Ben Lamm (on de-extinction)
Summary
Ben Lamb, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, discusses the company's mission to de-extinct the wooly mammoth and dire wolf using synthetic biology. He details his collaboration with Harvard geneticist George Church and the creation of "wooly mice" as a proof of concept. Lamb explains the technical challenges of assembling fragmented ancient DNA and the broader goal of developing genome engineering tools for conservation and human health.
Topics discussed
Intro: Ben Lamb and Colossal Biosciences
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Host anecdote: Library visit with kids
Ben's background: Family and upbringing
Ben's background: Early career and education
Ben's background: Game development and Flash
Meeting George Church and CRISPR context
The CRISPR wars and scientific rivalry
Ben's previous defense company and pivot
The origin story: George Church's mammoth idea
DNA degradation and cloning challenges
Pygmy mammoths and early funding
Ben's decision to found Colossal
Pitching George Church: Engineering challenges
The product is the technology stack
Hiring experts and listening to feedback
Recruiting scientists: The Jurassic Park pitch
DNA preservation: Amber vs. cold/dry
The Wooly Mouse project success
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Instagram teen accounts and safety
Epigenetics and organic chemistry hurdles
Geolocators and conservation ethics
Indigenous perspectives on Dire Wolves
Dire Wolf DNA findings and fur texture
Investors: Peter Jackson and Game of Thrones
Historical extinction: Tasmanian Tigers
Celebrity involvement and dire wolf puppies
Debate: Is it a wolf or a mammoth?
Jurassic Park analogy and government interest
Government requests for viable herds
Safety protocols and animal welfare
Ethics of de-extincting hominids
Future targets: Giant sloth and sea cow
Bioethics and illegal wildlife trade
Microplastics and health concerns
Plastic degradation and composting
Patenting genes and microbes
Germline editing and disease eradication
Rogue states and HIV gene edits
Personal story: IVF and genetic testing
Burden of knowledge and future cures
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Invasive species and landscape impact
Gene drives and invasive species control
Conservation limits and invasive threats
Artificial eggs and synthetic biology
Genetic donors for various species
Cloning success rates and competitors
Cloning pets vs. rescue ethics
Teaching kids about pet loss
Bio vaults and genetic diversity
Colossal spin-offs and valuations
Host hobby: Collecting mugs and magnets
Game: Here comes the bride
Prop Master Awards hosting mishap
Carrying an actor on stage
Reading the award category intro
Healthy response to failure
Catherine Schwarzenegger and Summer
Parental rejection and public embarrassment
Maria Shriver's potential role
Host anecdote: Confronting a harasser
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Harasser's final words
Context: The night of the incident
Consequences: Broken wrist and lost jobs
Perception of the harasser's success
Domesticated life and Tim's presence
Pygmy mastodon in the bedroom
Coco the cow and sentience
Movie recommendation: The Whisper Man
Grandma and Grandpa terms
Hindi terms for grandparents
Surgeon's appearance and Doctor Swagger
Dislike for animals and Pinta tortoise
Naming a circus: Nemo and Jess
Aquariums in different cultures
Sponsor: Allstate Checking outro
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