TechStuff The Story: From Woolly Mice to De-Extinction w/ Ben Lamm
Jun 4, 2025
Ben Lamm, the founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, dives into the intriguing world of de-extinction and genetic engineering. He discusses the audacious objective of reviving species like the woolly mouse and dire wolf, sparking both excitement and ethical debates. Lamm examines the implications for conservation and biodiversity, highlighting both scientific advancements and emotional aspects tied to witnessing these resurrected creatures. He also reflects on the technological innovations aimed at combating climate change, shaping a hopeful future for our planet.
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Inspiration from Personal Loss
- The sudden death of Ben Lamm's longtime employee inspired him to prioritize impactful work.
- This personal loss pushed him to explore biology and conservation through de-extinction technologies.
Redefining De-extinction
- De-extinction means bringing back lost genes and diversity, not just making animals look like extinct species.
- Colossal focuses on engineering core phenotypes and potentially enhancing extinct traits.
Woolly Mice as Genetic Validators
- Colossal created woolly mice to ethically and quickly validate genetic edits before applying them to mammoths.
- These mice showed predicted hairy phenotypes in just 20 days versus 22 months for elephants.