Podcast Summary
Reviving Extinct Animals: A Complex and Controversial Process: Experts debate the feasibility and ethics of bringing extinct animals like the dodo bird back to life using ancient DNA sequencing, with concerns over potential benefits and implications for conservation efforts.
While we may long to witness the return of extinct creatures like dinosaurs or the dodo bird, the reality is that bringing them back to life is a complex and uncertain process. The BBC, as a trusted source of information, keeps us informed about such scientific advancements and the debates surrounding them. The dodo bird, which went extinct around 600 years ago, is one of the extinct animals being considered for resurrection. Colossal Biosciences is leading the effort, using ancient DNA sequencing to create an altered version of the dodo. However, experts like evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro, who has worked on de-extinction projects, remain skeptical about the feasibility and ethics of such endeavors. Shapiro, who has written a book on the subject, shares her insights on the potential benefits and challenges of bringing extinct animals back, as well as the implications for present-day species conservation.
The human obsession with reviving extinct animals: From ancient DNA discoveries to modern science, humans continue to explore the possibility of bringing extinct animals back to life, while also enjoying daily rewards with technology like Apple Card and accessing personalized supplements from Integrative Therapeutics on Amazon.
The curiosity and fascination surrounding the possibility of bringing extinct animals back to life, such as the dodo bird, has been a consistent question since the discovery of ancient DNA. This idea gained significant attention recently with the announcement of Colossal Biosciences' plan to revive the dodo bird. The first ancient DNA paper, published in 1984, sparked the same question about bringing mammoths back to life. This pattern has continued throughout history, highlighting the human obsession with pushing the boundaries of science and technology. Meanwhile, on a different note, Apple Card offers daily cash rewards on purchases, providing up to 3% on Apple products, 2% on Apple Pay purchases, and 1% on all other transactions. This cashback system can help individuals save money while making everyday purchases. Integrative Therapeutics, a company offering clinician-curated supplements, is now available on Amazon, allowing people to unlock their best selves with targeted vitamins and supplements. By combining the latest advancements in science and technology with everyday life, we can explore the wonders of reviving extinct species and improving our overall well-being.
Reviving Extinct Traits Through Gene Editing: Colossal is using gene editing technology to bring back extinct traits in animals, aiming to create species adapted to their historical environments for conservation purposes.
While it may not be possible to bring extinct species back in their entirety, advancements in technology through companies like Colossal, led by George Church, are allowing for the resurrection of extinct traits through gene editing. Their ultimate goal is to create animals adapted to their historical environments, such as an arctic-adapted elephant, for conservation purposes. During their fundraising round, the team considered which species to focus on next, and the speaker suggested birds, as there are currently no cloning technologies available for them. The speaker, who has a tattoo of a dodo, proposed the dodo as a potential target species. Colossal's commitment to making any developed technology available for conservation purposes is a commendable step towards preserving biodiversity.
Protecting Extinct or Endangered Species with Biotechnology: Biotechnology offers new solutions for conserving extinct or endangered species by editing their genomes to help them survive threats. Traditional conservation methods and innovative technologies work together to protect biodiversity.
Conservation efforts for extinct or endangered species often involve removing introduced predators and exploring new technologies like genome editing to help protect existing species. The dodo, which went extinct due to the introduction of cats, monkeys, and rats to Mauritius, is an example of the impact humans can have on native wildlife. Revive and Restore, a nonprofit organization, is currently leading an initiative to use biotechnology to edit the genomes of birds to help them survive threats they cannot currently handle. This technology has already shown success in the case of the American Chestnut tree, which was nearly wiped out by a fungus introduced through Asian chestnut trees. By editing the tree's genome, scientists were able to make it resistant to the fungus, providing a potential solution to the tree's extinction. These efforts demonstrate the importance of both traditional conservation methods and innovative technologies in protecting and preserving the world's biodiversity.
Discovering a gene to neutralize harmful fungus in trees: Scientists found a gene from wheat that neutralizes acidity produced by a harmful fungus in trees, leading to the creation of transgenic American trees called Darling variety for forest restoration. New technologies offer hope for preserving and restoring ecosystems, but come with risks.
Scientists from SUNY have discovered a gene from wheat that can neutralize the acidity produced by a fungus that harms trees, allowing the trees to survive while inhibiting the fungus's ability to proliferate. This discovery has led to the creation of transgenic American trees, called the Darling variety, which are undergoing federal regulatory approval for release as the first genetically modified organisms for forest restoration. As the pace of environmental change outstrips natural selection, new technologies like genome sequencing, resurrection of extinct diversity through cloning, and transfer of adaptive traits between species offer hope for preserving and restoring ecosystems. However, there are risks associated with these technologies, and it's crucial to mitigate them while also acknowledging the risks of not adopting them. Ultimately, these advancements have the potential to significantly contribute to the future of conservation efforts.
Bringing Extinct Animals Back to Life for Conservation: Innovative ideas and tools are crucial for biodiversity conservation. Using the allure of de-extinction can generate excitement and investment.
We're at a crucial moment in conservation, and innovative ideas and tools are needed to help protect biodiversity. Beth Shapiro, a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, believes that using the allure of bringing extinct animals like mammoths and dodos back to life can help generate excitement and investment in these efforts. Shapiro, author of "Life as We Made It," emphasizes the importance of continuing to innovate and dream big in the field of conservation. She encourages listeners to support this work through subscribing to NPR Plus, which helps fund the production of episodes like this one. EasyCater, a corporate catering solution, is a sponsor of the show.
