Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, recently shared insights in a lively interview on the TechStuff podcast, hosted by Oz Woloshyn.
The Dallas-based biotech firm is making headlines with its bold mission to resurrect extinct species. This included the dire wolf and woolly mammoth through pioneering genetic engineering.
COLOSSAL BIOSCIENCES BRINGS EXTINCT DIRE WOLF BACK TO LIFE
Lamm addressed the ethical debates head-on. When accused of “playing God,” he fired back, “We play God every day.
Taking cholesterol medication is playing God on a personal level. Cutting down rainforests or overfishing oceans is playing God. So why not do it in a way that helps conservation and inspires science?”
His frankness cuts through the noise, positioning Colossal’s work as a natural extension of humanity’s ongoing impact on nature.
COLOSSAL BIOSCIENCES AND THE DIRE WOLF
The company’s first breakthrough came with the dire wolf. Lamm described the moment he saw the pups at five weeks old as deeply emotional.
“I got chills bumps. I teared up. It’s very, very emotional.” The viral video of the dire wolf pups howling even moved Peter Jackson.
The Lord of the Rings director and Colossal investor, was “overwhelmed” seeing them for the first time, according to Time Magazine.
GENOME EDITING
Colossal’s approach is rigorous and ethical. Lamm emphasised their 90 %+ efficiency in genome editing, achieved without unintended side effects.
“We read the DNA at every step. It’s computationally heavy and costly, but we ensure every embryo is healthy.
We’re certified by the American Humane Society because we care about animal welfare and conservation,” he said.
The company also sparked public fascination with its “woolly mice” — a genetically engineered mouse with mammoth traits created in just one month.
COLOSSAL BIOSCIENCES AND THE ACCEPTANCE OF DE-EXTINCTION
Lamm joked that the mice “were objectively cute and took the Internet by storm,” proving their process works.
He confirmed that similar edits have been made in Asian elephant cells. This is the closest living relative of the woolly mammoth, with hopes to bring a mammoth equivalent to term soon.
Lamm called out what he sees as hypocrisy in popular culture. “People love Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs but don’t want to call our dire wolves dire wolves.
It’s a semantic question, not scientific. It’s a human construct.” This highlights the cultural challenges Colossal faces in gaining acceptance for de-extinction.
COLOSSAL BIOSCIENCES, SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION
With half the world’s species forecasted to be extinct or endangered within 25 years, Lamm’s vision offers hope through technology.
His mission goes beyond spectacle; it aims to restore ecosystems and inspire new generations in science and conservation.
THE FUTURE OF BIODIVERSITY
Colossal Biosciences is reshaping how we think about nature, responsibility, and the future of biodiversity.
As Lamm puts it, “Sometimes when you work on new things, it’s scary and hard. But I’m not backing off the mission.”
This pioneering blend of cutting-edge science and bold vision could soon change the natural world
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE IDEA OF BRINGING EXTINCT SPECIES BACK TO LIFE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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