Modern Wisdom #681 - Ben Lamm - The Man Bringing Extinct Creatures Back To Life
13 snips
Sep 16, 2023 
Ben Lamm, entrepreneur and CEO of Colossal, dives into the captivating world of de-extinction. He reveals plans to resurrect iconic creatures like woolly mammoths and dodos, discussing the complex science behind DNA extraction and genetic engineering. Ben explains how these efforts could combat climate change by restoring ecosystems. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas and potential health implications of gene editing in humans. It's a thrilling look at the intersection of technology and conservation that could change our planet's future.
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De-extinction Explained
- De-extinction focuses on reviving core genes to create proxy species, not perfect replicas.
- This approach prioritizes restoring lost genetic diversity and ecosystem function.
Mammoth Ancestry
- Woolly mammoths are more closely related to Asian elephants than Asian elephants are to African elephants.
- Scientists use Asian elephant DNA as a basis for mammoth de-extinction.
Sourcing Mammoth DNA
- Mammoth DNA is primarily sourced from permafrost, where remains are well-preserved.
- Teeth and the petrous bone are particularly good sources of ancient DNA.
