Making Sense with Sam Harris - Subscriber Content

#394 - Bringing Back the Mammoth

Dec 3, 2024

Ben Lamm, the CEO of Colossal Biosciences, dives into the groundbreaking world of de-extinction. He shares innovative techniques aimed at resurrecting the woolly mammoth and other extinct species like the Tasmanian tiger. Lamm discusses the differences between his work and the fictional Jurassic Park, while also highlighting the role of AI and CRISPR in genetic engineering. The conversation touches on ecological considerations, the potential economic benefits of species reintroduction, and the ambitious timeline to create the first mammoth calves by 2028.

47:01

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Episode guests

Ben Lamm

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Quick takeaways

Colossal Biosciences employs advanced genomic editing and synthetic biology to ethically attempt the resurrection of extinct species like the woolly mammoth.

The company's de-extinction initiative emphasizes collaboration with local communities and ecological experts to address ethical and environmental concerns.

Deep dives

Innovative Approach to De-Extinction

Colossal Biosciences focuses on the resurrection of extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, and dodo, utilizing advanced technologies in synthetic biology and artificial intelligence. The company diverges from the fictional concept of Jurassic Park by not merely filling in gaps of ancient DNA but instead applying a precise understanding of genomic editing to select specific genes from closely related species, like the Asian elephant. This method enables the engineering of living cells, which then can potentially give rise to extinct organisms without extracting ancient DNA from degraded samples. The goal is not only to bring back these species but also to contribute technologies that can benefit human healthcare and biodiversity preservation.

Intro

2min

Reviving the Woolly Mammoth: Biotech Innovations

17min

The Evolution of Genetic Engineering and the Role of AI

3min

De-Extinction: Challenges and Considerations

15min

Reviving the Mammoth and Beyond

5min

Economic Opportunities in Species Reintroduction and Biodiversity

5min

Share this episode: https://www.samharris.org/podcasts/making-sense-episodes/394-bringing-back-the-mammoth

Sam Harris speaks with Ben Lamm about his work at Colossal Biosciences. They discuss his efforts to de-extinct the woolly mammoth, the Tasmanian tiger, and the dodo; the difference between Colossal’s approach and Jurassic Park; the details of resurrecting the mammoth; the relevance of this work to human health; the role of artificial intelligence; reintroducing mammoths, Tasmanian tigers, and dodos back into the wild; the environmental and business case for de-extinction; and other topics.

Ben Lamm is a technology and software entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Colossal Biosciences, which he co-founded alongside biologist George Church with the goal of resurrecting extinct species. Ben is also a fellow of The Explorer’s Club, and he serves on the scientific advisory board of The Planetary Society.

Website: https://colossal.com/

Twitter: @BenLamm

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