#2301 – Ben Lamm

In episode #2301 of 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' Joe Rogan invites Ben Lamm, CEO and Co-founder of Colossal Biosciences, to discuss the groundbreaking work his company is doing in the field of de-extinction and species preservation. The conversation begins with Ben explaining how he was inspired by George Church, the father of synthetic biology, and his work on mammoths. Ben's curiosity leads him to establish Colossal with the goal of bringing back species like the woolly mammoth and the thylacine, leveraging advanced genetic engineering techniques.

Ben details the complex process of de-extinction, which involves finding ancient DNA, mapping it to a living relative, and using CRISPR and other genetic tools to edit the genes accordingly. He shares insights into their work on the mammoth, including the AI and computational challenges faced in assembling fragmented DNA. The company's viral success leads to expanding their efforts to other extinct species like the Tasmanian tiger and the dodo.

The conversation takes a turn when Ben introduces the company's first real-life achievement - the creation of three dire wolves, a species extinct for about 10,000 years. These animals are part of a controlled study, living in a secure ecological reserve. Ben also discusses the cloning of the red wolf, a critically endangered species native to the United States, emphasizing the potential conservation benefits of such technologies.

Throughout the episode, Joe and Ben explore the ethical and philosophical implications of de-extinction and synthetic biology. They discuss the potential for misuse, regulatory challenges, and the broader impact on ecosystems. Ben stresses the importance of conservation and the company's commitment to ethical practices, including their policy against working on human genetics and their support for open-source technologies to aid conservation efforts.