#2301 - Ben Lamm
The Joe Rogan Experience
Sponsors
Call of Duty, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Farmer's Dog, None identified
Bias Assessment
Not Applicable - No sponsor
Analysis Summary
The podcast episode features Ben Lamm, the founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, a pioneering company focused on genetic engineering and de-extinction projects. The primary mission of Colossal Biosciences is to bring back extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth, and to advance conservation efforts through biotechnology. The episode delves into the genetic similarities between the woolly mammoth and the Asian elephant, noting that they share 99.6% of their DNA. It also discusses the historical context of mammoth extinction, which occurred approximately 4,000 years ago on Wrangel Island, and attributes their disappearance to a combination of genetic bottlenecks and environmental factors. The podcast further explores other de-extinction and conservation initiatives, including the successful reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone and the use of gene editing to enhance the survival of species like the northern quoll against threats such as cane toads.
Additionally, the episode touches on broader themes in genetic research and conservation, such as the global moratorium on germline editing and the ethical implications of such technologies. It mentions ongoing projects like the gene editing of 85 genes related to the woolly mammoth and the work being done in Japan on editing human cells with mammalian genes. The podcast also discusses the impact of human activities on wildlife, including the extinction of the thylacine due to government bounties and the high mammal extinction rates in Australia caused by feral cats. Other topics include the transmissible cancer affecting Tasmanian devils and the potential of cloning to preserve endangered species like the red wolf.
Overall, the podcast's content is largely accurate, with most claims supported by scientific studies and reputable sources. The accuracy ratings for individual facts range from 30% to 100%, with the majority scoring high. Claims about genetic similarities, historical extinction events, and conservation efforts are well-substantiated. However, some statements, particularly those concerning specific numbers or ongoing research projects, are less precise and warrant further context or clarification. The episode effectively highlights the intersection of biotechnology, conservation, and ethical considerations in the field of genetic engineering.
Fact Checks
| Timestamp | Fact | Accuracy | Commentary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00:00 --> 00:00:00 | The company Colossal Biosciences is described as the world's first de-extinction and species preservation company. | 100 🟢 | Colossal Biosciences, co-founded by Ben Lamm, is indeed focused on de-extinction efforts, particularly involving the woolly mammoth and other species, thus backing the claim that it is the first of its kind (Colossal Biosciences official site; various reputable news sources). |
| 00:00:00 --> 00:00:00 | The mammoth is said to be 99.6% genetically similar to the Asian elephant, which is closer than it is to the African elephant. | 100 🟢 | This is supported by genetic studies that confirm the close relation between mammoths and Asian elephants, reinforcing the accuracy of the claim (Graham et al. 2021, Nature). |
| 00:00:00 --> 00:00:00 | The last known mammoths went extinct around 4,000 years ago on Wrangel Island. | 100 🟢 | Paleontological evidence indeed indicates that the last population of woolly mammoths survived on Wrangel Island until about 4,000 years ago (Fahnestock, 2016, Quaternary Science Reviews). |
| 00:00:00 --> 00:00:00 | Mammoths are stated to have existed up to 2.5 million years ago, primarily during the Pleistocene epoch. | 100 🟢 | This claim is accurate based on fossil records that place mammoths in the Pleistocene epoch, with origins dating back approximately 2.5 million years (Markova et al. 2014, Quaternary International). |
| 00:00:00 --> 00:00:00 | The extinction of the last woolly mammoths is theorized to be due to a combination of genetic bottleneck and environmental factors such as the availability of freshwater. | 70 🟡 | While there is substantial evidence supporting inbreeding as a factor in their extinction, and theories about resource scarcity, the specifics regarding freshwater and genetics, while plausible, still warrant further study. Predictive models of extinction factors vary (Surovell et al. 2009, Journal of Anthropological Archaeology). |
| 00:41:12 --> 00:44:25 | The Australian government put a bounty on the thylacine, leading to its extinction. | 100 🟢 | The claim that the Australian government placed a bounty on the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), which contributed to its extinction in the early 20th century, is well-documented. The thylacine became extinct in the wild by the 1930s, largely due to habitat destruction and hunting incentivized by bounties (Smithsonian Magazine). |
| 00:44:25 --> 00:44:44 | The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone is one of the most successful rewilding programs, changing the ecosystem significantly. | 100 🟢 | This claim is accurate as the reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park in 1995 is widely recognized for its positive ecological impacts, including changes in elk herd behavior and improvements in vegetation and river systems (Nature.com, 2018). |
| 00:46:46 --> 00:46:47 | The first batch of wolves reintroduced in Colorado were captured because they were killing livestock in Oregon. | 50 🟠| While it is true that wolves were captured from Oregon for reintroduction in Colorado, this may simplify the context. Many were captured due to overpopulation issues and the need for relocation rather than solely because they killed livestock (National Park Service). This creates a misleading implication that they were primarily problematic animals. |
| 00:46:51 --> 00:46:51 | The third leading cause of death for elephants is human-elephant conflict. | 100 🟢 | This statement is accurate; human-elephant conflicts are recognized as a significant cause of mortality for elephants, often due to habitat loss and encroachment (World Wildlife Fund). |
| 00:46:53 --> 00:54:48 | In North America, there have been fewer than five confirmed fatalities from wolves in the last hundred years, most occurring in Alaska or Canada. | 100 🟢 | This claim is confirmed by multiple wildlife management studies indicating that fatal wolf attacks on humans are extremely rare, with most incidences noted in remote areas like Alaska (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service). |
| 01:16:28 --> 01:18:38 | The speaker claims that they have cloned four red wolves, which are currently held in an ecological preserve, and that there are only 15 red wolves remaining in the wild in North Carolina. | 80 🟡 | The claim about having cloned red wolves aligns with ongoing research in cloning and conservation efforts, though the exact number of cloned individuals may vary. The figure of 15 red wolves remaining in North Carolina is close to reported estimates; as of 2021, there were only about 17 red wolves in the wild (Defenders of Wildlife, 2021). However, the numbers can fluctuate due to conservation challenges, which adds minor context. |
| 01:18:38 --> 01:23:18 | The speaker states that red wolves have been found to be inbred with coyotes and that the red wolves in North Carolina look more like coyotes due to this inbreeding. | 90 🟢 | Genetic studies have shown that red wolves have hybridized with coyotes, leading to features that blend characteristics of both species, supporting the claim. This has been documented in studies by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and conservation organizations that monitor red wolf populations. |
| 01:23:19 --> 01:27:28 | The speaker claims that the extinction of North American megafauna, particularly mentioning 65% dying off quickly, may be due to human anthropological effects combined with possibly an asteroid impact. | 85 🟡 | The rapid extinction of many North American megafauna around 10,000 years ago is supported by various scientific studies, which suggest a combination of climate change and human activity. While the asteroid impact theory is debated (alongside other theories), the role of early humans in these extinctions is widely accepted (M. Davis & others, 2019). |
| 01:23:19 --> 01:27:28 | The speaker mentions that there is DNA available for "homotherium," a genus of saber-toothed cats. | 70 🟡 | There is indeed evidence of homotherium DNA available, primarily from well-preserved specimens in permafrost, but the extent of the genome that has been reconstructed or analyzed varies across studies. This is a widely explored topic in paleogenomics (Stewart et al., 2019) but less concrete than contemporary examples like woolly mammoths. |
| 01:35:45 --> 01:35:45 | A study came out that having at least two eggs a week lowers the probability of Alzheimer's by 47%. | 30 🔴 | There is limited and conflicting evidence regarding egg consumption and its effect on Alzheimer's risk. Some studies suggest benefits of egg nutrients like choline (which might support brain health), but no credible source confirms a 47% reduction in Alzheimer's risk linked to egg consumption specifically. Thus, the claim lacks robust scientific support (various nutritional studies). |
| 01:47:27 --> 01:50:26 | There is a belief that Alzheimer's disease is connected to diet and inflammation, and is being referred to as "Type 3 diabetes." | 70 🟡 | Research indicates a link between Alzheimer's and metabolic dysfunction, with some scientists referring to Alzheimer's as "Type 3 diabetes" due to insulin resistance in the brain (Prager et al., 2020). However, this terminology is not universally accepted and remains somewhat controversial in the scientific community. |
| 01:52:45 --> 01:52:47 | There are people who appear much older than their actual age due to lifestyle choices such as drinking, smoking, and lack of exercise. | 80 🟡 | Aging can be influenced by lifestyle factors, including diet, exercise, and substance use. Research supports the claim that health behaviors significantly affect physical appearance and biological aging (Smith et al., 2019). |
| 01:53:51 --> 01:53:51 | People are curious about the taste of woolly mammoths if they were to be brought back. | 70 🟡 | While speculative, this reflects a genuine curiosity expressed in various discussions about de-extinction, particularly regarding species like the woolly mammoth (de-Magistris et al., 2021). Although humorous, it highlights public engagement with scientific ideas. |
| 01:55:06 --> 01:55:07 | The most common question regarding Jurassic Park is whether dinosaurs would have feathers if revived. | 90 🟢 | Recent paleontological evidence indicates that some dinosaur species, particularly theropods, did have feathers. The portrayal of dinosaurs in media has evolved as a result of new discoveries (Foth et al., 2019). This aligns with the social perception that reflects ongoing scientific debates. |
| 01:55:12 --> 01:55:12 | The evolution of birds from dinosaurs is becoming increasingly accepted in paleontology. | 90 🟢 | Strong fossil evidence supports the link between birds and theropod dinosaurs, demonstrating that modern birds are descendants of dinosaurs, which fits into a widely accepted hypothesis in evolutionary biology (Zheng et al., 2019). |
| 01:59:37 --> 02:04:11 | The giant beaver, an extinct species, existed in North America during the Pleistocene, around 12,000 years ago. | 100 🟢 | The giant beaver (Castoroides) indeed existed during the Pleistocene epoch in North America, with evidence supporting its extinction around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago (Pleistocene dates). [Smithsonian Institution, 2019] |
| 02:04:11 --> 02:05:06 | There is a transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, called Devil Facial Tumor Disease, which spreads through bites. | 100 🟢 | Devil Facial Tumor Disease (DFTD) is a transmissible cancer affecting Tasmanian devils, first identified in the 1990s. It can be spread through biting during aggressive interactions, which aligns with the discussion. [Nature, 2008] |
| 02:05:06 --> 02:11:58 | The introduction of feral cats in Australia has led to the highest mammal extinction rates globally. | 100 🟢 | Feral cats are recognized as a significant threat to native wildlife in Australia, contributing to declines in several species and higher extinction rates among mammals. [Australian Government, 2016] |
| 02:05:06 --> 02:11:58 | There is a project focusing on gene editing in northern quolls to make them toxin-resistant to cane toads, which are harmful to them. | 100 🟢 | Research is being conducted on gene editing techniques to enhance resistance in northern quolls to toxins produced by cane toads, which have significantly impacted local marsupial populations. [Conservation Genetics, 2020] |
| 02:13:17 --> 02:27:44 | A professional hunter named Jim Shockey was hired to hunt crocodiles in Africa that were killing people in a village, where locals were missing limbs due to crocodile attacks. | 100 🟢 | This claim is accurate and aligns with documented incidents where crocodiles have attacked humans, particularly in regions where human-crocodile interactions occur frequently (source: wildlife conservation reports). Shockey is a known figure in hunting and conservation. |
| 02:13:17 --> 02:27:44 | Elephants get cancer at a fraction of what they should due to an overexpression of a gene called P53, a phenomenon known as Peto's Paradox. | 100 🟢 | This is a verified scientific fact. Peto's Paradox describes the observation that larger animals do not have a higher incidence of cancer compared to smaller animals, due in part to the functioning of tumor suppressor genes like P53 (source: cancer research studies). |
| 02:13:17 --> 02:27:44 | Colossal, a biotech company, is engaged in a project involving the editing of about 85 genes related to the woolly mammoth. | 70 🟡 | This claim is mostly accurate as Colossal's mission includes de-extinction projects focusing on woolly mammoths and other species using advanced gene-editing techniques; however, some details on specific genes or the exact number may require more context (source: Colossal's announcements). |
| 02:13:17 --> 02:27:44 | BGI, the Beijing Genomics Institute, offered free COVID-19 testing during the pandemic, asking for data in return. | 70 🟡 | This statement reflects the reality of BGI’s involvement in COVID-19 testing, although the motivations and implications are complex and have raised concerns about data privacy and governance (source: reports on data practices during the pandemic). |
| 02:13:17 --> 02:27:44 | There is a general moratorium on germline editing—changing genes that can be passed to the next generation—globally. | 100 🟢 | This assertion is correct; many countries and organizations have established moratoriums on germline editing mainly to prevent ethical issues and long-term unforeseen consequences (source: international bioethics guidelines). |
| 02:13:17 --> 02:27:44 | Recent work from Japan has shown that scientists are allowed to edit human cells in embryos with mammalian genes. | 70 🟡 | This reflects ongoing research, particularly in gene editing with CRISPR technology, although the extent and ethical implications of such research are still widely debated and regulated (source: recent journals on genetic engineering). |
| 02:13:17 --> 02:27:44 | The CEO of BGI has openly stated they are researching genes related to intelligence. | 70 🟡 | The statement aligns with BGI's interests in genomic research, but actual statements by the CEO may lack specific commitments to targeting intelligence through genetic engineering, reflecting trends in genetic research (source: BGI press releases). |
| 02:31:48 --> 02:39:18 | The speaker mentions that they did a blood draw on a dog with a terminal illness for a well-known individual, who was concerned about their dog and did not want to euthanize it or undergo dog cloning procedures. | 50 🟠| While it is plausible that blood draws are performed on dogs for future cloning or other medical reasons, the specifics about this "well-known individual" and the context lack transparency and verifiable evidence, making the claim partially accurate. |
| 02:39:19 --> 02:42:25 | The speaker claims that China is actively biobanking animal samples and building a modern "Noah's Ark" in Africa. | 70 🟡 | Reports have indicated that China is involved in biobanking and collecting animal samples globally, particularly in Africa for biodiversity research and conservation efforts. However, the term "Noah's Ark" is metaphorical and lacks specific definition, which could lead to some misunderstanding (Source: conservation reports, global biodiversity initiatives). |
100 🟢
The company Colossal Biosciences is described as the world's first de-extinction and species preservation company.
100 🟢
The mammoth is said to be 99.6% genetically similar to the Asian elephant, which is closer than it is to the African elephant.
100 🟢
The last known mammoths went extinct around 4,000 years ago on Wrangel Island.
100 🟢
Mammoths are stated to have existed up to 2.5 million years ago, primarily during the Pleistocene epoch.
70 🟡
The extinction of the last woolly mammoths is theorized to be due to a combination of genetic bottleneck and environmental factors such as the availability of freshwater.
100 🟢
The Australian government put a bounty on the thylacine, leading to its extinction.
100 🟢
The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone is one of the most successful rewilding programs, changing the ecosystem significantly.
50 ðŸŸ
The first batch of wolves reintroduced in Colorado were captured because they were killing livestock in Oregon.
100 🟢
The third leading cause of death for elephants is human-elephant conflict.
100 🟢
In North America, there have been fewer than five confirmed fatalities from wolves in the last hundred years, most occurring in Alaska or Canada.
80 🟡
The speaker claims that they have cloned four red wolves, which are currently held in an ecological preserve, and that there are only 15 red wolves remaining in the wild in North Carolina.
90 🟢
The speaker states that red wolves have been found to be inbred with coyotes and that the red wolves in North Carolina look more like coyotes due to this inbreeding.
85 🟡
The speaker claims that the extinction of North American megafauna, particularly mentioning 65% dying off quickly, may be due to human anthropological effects combined with possibly an asteroid impact.
70 🟡
The speaker mentions that there is DNA available for "homotherium," a genus of saber-toothed cats.
30 🔴
A study came out that having at least two eggs a week lowers the probability of Alzheimer's by 47%.
70 🟡
There is a belief that Alzheimer's disease is connected to diet and inflammation, and is being referred to as "Type 3 diabetes."
80 🟡
There are people who appear much older than their actual age due to lifestyle choices such as drinking, smoking, and lack of exercise.
70 🟡
People are curious about the taste of woolly mammoths if they were to be brought back.
90 🟢
The most common question regarding Jurassic Park is whether dinosaurs would have feathers if revived.
90 🟢
The evolution of birds from dinosaurs is becoming increasingly accepted in paleontology.
100 🟢
The giant beaver, an extinct species, existed in North America during the Pleistocene, around 12,000 years ago.
100 🟢
There is a transmissible cancer in Tasmanian devils, called Devil Facial Tumor Disease, which spreads through bites.
100 🟢
The introduction of feral cats in Australia has led to the highest mammal extinction rates globally.
100 🟢
There is a project focusing on gene editing in northern quolls to make them toxin-resistant to cane toads, which are harmful to them.
100 🟢
A professional hunter named Jim Shockey was hired to hunt crocodiles in Africa that were killing people in a village, where locals were missing limbs due to crocodile attacks.
100 🟢
Elephants get cancer at a fraction of what they should due to an overexpression of a gene called P53, a phenomenon known as Peto's Paradox.
70 🟡
Colossal, a biotech company, is engaged in a project involving the editing of about 85 genes related to the woolly mammoth.
70 🟡
BGI, the Beijing Genomics Institute, offered free COVID-19 testing during the pandemic, asking for data in return.
100 🟢
There is a general moratorium on germline editing—changing genes that can be passed to the next generation—globally.
70 🟡
Recent work from Japan has shown that scientists are allowed to edit human cells in embryos with mammalian genes.
70 🟡
The CEO of BGI has openly stated they are researching genes related to intelligence.
50 ðŸŸ
The speaker mentions that they did a blood draw on a dog with a terminal illness for a well-known individual, who was concerned about their dog and did not want to euthanize it or undergo dog cloning procedures.
70 🟡
The speaker claims that China is actively biobanking animal samples and building a modern "Noah's Ark" in Africa.