Ryan Phelan

Original broadcast date: January 7, 2022. New innovations in gene and stem cell technology have the power to shape ecosystems and even change humanity. This hour, TED speakers share the breakthroughs heralding the next scientific revolution. Guests include biochemist Jennifer Doudna, physicist and biotech entrepreneur Nabiha Saklayen and conservation innovator and biotech entrepreneur Ryan Phelan.TED Radio Hour+ subscribers now get access to bonus episodes, with more ideas from TED speakers and a behind the scenes look with our producers. A Plus subscription also lets you listen to regular episodes (like this one!) without ads. Sign-up at plus.npr.org/ted.To manage podcast ad preferences, review the links below:See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Tara Harris, conservation director at the Phoenix Zoo, shares hands-on breeding and recovery work for imperiled species. Ryan Phelan, co-founder of Revive & Restore, explains cloning and genetic tools being tried to boost diversity. They discuss cloning black-footed ferrets, cryopreservation, tracking juvenile moose, and rebuilding Mount Graham red squirrel habitat.

Join Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Jennifer Doudna, renowned for her work on CRISPR, physicist and biotech entrepreneur Nabiha Saklayen, and conservation innovator Ryan Phelan as they delve into groundbreaking advancements in gene editing and stem cell technology. They discuss the transformative potential of CRISPR, its ethical implications, and the remarkable journey of the black-footed ferret, which highlights biotechnology's role in conservation. Together, they explore how innovation can reshape humanity and influence biodiversity.