Ben Lamm on the Future of Food, Reversing Aging, and De-Extinction: A Deep Dive

Ever wondered if we could bring back extinct species or what the future of food might look like? Joe Rogan and Ben Lamm, a serial tech entrepreneur working on cutting-edge problems in food, longevity and conservation, take a fascinating journey into the realms of de-extinction, cellular agriculture, and the battle against aging. This episode is packed with mind-blowing ideas and raises some serious questions about the ethics and possibilities of modern science. Get ready to have your perspective shifted!

TL;DR

Scientists are actively working on de-extinction projects, aiming to bring back species like the Woolly Mammoth.
Cellular agriculture (lab-grown meat) has the potential to revolutionize the food industry and reduce its environmental impact.
Significant progress is being made in understanding and potentially reversing the aging process, with interventions showing promise in extending lifespan and healthspan.
The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of altering ecosystems and manipulating life itself.

Key Topics Covered

De-Extinction: Bringing Back the Woolly Mammoth

Ben Lamm dives into the ambitious project of bringing back the Woolly Mammoth, not as an exact replica, but as a hybrid that can thrive in Arctic environments. The goal isn’t just about resurrecting a cool creature; it’s about restoring ecosystems and combating climate change by revitalizing grasslands. Lamm explains the scientific process involves using CRISPR technology to edit the genes of Asian elephants, the mammoth’s closest living relative.

He emphasizes that the goal is to create a “cold-resistant elephant” that can help convert the tundra back into grassland, which is more effective at sequestering carbon. It’s a complex and ethically charged endeavor, but one that holds the potential to reshape our planet’s future.

“The idea is not to bring back a perfect Woolly Mammoth; it’s to bring back a cold-adapted elephant that can restore the Arctic ecosystem.” – Ben Lamm

Cellular Agriculture: The Future of Meat

The conversation shifts to cellular agriculture, or lab-grown meat. Lamm argues that this technology is crucial for creating a more sustainable and ethical food system. He describes the process of growing meat from animal cells, without the need for traditional animal agriculture. This has the potential to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land usage, and animal suffering. One thing that really stood out was that it is no longer a matter of “if” but “when” lab-grown meat becomes commonplace.

Lamm also touches on the challenges of scaling up production and reducing costs to make cellular agriculture competitive with traditional meat production. He envisions a future where meat is produced in a more controlled and sustainable manner, freeing up land for other uses.

Reversing Aging: Extending Healthspan

Ben Lamm discusses the cutting-edge research being done on aging and longevity. He highlights the advancements in understanding the biological processes that contribute to aging, and the potential for interventions that can slow down or even reverse these processes. This includes exploring senolytics (drugs that remove senescent cells), gene therapy, and other innovative approaches. It’s less about living forever and more about extending a healthier, more vibrant life.

Lamm stresses the importance of focusing on “healthspan” – the period of life spent in good health – rather than simply extending lifespan. The conversation covers the ethical considerations of longevity research, including access to these interventions and the potential societal impacts of a significantly longer-lived population.

“We’re not trying to live forever; we’re trying to extend the period of life where you’re healthy and vibrant.” – Ben Lamm

Intriguing Anecdotes & Stories

Lamm shares the story of how he became involved in the de-extinction project. Initially skeptical, he was convinced by the scientific rigor and the potential ecological benefits of the project. What I found particularly interesting was his initial hesitation, mirroring the concerns many people have about such groundbreaking and potentially disruptive technologies. His shift in perspective highlights the importance of understanding the science behind these innovations.

Another compelling anecdote involves Lamm’s personal experience with longevity research. He discusses how he is actively participating in studies and using various interventions to improve his own health and potentially slow down his aging process. This personal investment underscores his belief in the potential of these technologies and adds a layer of credibility to his claims.

Watch the Full Episode

To get the full context and hear all the details of this fascinating conversation, I highly recommend watching the full episode of the Joe Rogan Experience. You’ll gain a much deeper understanding of the science, the ethics, and the possibilities of de-extinction, cellular agriculture, and longevity research.

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