This episode explores the groundbreaking work of Colossal Biosciences, a company pioneering de-extinction and species preservation. The interview delves into the process of de-extinction, starting with the collection and analysis of ancient DNA, using AI and computational models to bridge the gaps in fragmented genomes. More significantly, the discussion highlights the company's successful creation of woolly mice, demonstrating the feasibility of their technology. For instance, the creation of these mice, which proved surprisingly adorable, showcased the precision of their gene editing tools and the ability to introduce multiple edits simultaneously. As the discussion pivoted to the company's work on de-extincting dire wolves, the ethical considerations and the pushback from some scientists were addressed. The creation of three dire wolves, exhibiting unexpected physical characteristics and hunting behaviors, further demonstrated the potential of this technology. Ultimately, this episode showcases the potential of de-extinction technology for conservation and species preservation, while also raising important ethical and philosophical questions about the future of genetic engineering.
