Future Around & Find Out Dead as a Dodo? Maybe Not! Colossal's Beth Shapiro on the Science of De-Extinction — and Moonshots
Mar 3, 2026
Beth Shapiro, Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences and ancient DNA researcher, explains why bringing back extinct species can solve broader conservation and biotech problems. She describes the dire wolf births, the choices behind genetic edits, moonshot-driven lab innovations, and an ethics framework for risky science. Short, vivid tales of mammoth mysteries and reproductive biology round out the conversation.
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Moonshot Goals Create Practical Problem Lists
- The big goal (mammoth, thylacine, dodo) is a forcing function that reveals a giant checklist of technical, regulatory, ecological, and social problems to solve.
- Writing that list lets Colossal focus and tackle each challenge sequentially, turning an overwhelming crisis into actionable projects.
Technical Breakthroughs Benefit Many Species
- Achievements from de-extinction work extend beyond charismatic species, e.g., new cell culture recipes for bird primordial germ cells.
- That pigeon germ cell recipe unlocks genome engineering for many bird species, not just the dodo, widening conservation tools.
Use Charismatic Stories To Mobilize Support
- Use charismatic species and storytelling to engage the public and build support for biodiversity work.
- Beth defends this approach as necessary to make people care and then educate them about broader conservation issues.