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.

Show notes: https://go.hubermanlab.com/JKtj3zr

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Dr. Beth Shapiro
Colossal Biosciences: https://colossal.com/team/beth-shapiro-ph-d-3
Academic profile: https://directory.ucsc.edu/cd_detail?guid=G024262336
National Geographic: https://explorers.nationalgeographic.org/directory/beth-shapiro
Lab: https://pgl.soe.ucsc.edu
Publications: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8Mv9l1oAAAAJ
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-shapiro-27344222
X: https://x.com/bonesandbugs

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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