914: Ben Lamm | Resurrecting the Woolly Mammoth

De-Extinction

Ben Lamm, co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, explains the innovative techniques used in de-extinction, particularly for the woolly mammoth. By leveraging the Asian elephant's genome, which is 99.6% similar to the mammoth, scientists can identify and insert mammoth-specific genes into elephant embryos 1. This approach is akin to a reverse Jurassic Park, using modern DNA as a template rather than ancient DNA from amber 1. Lamm highlights the importance of advanced computational tools in analyzing mammoth DNA, which involves assembling and comparing multiple genomes to identify key genetic traits 2.

   

Ethics

The ethical implications of de-extinction are significant, with concerns about the potential consequences of resurrecting extinct species. Ben Lamm acknowledges these concerns and emphasizes the importance of transparency and ethical frameworks in their work 3. He notes that Colossal Biosciences actively engages with critics to refine their approach and address ethical challenges 4. Lamm also discusses the broader philosophical questions, such as humanity's role in preserving life and the potential religious debates surrounding their work 5.

   

Genetic Engineering

Colossal Biosciences is not only focused on de-extinction but also on the broader possibilities of genetic engineering. Ben Lamm discusses the potential for using genetic modifications to help species adapt to changing environments, such as making elephants more cold-resistant 6. He envisions a future where genetic engineering could address various challenges, including human adaptation to different climates or even space travel 7. This work involves complex genetic editing techniques, such as multiplex editing, which allows for simultaneous modifications of multiple genes 6.