October 5, 2026

Bringing Extinct Species Back to Life | Dr. Beth Shapiro

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

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About this Show

Huberman Lab

The Huberman Lab podcast is hosted by Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology, and by courtesy, psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine. The podcast discusses neuroscience and science-based tools, including how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health, as well as existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Huberman has made numerous significant contributions to the fields of brain development, brain function, and neural plasticity, which is the ability of our nervous system to rewire and learn new behaviors, skills, and cognitive functioning. He is a McKnight Foundation and Pew Foundation Fellow and was awarded the Cogan Award, given to the scientist making the most significant discoveries in the study of vision, in 2017. Work from the Huberman Laboratory at Stanford School of Medicine has been published in top journals, including Nature, Science, and Cell, and has been featured in TIME, BBC, Scientific American, Discover, and other top media outlets. In 2021, Dr. Huberman launched the Huberman Lab podcast. The podcast is frequently ranked in the top 10 of all podcasts globally and is often ranked #1 in the categories of Science, Education, and Health & Fitness.