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#503: Walter Isaacson on CRISPR, Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race

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Mar 4, 2021

Guest

Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson, a renowned historian and biographer, delves into the world of CRISPR and gene editing. He discusses the groundbreaking work of Jennifer Doudna and the ethical dilemmas that arise from cutting-edge biotechnologies. Isaacson emphasizes the importance of fostering curiosity in science, comparing historical figures like Doudna and Benjamin Franklin. The conversation also examines how technological advancements blur the lines of morality, urging a thoughtful dialogue about the future implications of genetic research for humanity.

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INSIGHT

CRISPR Risks

CRISPR's accessibility poses risks, including customized bioweapons and exacerbating societal inequalities.
Designer babies could reduce human diversity and raise ethical questions about gene selection.

question_answer

ANECDOTE

CRISPR in Adults

Victoria Gray was cured of sickle cell anemia using CRISPR, demonstrating its potential in adult applications.
Biohacker Jason Zaner experimented with CRISPR on himself to enhance muscle mass, showcasing citizen science.

insights

INSIGHT

Kernels of Existence

The atom, bit, and gene are fundamental kernels driving innovation revolutions.
The current revolution focuses on the gene, with the molecule becoming the new microchip, enabling advancements like gene editing.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Exploring the Frontiers of Gene Editing and History

03:58 • 3min

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Challenges in Biography Writing

07:26 • 4min

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The Heart of Home and the Future of Gene Editing

11:43 • 23min

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The Molecule as the New Microchip: Understanding Biotech and Genetic Coding

34:34 • 5min

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Curiosity in Science: The Doudna and Franklin Connection

39:47 • 9min

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Machines, Curiosity, and Scientific Innovation

48:59 • 16min

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Ethics of Gene Editing: Navigating Moral Landscapes

01:05:21 • 14min

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Culinary Delights and Curated Recommendations

01:18:58 • 6min

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#9448

• Mentioned in 5 episodes

The Wise Men

Evan Thomas

Walter Isaacson

The Wise Men tells the story of Averell Harriman, Dean Acheson, George Kennan, Robert Lovett, John McCloy, and Charles Bohlen—six close friends who shaped America's role in the post-war world. Their intellects, personalities, and actions brought order to the chaos, leaving a lasting legacy in American policy. The book explores their contributions to the Truman Doctrine, the Marshall Plan, and the Cold War.

#1208

• Mentioned in 32 episodes

Benjamin Franklin

An American Life

Walter Isaacson

This biography by Walter Isaacson chronicles the life of Benjamin Franklin from his early days as a runaway apprentice to his later years as one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. The book explores Franklin's contributions to science, politics, and literature, including his work on the Declaration of Independence, his diplomatic efforts in France, and his inventions such as bifocal glasses and the lightning rod. Isaacson also delves into Franklin's personal life, including his relationships and his philosophical underpinnings that shaped American society. The narrative highlights how Franklin helped forge the American national identity and his enduring relevance in the twenty-first century.

#1867

• Mentioned in 23 episodes

Einstein

His Life and Universe

Illus. with photos

Walter Isaacson

This biography by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of Albert Einstein, covering his childhood, his groundbreaking scientific theories, and his personal and political struggles. The book is based on newly released personal letters and archival materials, providing a detailed and engaging portrait of Einstein's life. It explains his theories, including the theory of relativity and his work on quantum mechanics, and discusses his involvement in world politics, pacifism, and his fight against anti-Semitism and authoritarian governments. The biography also highlights Einstein's rebellious nature, his creativity, and his commitment to individual freedom and intellectual freedom.

#3994

• Mentioned in 12 episodes

Kissinger

A Biography

Walter Isaacson

This biography by Walter Isaacson provides a detailed and balanced account of Henry Kissinger's life, from his childhood as a persecuted Jew in Nazi Germany to his rise as a prominent figure in American foreign policy. The book examines Kissinger's complex personality, his relationships with key figures like Richard Nixon, and his significant contributions to and controversies within American diplomacy. Isaacson draws on extensive interviews with Kissinger and over 150 other sources, including private papers and classified memos, to offer a nuanced view of Kissinger's realist approach to foreign policy and its moral implications.

#1387

• Mentioned in 29 episodes

The code breaker

Sally Pierson Dillon

In 'The Code Breaker,' Sally Pierson Dillon tells the story of Donnie, a young boy who, after breaking his leg, discovers intriguing secrets from his family's past through the sounds he hears in the old house. The book explores themes of family history, personal growth, and the importance of understanding one's roots.

#161

• Mentioned in 133 episodes

Steve Jobs

Walter Isaacson

This biography, based on more than 40 interviews with Steve Jobs and over 100 interviews with family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues, provides a riveting story of Jobs' roller-coaster life and intense personality. It highlights his passion for perfection, his ferocious drive, and how he revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. The book explores Jobs' contradictions, his 'reality distortion field,' and the lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values that can be drawn from his life and career.

#2362

• Mentioned in 19 episodes

The Innovators

How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution

Walter Isaacson

This book provides a sweeping narrative of the inventors, engineers, and entrepreneurs who have given the world computers and the Internet. It begins with Ada Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, and continues through the contributions of Alan Turing, Vannevar Bush, John von Neumann, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Tim Berners-Lee, and Larry Page, among others. Isaacson emphasizes the importance of collaboration and teamwork in driving innovation, showing how these visionaries built upon and improved the accomplishments of previous generations.

#1437

• Mentioned in 29 episodes

The Great Influenza

The Story of the Deadliest Pandemic in History

Amelia Pérez de Villlar

John M. Barry

Amelia Pérez de Villlar

The book examines the origin, spread, and consequences of the 1918 influenza pandemic. It traces the virus to Haskell County, Kansas, and details how it spread globally through military camps and troop movements during World War I. Barry discusses the scientific efforts to identify the pathogen, the failure to develop an effective vaccine at the time, and the significant social and political factors that exacerbated the pandemic. The book also highlights the long-term impact of the pandemic, including the revolutionary scientific discoveries that followed, such as Oswald Avery's proof that DNA carries genetic information.

#1228

• Mentioned in 32 episodes

Leonardo da Vinci

Walter Isaacson

This biography by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of Leonardo da Vinci, highlighting his boundless curiosity, meticulous observation, and innovative spirit. The book is based on thousands of pages from da Vinci's notebooks and new discoveries about his life and work. It connects his artistic achievements to his scientific inquiries, showcasing how his genius unified art and science. The narrative emphasizes da Vinci's skills such as passionate curiosity, careful observation, and a playful imagination, and it provides a vivid portrait of a polymath who was centuries ahead of his time in fields ranging from anatomy to engineering.

#3197

• Mentioned in 15 episodes

The Double Helix

James D. Watson

In this autobiography, James Watson recounts the events surrounding the discovery of the structure of DNA. The book provides a detailed and sometimes controversial account of the scientific and personal aspects of the discovery, highlighting the roles of Watson, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, and Maurice Wilkins. It emphasizes the human side of scientific research, including rivalries, personal relationships, and the intersection of science and everyday life. Despite some historical inaccuracies and dramatic embellishments, the book is celebrated for its insight into the sociology of scientific enterprise and its impact on the public's perception of scientists.

Walter Isaacson on CRISPR, Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race | Brought to you by Magic Spoon delicious low-carb cereal, LinkedIn Jobs recruitment platform with ~720M users, and Eight Sleep’s Pod Pro Cover sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating. More on all three below.

Walter Isaacson (@WalterIsaacson) is a professor of history at Tulane, has been CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair of CNN, and editor of Time. He is the author of Leonardo da Vinci; The Innovators; Steve Jobs; Einstein: His Life and Universe; Benjamin Franklin: An American Life; and Kissinger: A Biography. He is co-author of The Wise Men: Six Friends and the World They Made.

His new book is The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race.

You can find our first conversation from 2017 at tim.blog/walter.

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