Colossal Biosciences co-founder Ben Lamm joined actor Joe Manganiello at SXSW to discuss the company’s groundbreaking work in de-extinction and genetic engineering, revealing advances that could reshape conservation efforts and potentially extend human lifespans.
The Dallas-based startup, which has raised over $435 million in private funding, aims to bring back extinct species like the woolly mammoth and Tasmanian tiger (thylacine) through genetic engineering. Lamm highlighted that beyond the headline-grabbing de-extinction work, Colossal is developing technologies with applications in conservation, medicine and environmental remediation.
“Modern conservation isn’t working,” Lamm said. “The speed at which we’re eradicating species… we’re going to lose up to 50% of all biodiversity between now and 2050.”
Seven Key Takeaways:
- Woolly Mouse Success: Colossal has created a genetically modified “woolly mouse” with mammoth genes, demonstrating that their genetic editing techniques work with high precision. This serves as a bridge to their mammoth resurrection project.
- Genetic Recovery Process: The company uses DNA from museum specimens, living relatives, and convergent evolution analysis to reconstruct extinct species’ genomes, as exemplified by their work on the thylacine.
- Environmental Impact: Reintroducing extinct keystone species could help combat climate change by preserving permafrost and restoring damaged ecosystems, potentially generating carbon credits.
- Cancer Research Implications: While studying elephant cells for the mammoth project, researchers discovered mechanisms related to how elephants naturally resist cancer, which could have applications in human medicine.
- Global Biobank Need: Lamm advocated for a “Manhattan Project-scale” effort to create a comprehensive biobank of endangered species’ genetic material before they disappear.
- Business Model: Colossal monetizes its technology through spinoff companies, including one focused on plastic degradation and another on computational biology for human applications.
- Longevity Research: Lamm predicted that within 20 years, advances in synthetic biology would lead to “longevity escape velocity,” where human lifespans could be significantly extended.
The session also touched on ethical considerations, with Lamm arguing that the choice not to pursue de-extinction technologies would be unethical given the ongoing biodiversity crisis. “I think we have a moral obligation and an ethical obligation to pursue technologies to at least undo some of the sins of the past,” he said.
Manganiello, who appears to be an investor in the company, expressed fascination with Colossal’s work and its potential to inspire younger generations to pursue science.
The company expects to continue quarterly meetings with federal government agencies to address ethical concerns and ensure transparency as their genetic engineering technologies advance.
