for individuals with genetically high cholesterol. While blocking the gene is effective, the possibility of directly editing the gene in the future could have even more profound effects on disease treatment.
Gene Editing and the Restoration of Extinct Species
Synthetic biology has the potential to restore extinct species, such as the mammoth, and address ecological imbalances caused by human activities. By utilizing genetic engineering techniques and gene drives, scientists could introduce modified genes into populations and allow nature to take its course in restoring ecosystems. For example, by making certain animals resistant to invasive predators or diseases, the balance of fragile ecosystems could be preserved. While the process requires careful consideration and ethical guidelines, it offers a way to coexist better with nature and potentially reverse the effects of past human interventions.
After their tragic extinction, will woolly mammoths once again walk the world alongside humanity? Colossal's Ben Lamm is here to de-extinct our skepticism!
What We Discuss with Ben Lamm:
Colossal Biosciences is a company working to bring back animals that, for a variety of reasons, have disappeared from the world stage in a process it calls "de-extinction."
Colossal's current focus is inserting genes from the iconic woolly mammoth into Asian elephant embryos with the goal of creating hybrid elephant-mammoths that can survive the Arctic tundra.
Colossal believes these modified woolly mammoths could help restore the Arctic ecosystem and sequester carbon to reduce the rate of climate change.
Additionally, this research will help scientists learn more about — and more effectively treat — elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a disease among modern Asian elephant populations with a mortality rate of up to 85 percent.
Colossal is still in the early stages of development, but it hopes to have the first hybrid mammoths within a decade.
