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.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman
Joovv: https://joovv.com/huberman
Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/huberman
Function: https://functionhealth.com/huberman
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
Disclaimer & Disclosures
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices