Bringing Extinct Species Back to Life | Dr. Beth Shapiro

Dr. Beth Shapiro, PhD, is an evolutionary biologist and Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences. Her work focuses on de-extinction and wildlife conservation efforts. We discuss genetic differences among humans, and how ancient DNA and modern embryology are being used to de-extinct and protect woolly mammoths, dodo birds, and dire wolves, as well as to help conserve endangered species. We also explore the ethical implications of de-extinction and how synthetic biology can help build a more bio diverse and resilient world.

Read the full episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

(00:00:00) Beth Shapiro

(00:02:35) What is a Species?, Taxonomy, Bison

(00:09:13) Neanderthals, Denisovans, Homo Sapiens

(00:12:38) Sponsors: Joovv & Eight Sleep

(00:15:27) Hybrid Ancestry, “Grolar” Bears

(00:20:30) Homo Sapiens & Neanderthal Interbreeding, Genes; Denisovans

(00:25:53) Neanderthal Genes, Immunity, Red Hair; Eye Color

(00:30:17) De-Extinction, Species Selection, Woolly Mammoths

(00:38:08) Sponsor: AG1

(00:39:21) Bird De-Extinction, Dodo; Reproduction & Genes

(00:47:40) Development Biology, Woolly Mammoth, Elephants

(00:54:49) Dire Wolf, Synthetic Biology, Ethics

(01:03:26) De-Extinction, Ecology, Conservation, Ethics

(01:09:22) Ecosystem Resilience, Thylacine; Preventing Extinction, Quolls

(01:15:45) Sponsor: Function

(01:17:23) Modeling Ecological Impact, Mosquitoes, Gene Drives; Panthers

(01:25:50) Advisory Panels, Synthetic Biology Education

(01:29:13) Genetic Selection in Humans, Human-Shaped World

(01:38:25) Black-Footed Ferrets, Genetic Rescue

(01:47:05) Dire Wolf; Ecological Modeling, New Technology & Public Fear

(01:55:09) Artificial Wombs; Current Issues, Conservation & Red Wolf

(02:01:26) Science Pioneers; Colossal Public Education

(02:04:31) Beth’s Science Origin Story; Dinosaurs

(02:13:42) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

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