Huberman Lab

Bringing Extinct Species Back to Life | Dr. Beth Shapiro

05 okt 2026 · 02:15:51

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

De Luisterclub

Om de week onze luistertips in je mail, met alle ruimte om die van jou te delen.

Je ontvangt twee mailtjes per maand en je kunt je op elk moment weer uitschrijven.