A billion years of evolution in a single afternoon — George Church

In this interview, Dwarkesh Patel interviews George Church, a pioneer in biology, covering a wide range of topics from the future of biotechnology and its potential to extend human lifespan, to the ethical considerations of synthetic biology and biodefense. They discuss the possibility of achieving "escape velocity" in aging research, the potential of somatic gene therapy, and the implications of de-extinction projects like the woolly mammoth. The conversation also explores the potential for gene therapy to address various phenotypes, the risks and benefits of AI in biology, and the importance of genetic counseling. Church shares his insights on the convergence of AI and biology, the potential for creating new materials through bioengineering, and the challenges of ensuring safety in the face of rapid technological advancements.