The Joe Rogan Experience #2301 - Ben Lamm
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Apr 7, 2025 
Ben Lamm, CEO and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, dives into the fascinating world of de-extinction. He shares insights on the ambitious project of resurrecting woolly mammoths and discusses the ethical implications of such scientific endeavors. The conversation also touches on the challenges of retrieving ancient DNA, the importance of biobanking for biodiversity, and the need for responsible interventions in wildlife conservation. With a mix of humor and thought-provoking ideas, Lamm explores the intersection of biotechnology and environmental stewardship.
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Colossal's Origin
- Ben Lamm's interest in synthetic biology led him to George Church, a geneticist at Harvard.
- Church's work on mammoth de-extinction sparked Lamm's curiosity and eventually led to Colossal Biosciences.
Mammoth Facts
- Asian elephants share 99.6% of their DNA with woolly mammoths, making them closer relatives than African elephants.
- Mammoths lived concurrently with the construction of the pyramids, highlighting their relatively recent extinction.
Elephant Riding in Thailand
- Joe Rogan recounts a family trip to Thailand where they rode Asian elephants.
- Despite initial reservations, Rogan found the experience fascinating but ethically questionable.