StarTalk Podcast: The Code of Life and CRISPR with Jennifer Doudna and Walter Isaacson

Are we entering the age of designer babies? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Chuck Nice sit down with biographer and writer of The Code Breaker Walter Isaacson to explore Neil’s interview with Nobel Prize-winning biochemist, Jennifer Doudna, about her pioneering work with CRISPR technology.

Are molecules the new microchip? You’ll learn about the life sciences revolution and the potentials of genome editing through CRISPR technology. We discuss Doudna’s early work with RNA and it’s core questions: how do you go from organic molecules to RNA? Did life start elsewhere? But if it did, how did it start there? Doudna explains how CRISPR works, along with its capabilities and limitations. Could CRISPR be used to eliminate genetic conditions? Create super soldiers?

We break down the difference between somatic and germline editing and the ethical challenges that come with the latter. Is editing DNA unethical? Are there instances where it would be unethical not to? Find out how CRISPR should be regulated and if it would even be possible to police. What happens when the government makes reproductive decisions? We examine society’s definitions of disability and the risk of this technology falling into eugenics. Is society ready to handle this power?

Discover why Doudna won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and not biology. We explore the importance of competition and duty in science. How is CRISPR technology helping in the fight against COVID-19? We explore current uses of CRISPR with Doudna’s Innovative Genomics Institute, and where the future of this technology is going. How do we use this technology to solve real-world problems while preserving diversity and respecting individuality? Are fears about designer babies justified? All these big societal questions, plus, find what Jennifer Doudna and Benjamin Franklin have in common.

Thanks to our Patrons Miguel Santana!!, Cristina Magistrali, Phillipe Dewindt, Toren Wallengren, Eric Huffman, Christopher Sukhanenya, Dmitry Pugachevich for supporting us this week.

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Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up!

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[TeamBoxCutta]

so i think that chuck nice is so underrated as a legit smart guy. his questions are always probing and on point. his knowledge in everything has grown since doing this show for years.. love that guy!

[NotTheSameAsIWas]

As a mother of a special needs daughter, it makes me tear up to know these scientists have devoted their lives to figuring out CRISPR and it's future implications. I have spoken many times to the doctor/scientists working directly on my little girl's genetic disease and am hopeful that a cure is within reach in her lifetime!

[iwill]

For a second I thought they didn't have chuck! Whew! Close call

[CompaCookies]

The real reason I tune in is to hear Neil say “chuuuuck” in the intro

[mropinionated]

Chuck and Neil! Best duo since Shaq and Kobe imo!

[RustyChapman]

Thanks guys, regardless of what's happening in the world today, or a bad day, personally, click on Neil and Chuck and you will left smiling, as well as, well informed. Neil, Chuck, Thanks Again

[anthonyb]

Anybody else notice Jennifer Doudna's last name ends in DNA?

[stevemarks]

Best host and co host educating all listeners with Sir Chuck as Co host. I listen and view all information available on The Cosmos. NDT is right up there next to Carl Sagan which we all miss.

[jermainemoss]

Thank you so much star talk. Last week I thought to myself, why hasn't Dr Jennifer Doudna appeared on star talk as yet. Thank you also Dr Doudna for the crispr technology, after reading the data, I made up my mind to get vaccinated.

[demingfan]

Neil & Chuck - you are the bomb 💣 as we used to say when I was a kid in the 70s - when giving a compliment to a very cool 😎 person!!
Star Talk (yes I’m a Patreon for your show) gives me a reason to look forward and smile and laugh.
AND in these crazy political times when so many want us to go backwards- being able to feel good about the future and smile / laugh (because Chuck is THE BEST) is so important for so many
AND
I THANK YOU BOTH!!!

[trashwebsite_user]

Yay!!! Jenifer Doudna is my Hero... im almost done reading her biography 'the Code Breaker'... she rocks! Isaacson did a fantastic job writing it!

[tomking]

As much as i love the videos from neil and chuck, i sometime really enjoy reading everyone's comments on the newest videos, love u all

[alexnabozny]

That was so nice, Neil! Say hello to your brazilian audience🤩. We love your show!

[sufianahmed]

If we had a universal voice for Artificial Intelligence. I would want it to be Neil de Tyson's voice

[maryannegervais]

I loved this book and keep it for future readings. Walter Isaacson is a wonderful biographer who learns his subject and communicates it in a peerless way.

[dolphinfan]

Thank You, Dr. Tyson and Chuck for the shows. This was one of your best ones!!!!

[tsraikage]

i cant stress it enough how good this posdcast was. i cant speak for others but for me i can say this was one of your top 3 podcasts

[noisycarlos]

I just finished the Code Breaker audiobook, the section about the ethics and all the thought exercises is my favorite.

[DaBlondDude]

Gattaca came immediately to mind. Other works where even cosmetic tweaks with skins, eyes, nails, etc customized by shape, colour, etc. Mutations of various kinds are eventually going to be mainstream normal (or taboo).

The unaddressed point here was the potential for unexpected side effects and results of changes, since the whole ripple effects come into play since no change happens in a vacuum.

All this also completely overlooks the potential for weaponization.

[Pablodelic]

It’s to the point where you need to re do all your star talks with chuck because I can’t stand a whole hour of these without him I still love you Neil😂😂