Bringing Extinct Species Back to Life | Dr. Beth Shapiro

De-extinction technologies utilize synthetic biology to restore extinct species and bolster ecosystem resilience, while simultaneously providing tools for conserving endangered living species. Evolutionary biologist Dr. Beth Shapiro explains that species classification remains a human construct, often complicating the understanding of genetic lineages and hybridization, such as the interbreeding between Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans. By sequencing ancient DNA, researchers identify critical genetic variants that allow species to adapt to specific environments, such as the cold-hardy traits of woolly mammoths or plague resistance in ferrets. These engineering capabilities, including CRISPR-based gene editing and cloning, offer proactive solutions to biodiversity loss and genetic diseases. Rather than viewing human intervention as inherently disruptive, this approach leverages genetic engineering to create robust, self-sustaining ecosystems capable of surviving rapid environmental changes and anthropogenic pressures.