In this debut episode of Galaxy Balance, host Cory Smith sits down with legendary geneticist and futurist George Church for a wide-ranging conversation on the edge of science and imagination. Together they explore the accelerating frontier of AI-driven biology, including protein design, scientific “superintelligence,” and the rise of automated science factories.

George discusses the real state of de-extinction, from woolly mammoths to dire wolves, and the technologies Colossal Biosciences is building to save endangered species. The conversation also dives into the future of human reproduction, IVF breakthroughs, synthetic gametes, and the ethical landscape around editing human embryos.

From mirror-life and biosafety to von Neumann probes, astrobiology, and the search for extraterrestrial life, this episode spans genomics, planetary science, and the future of intelligent civilizations. George also shares thoughts on AI risks, surveillance for biosecurity, his inspiration from science fiction, and what young scientists should focus on now.

A deep, fast-moving, idea-packed episode with one of the most visionary minds in science.

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Dr. Case Newsom, an emergency physician and pioneer in psychedelic medicine who helped shape Colorado’s therapeutic psychedelics legislation.

The conversation explores why a single psychedelic experience can lead to lasting change, the neuroscience behind these effects, and the real risks that are often left out of public discussions. Case shares lessons from his work with the Zendo Project, providing peer support at festivals and events, and explains the principle of “sitting, not guiding” to create safe containers for difficult experiences without imposing interpretation.

They dive into the tension between medicalization and legalization, why the FDA rejected MDMA-assisted therapy despite promising data, and how harm, trauma, and abuse can emerge in unregulated spaces. The discussion also examines why bringing psychedelics into regulated, transparent systems may be safer than keeping them underground.

The episode goes further, connecting psychedelics to broader questions about consciousness, community, and the future of intelligence, including a speculative look at what a “psychedelic experience” might mean for artificial general intelligence. Along the way, they discuss emergency medicine, harm reduction, drug policy, and emerging data on psilocybin and longevity.

This conversation is essential listening for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and anyone curious about consciousness, mental health, and how society navigates powerful transformative technologies.

Aging is often described as damage, wear and tear, or inevitable decline. But what if aging is better understood as a problem of lost biological information?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith speaks with Chris Bradley, a scientist focused on genome integrity and systems biology, about why maintaining genetic and epigenetic information may be central to extending human healthspan. The conversation explores how cells preserve. or fail to preserve, information over time, why DNA repair and genome stability may be underappreciated levers in aging, and what this framing implies for future interventions.

We discuss how this information-theoretic view of biology reshapes how we think about longevity, why many aging strategies fail to scale, and what it would take to meaningfully slow or reverse age-related decline. Along the way, we examine the limits of current approaches, the tradeoffs between repair and replacement, and how first-principles thinking can clarify which longevity ideas are likely to matter long-term.

This episode is a deep dive into aging as a systems problem, and what it would mean to preserve life’s information rather than simply treat its symptoms.

Topics include:

• Aging as information loss vs. damage accumulation
• Genome integrity and DNA repair
• Epigenetics and biological memory
• Systems biology and scaling longevity interventions
• Constraints on extending human healthspan

How do cells decide what they are, and can we deliberately control that process?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith is joined by Frank Li, co-founder of Stately Bio, to explore the emerging frontier of cell identity engineering. Frank’s work sits at the intersection of developmental biology, synthetic biology, and therapeutic design, with a focus on understanding, and reprogramming, the molecular rules that govern cell fate.

The conversation dives into how cell identity is established and maintained, why most cell therapies struggle with stability and reproducibility, and how a deeper understanding of developmental programs can enable more precise and durable engineered cell states. They discuss the vision behind Stately Bio, the challenge of translating complex biological control systems into scalable therapeutics, and what it means to move beyond “cell types” toward programmable cellular behaviors.

Zooming out, the episode explores broader questions about control versus emergence in biology, how engineering mindsets are reshaping developmental biology, and what the next decade may bring for regenerative medicine and cell-based therapies.

This is a conversation about building reliable biology, by learning how cells remember who they are.

00:00 - Intro to Galaxy Balance and today's focus on cell engineering & AI innovation
00:36 - Frank Lee's background in computer science and transition into biotech
01:49 - The origins of Stately Bio and its mission to enable non-perturbative cell analysis
02:10 - How machine learning revealed surprising signals in cellular imaging
04:10 - Use cases for live-cell imaging in regenerative medicine and stem cell differentiation
06:00 - The philosophical questions around cell state and biological identity
07:05 - Fighting entropy and examining biological resilience through AI models
08:22 - Integrating AI into manufacturing and regulatory frameworks
09:40 - The future vision: AI empowering biological control and regenerative breakthroughs
11:00 - The role of multi-omics and spatial transcriptomics in cell modeling
12:45 - The expanding frontier of biological design and engineering
14:52 - The societal impact of extending healthspan and aging research
17:05 - Practicing longevity through diet and lifestyle choices
18:55 - How scientific inspiration from science fiction shapes innovation
20:13 - The origin story of Stately Bio's platform technology
22:10 - Moving from fixed protocols to adaptive, AI-driven process control
24:37 - The importance of non-destructive cell analysis for therapy development
27:52 - Commercializing platform technologies while developing therapeutics
31:29 - Regulatory considerations for AI and live-cell analysis in manufacturing
36:51 - How improving cell maturity enhances therapeutic potential
41:27 - Defining cell state through computational modeling and machine learning
45:50 - Integrating multi-omics data with imaging for holistic cell understanding
47:52 - Vision for the company's future and platform expansion
51:59 - The intersection of AI, large language models, and scientific reasoning
55:23 - The inspiring prospects of engineering life and the next technological frontier
57:35 - Frank’s science fiction recommendations and its influence on his mindset
58:42 - Advice for new scientists and engineers entering the field of biology
1:00:29 - Closing remarks and gratitude

Is aging inevitable, or is it an engineering problem waiting to be solved?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith is joined by Aubrey de Grey, one of the most influential and provocative thinkers in longevity science. Aubrey is best known for reframing aging not as a mysterious, untouchable process, but as the accumulation of specific, repairable forms of biological damage, and for arguing that rejuvenation, not slowing decline, is the most practical path forward.

The conversation explores aging as a systems engineering problem, the concept of longevity escape velocity, and why repairing damage may be fundamentally easier than preventing it. They discuss stem cell replacement, senescent cell clearance, epigenetic programming, DNA damage, cancer as the central bottleneck, and how emerging technologies, including AI, may accelerate progress towards meaningful rejuvenation therapies.

Beyond the science, Aubrey shares his perspective on why society struggles to imagine a positive post-aging future, how dystopian narratives shape public resistance, and why the fight against aging is ultimately a humanitarian mission rather than a personal one.

This episode is a deep dive into the biology, philosophy, and engineering mindset behind one of the most ambitious goals in science: extending healthy human life by repairing the damage of time itself.

https://www.levf.org/

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What will it really take for humans to live beyond Earth?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Devon Stork, synthetic biologist and founding member of Pioneer Labs, a nonprofit research institute advancing biotechnology for use in space. Devon’s work focuses on engineering microbes that can survive extreme extraterrestrial environments and transform local resources, like Martian regolith, into usable materials such as soil, building substrates, and biological infrastructure.

The conversation explores why microbes, not humans, are likely to be the first true settlers on Mars; how in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) reshapes the economics and feasibility of space habitation; and why biology’s unique strengths, self-replication, adaptability, and subtle chemistry, make it essential for a multi-planetary future.

We also dive into:

• Designing microbial “chassis” that require minimal infrastructure
• Converting Martian regolith into fertile, perchlorate-free soil
• Open science and rapid communication as a catalyst for frontier research
• The ethics of terraforming and preserving extraterrestrial environments
• How science fiction, evolution, and long-term thinking inform real scientific strategy
• The role of AI and large-scale data in accelerating biological discovery

This episode blends hard science with speculative foresight, offering a grounded look at how life itself may become the foundation for humanity’s expansion beyond Earth.

What if biology could be engineered the way we engineer software?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, I'm joined by Pranam Chatterjee, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and leader of the Programmable Biology Group, working at the intersection of AI, synthetic biology, and next-generation therapeutics.

Pranam's work is shaping a future where generative models can design peptides and biologics from sequence data alone, enabling a new era of programmable medicine.

We explore how Pranam went from studying religion and philosophy to transferring into MIT and building cutting-edge computational tools for biology. We dive into his time in George Church's lab, where early computational strategies helped spark the origins of Gameto, and how that work evolved into today's iPSC-derived ovarian support cell technologies now entering clinical trials.

From there, we go deep into the frontier of AI-driven molecular design:

• Do we actually need protein structure to design effective therapeutics?

• How do we optimize binding, toxicity, permeability, and immunogenicity simultaneously?

• What does "virtual cell" really mean, and why does mapping cell states matter?

• How close are we to "vibe coding biology," where natural language becomes the interface to biological engineering?

We also discuss the future of automation, robotics, and agentic AI in biology, as well as the ethical risks of democratized generative models in biotech.

This conversation is a window into the net phase of human capability: not just ready biology, but designing it.

00:00 - Introduction to AI-driven therapeutic peptide design
01:05 - Background of Pranam Chatterjee's journey from religion to science
02:50 - The evolution of AI models in synthetic biology
05:17 - Key milestones: from modeling to clinical applications like Gameto
08:19 - The founding story of Gameto and major breakthroughs
12:20 - Expanding into disease targeting and regenerative medicine
17:50 - The shift to virtual cell and organism design
22:16 - Tools for peptide design: Peptune and PEPMLM
25:04 - Generative modeling with language models and functional constraints
28:32 - Imagining programmable organisms and mythical creatures
29:41 - Hardware importance and future of vibe-coded biology
31:54 - The role of automation and robotics in biotech labs
33:47 - Mentoring students for the AI-biotech revolution
36:50 - Targeting rare diseases and regulatory considerations
40:34 - Global competition, safety, and ethics in biotech innovation
44:44 - Designing molecules with AI: from complexity to deliverability
45:09 - Data needs: where to find diverse biological datasets
47:49 - The rise of AI agents in scientific research
50:12 - Ethical responsibilities in AI bioengineering
52:38 - Safeguards against harmful biotech applications
55:22 - Thoughts on artificial general intelligence and human purpose
58:40 - How science fiction inspires biotech innovation
1:00:13 - Book recommendations and closing thoughts

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith speaks with Dr. Jonathan Scheiman, co-founder and CEO of FitBiomics, about the science of elite performance, microbiome discovery, and the future of metabolic health.

Jonathan shares his journey from Division I basketball player to biomedicine PhD and postdoctoral researcher in the Church Lab, where unconventional ideas are encouraged and ambitious biology is the norm

His central question was simple but radical: instead of studying disease, what if we studied peak human performance?

That question led to a longitudinal study of Boston Marathon runners, where his team collected microbiome samples before and after intense endurance events. The data revealed a striking pattern. One microorganism, Veillonella, spiked in abundance immediately after the marathon

Further analysis showed that this microbe uniquely metabolizes lactate and converts it into short-chain fatty acids such as propionate

Lactate is often misunderstood as a fatigue molecule. In reality, it is a normal metabolic fuel. When produced in excess during intense exercise, it accumulates in the bloodstream. Scheiman’s work suggests that a portion of circulating lactate is shuttled to the gut, where Veillonella uses it as a carbon source, producing metabolites that may support mitochondrial function, muscle recovery, glucose utilization, and anti-inflammatory pathways

The episode explores:

• How elite athletes may represent a rare biological phenotype comparable in rarity to centenarians
• Why the microbiome can shift rapidly in response to exercise intensity
• The challenges of culturing and scaling strict anaerobic microbes for commercialization
• The regulatory pathway differences between therapeutic microbiome interventions and consumer health products
• How AI and machine learning enabled the discovery of novel microbial signals in complex datasets

The conversation expands into longevity, mitochondrial efficiency, digital health integration, and the idea of FitBiomics as a biological data company rather than simply a probiotic brand

Scheiman also reflects on science fiction, pop culture, and storytelling as forces that shape technological ambition, drawing connections between Marvel, AI, and biotechnology innovation

This episode sits at the intersection of microbiome science, metabolic optimization, artificial intelligence, and the long-term future of human performance.

If the biology of elite athletes can be decoded and translated, the implications extend far beyond sport.

00:00 - Introduction to microbiome insights for human performance
02:20 - Personal journey from sports to biotech innovation
05:28 - How elite athletes inspired microbiome research
09:04 - Approaching human performance limits and societal health impacts
13:48 - Early discoveries: microbiome sampling from Boston Marathon runners
27:19 - The breakthrough finding: Vianella's role in fatigue and endurance
30:19 - Scientific steps to isolate and validate Vianella
33:29 - Regulatory considerations for microbiome supplements versus therapeutics
36:04 - Prevalence of Vianella across different athletes and individuals
40:51 - Microbiome as a dynamic, modifiable biomarker for health and sport
45:37 - Metabolism, mitochondria, and longevity interconnected through microbiome dynamics
49:16 - Influences of science fiction on biotech imagination and vision
57:39 - Future applications: wearables, continuous monitoring, and AI in microbiome health
1:00:46 - Vision for FitBiomics’ role in health innovation and societal impact

Biology is becoming programmable.

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith speaks with Yuanhao Qu, President and Co-Founder of PhyloBio, about the emergence of AI driven biological discovery. Yuanhao represents a new generation of scientists who combine genome engineering with large language models to build systems that can reason about DNA and accelerate research across the life sciences.

The conversation explores Yuanhao’s journey from early cancer research to developing CRISPR-GPT and Biomni, tools designed to help scientists design experiments, analyze data, and navigate the growing complexity of biological research. The discussion then moves to the founding of PhyloBio and the idea of an integrated biology environment where AI agents collaborate with human researchers.

We examine the future of genome engineering, the challenges of delivering gene therapies, and how AI agents may soon assist in designing experiments, generating hypotheses, and exploring massive biological datasets. They also discuss the possibility of automated laboratories, the evolving role of scientists in an AI-augmented research ecosystem, and the ethical boundaries that must guide advances in synthetic biology.

The episode closes with a discussion of science fiction, biosecurity, and the long term vision of AI systems that help humanity understand life at every scale.

If biology becomes a language, the next frontier will belong to those who learn how to speak it.

Phylo is a research lab developing cutting-edge agentic intelligence to accelerate discovery for biomedical scientists. They are building Biomni Lab, an integrated biology environment that leverages the latest AI to transform how biologists work. Explore it at biomni.phylo.bio

Phylo is also actively hiring. Learn more at phylo.bio/careers

Timestamps:

00:00 - Embracing rapid change and AI tools in biology
02:24 - Yuanhao’s background and motivation to cure cancer
04:11 - Analyzing complex diseases with genomics and AI
07:25 - Switching focus to AI-guided discovery and CRISPR engineering
12:13 - Building and deploying CRISPR-GPT to democratize gene editing design
16:23 - How AI enhances the role of scientists rather than replacing them
20:52 - The story behind PhiloBio and its vision to accelerate biotech innovation
24:01 - Developing BioOmni: an AI environment for biological research
28:21 - The future of AI in autonomous labs and the challenge of human-in-the-loop systems
36:33 - Ensuring safety and predicting oncogenic risk in genome engineering
42:49 - Advances needed in delivery mechanisms for gene therapies
45:02 - Insights into human intelligence evolution and AI’s role in discovery
51:04 - The significance of memory, personalization, and continuous learning in AI agents
55:06 - Ethical dilemmas in human germline modification and societal impacts
58:30 - Speculations on life’s prevalence in the universe and the Dark Forest hypothesis
59:46 - Advice for aspiring scientists eager to innovate with AI

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith is joined by Marc Güell, a synthetic biologist working at the frontier of genome engineering, AI-driven biological design, and translational therapeutics.  Marc's work spans programmable genome integration systems, synthetic evolution, and the development of biological tools that extend far beyond what natural evolution has produced.

From his early training in chemistry and engineering to his time in the Church Lab at Harvard and now leading a research group in Barcelona, Marc's career reflects a consistent focus on building new biological technologies. The conversation explores how generative AI is reshaping genome writing, why engineering principles matter in biology, and what it takes to translate deep-tech synthetic biology into real-world applications.

We also discuss the founding of Integra Therapeutics, engineering the skin microbiome as a therapeutic platform, and how imagination influences real life science.

00:00 - How AI enables exploration of unconstrained genotypical spaces in synthetic biology
02:18 - Dr. Guell’s childhood in the Pyrenees fueling his passion for building and discovery
03:14 - From organic chemistry to synthetic genome engineering at Heidelberg and Harvard
05:33 - Recent advances in genome editing: CRISPR, xenotransplantation, and deep tech biotech startups
09:48 - The coming revolution: speaking DNA with AI tools and designing complex genetic circuits
12:30 - Navigating the vast, unconstrained genetic landscape using synthesis-free, AI-guided methods
15:44 - Exploring the complexity of splicing, gene regulation, and the role of AI in modeling biological systems
20:31 - Improving protein design and gene writing with coupled CRISPR and transposases
22:58 - Using AI-generated transposases surpassing natural biodiversity and expanding genotypic networks
27:09 - Strategies for safe, targeted insertions in gene therapy and cell engineering safety sites
30:20 - The mission of Integrate Therapeutics: commercializing AI-driven transposon technologies for cell therapies
34:50 - Challenges facing biotech startups and the need for strategic, cautious growth
39:42 - Engineering skin microbiomes for health and aesthetic applications, from acne to inflammation sensing
44:38 - The incredible potential of microbiome modulation for systemic health and space travel applications
46:46 - Ethical and safety considerations for AI-designed proteins and synthetic biology innovations
49:48 - Cross-cultural perspectives in science: Europe, the US, and China’s unique approaches and collaboration opportunities
51:59 - Automation and AI in experimental biology: new paradigms for high-throughput, in-silico evolution
55:18 - The impact of AI assistants and knowledge agents in accelerating scientific discovery
59:20 - The influence of science fiction: predicting and inspiring future biotechnologies
1:01:23 - Contemplating the nature of life, complexity, and the role of AI in understanding biology’s mysteries
1:04:25 - The power of imagination and science fiction in shaping the next generation of biotech breakthroughs

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Samira Kiani, a genetic engineer, entrepreneur, and science storyteller working at the intersection of genome engineering, regenerative biology, and human meaning. Samira's scientific work spans synthetic biology, immune modulation, and cellular rejuvenation, while her broader mission explores how innovation can remain aligned with ethics consciousness, and care.

A former academic and DARPA Safe Genes investigator, Samira is the co-founder and CTO of HexemBio, where she is developing regenerative platforms inspired by early human development. Beyond the lab, she is the creator of Make People Better, an award-winning documentary examining the moral and societal implications of gene editing. This conversation explores authenticity in science, conscious innovation, the responsibility of power, and how the future of biotechnology depends as much on wisdom as capability.

00:00 - The philosophy of presence and being in the moment

02:15 - Origin story: From Iran to MIT in synthetic biology

04:23 - The art design in genetic engineering and synthetic biology as poetry

08:58 - Advice for young scientists feeling constrained by societal expectations

12:52 - Research journey at MIT: CRISPR and translating tech to clinics

15:51 - Ethical discussions in gene editing and public engagement

19:12 - Making "Make People Better": The moral dimensions of gene editing

22:01 - Reflection on the controversy of the first gene-edited babies

27:23 - Rethinking innovation culture and race for first publication

36:44 - Leaving academia: embracing authenticity and starting HexenBio

38:02 - HexemBio’s mission: rejuvenating cells with consciousness

43:24 - Origin stories of cells and connectedness in biology

45:58 - Her approach to science: exposing cells to youthful environments

47:54 - Leadership and empathy in building a conscious company

52:08 - Work-life balance: connecting with nature and spiritual practices

56:49 - The influence of science fiction: from dystopia to positive futures

1:00:15 - The philosophy of living in the present and trusting the universe

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith is joined by Christian Kramme, Chief Scientific Officer of Gameto, a biotechnology company rethinking reproductive medicine through cell engineering, Christian's work focuses on using iPSC-derived ovarian support cells to improve IVF outcomes by enabling egg maturation outside the body, while avoiding genetic modification or implantation of stem cells into patients.

Drawing from his training in the Church Lab at Harvard Medical School, Christian sits at the intersection of stem cell biology, translational medicine, and reproductive health. With Gameto's lead product now in Phase III clinical trials, this conversation explores how cell therapies can quietly reshape IVF, why process is often the true product in biotechnology, and what responsible innovation looks like when the stakes include future generations.

00:00 - Gameto’s iPSC product: First FDA phase three clearance in reproductive health

02:08 - Christian Kramme’s background and journey from Harvard to biotech founder

06:26 - How Gameto’s support cell approach differs from other reproductive biotech efforts

10:08 - Current IVF challenges and how support cells enable faster, less drug-dependent treatments

11:52 - Safety measures ensuring support cells do not transfer or integrate into embryos

17:24 - Donor cell line selection, GMP manufacturing, and consistency across lots

21:25 - Clinical trial outcomes so far and operational milestones for scale-up

25:25 - How clinical labs can integrate support cell therapies with existing IVF infrastructure

28:34 - Upcoming trial endpoints, patient recruitment, and next steps

30:52 - Advice for patients navigating infertility and importance of early intervention

34:39 - Ethical considerations in stem cell therapies and responsible innovation in reproductive medicine

40:50 - Expanding the platform: menopause, ovarian support, and beyond

50:29 - The future of support cells: potential in other organ systems and therapies

55:23 - Addressing genomic safety: vector choice and integration site analysis

62:25 - Science fiction influence on Christian’s scientific worldview and favorite authors/books

63:07 - Advice for young scientists: pursue impact, stay optimistic, and integrate diverse pathways

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Kejun (Albert) Ying, a computational biologist and aging researcher working at the intersection of AI, protein design, and longevity science. Albert's work spans designing novel proteins never seen in nature, applying large-scale AI models to millions of RNA-seq samples, and uncovering potential anti-aging effects hidden in existing drugs.

Splitting his time between the Baker Lab at the University of Washington and the Vies-Carre Lab at Stanford, Albert brings a rare systems-level perspective on how computation, biology, and experimentation can converge to tackle aging as an engineering problem. The conversation explores why aging became his central focus, how AI is reshaping biological discovery, and what it might take to meaningfully extend human healthspan.

00:00 - The integrated future of AI in daily life and science

02:19 - Introduction to Albert Ying’s background and research

04:17 - Inspiration from Aubrey de Grey and shifts toward computational biology

07:37 - Challenges with longitudinal aging data

11:16 - Large-scale analysis with AI for aging interventions

14:23 - Validation and regulatory pathways for aging biomarkers

14:43 - The concept of autonomous AI agents in scientific discovery

16:23 - How foundation models learn biology and their limitations

18:07 - The impact of protein structure prediction tools like AlphaFold

22:51 - Next steps after identifying promising aging interventions

27:21 - The vision of AI operating seamlessly in background science infrastructure

31:25 - The vision and mechanics of decentralized science with Avanasi Labs

36:39 - Data privacy, security, and ethical considerations for decentralized platforms

40:03 - Rethinking aging for better data collection and understanding

47:30 - Insights from long-lived mammals and comparative genomics

49:15 - Transitioning to a faculty role and research environment

50:55 - Broader scientific interests beyond aging and AI

52:23 - The search for extraterrestrial life and the Drake equation

54:10 - Influence of science fiction, Three Body Problem, and multi-generational narratives

57:38 - Career advice for young scientists in a changing landscape

59:16 - The evolving role of human skills amidst AI and automation

What if human eggs could be made outside the body, safely, reliably, and at scale?

00:00 - Introduction to Merrick Smela and IVG technology

01:28 - Merrick’s scientific background and career path

03:07 - Inspiration from early stem cell research and career milestones

09:00 - How transcription factors and meiosis are driven in vitro

15:00 - Screening strategies for high-fidelity egg development

20:00 - Diversity and variability in high-throughput cell screening

27:32 - Commercialization and scaling of stem cell reprogramming

33:34 - Ensuring egg functionality and safety ahead of clinical trials

36:03 - Timeline for in vitro conception and embryo development

41:14 - Safety protocols including non-human primate studies

47:15 - Societal causes for declining fertility and OVEL’s potential impact

48:46 - Supporting older donors and age-related reproductive technology

50:52 - Opportunities for gay men and reproductive diversity

53:53 - Ethical and regulatory landscape for germline modifications

1:02:24 - How AI and machine learning accelerate research

1:05:22 - Science fiction’s influence on ethical biotech development

1:08:48 - Maintaining work-life balance amid groundbreaking research

1:12:25 - Advice for young scientists tackling high-impact problems

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith is joined by Merrick Smela, a scientist and entrepreneur working at the frontier of human reproduction. Merrick’s work focuses on in vitro gametogenesis (IVG): generating functional human eggs from stem cells as a potential next step beyond IVF.

The conversation explores how eggs develop, why faithfully reproducing meiosis and epigenetic programming is one of the hardest challenges in biology, and how large-scale screening, single-cell genomics, and microscopy are being used to engineer developmental processes that normal occur deep inside the body.

Merrick also shares the origin story and vision behind Ovelle, a biotech company aiming to expand reproductive options for people facing infertility. They discuss safety, regulation, cost, non-human primate validation, embryo quality control, and why IVG may eventually be more accessible and scalable than current fertility treatments.

Zooming out, the episode tackles ethical questions around reproduction, selection versus editing, the role of AI in biology, and how science fiction shapes, and sometimes distorts, how society imagines the future or human reproduction.

This is a deep dive into one of the most consequential technologies on the horizon: the ability to engineer human fertility itself.

Synthetic biology is entering a new phase where biology can be treated as an engineering discipline. In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith speaks with Dr. Tae Seok Moon, professor at the J. Craig Venter Institute and a leader in synthetic biology, about the long arc from reading DNA to eventually designing biological systems from first principles.

Tae shares his unconventional path into science. As a student in Korea he originally wanted to be a poet before choosing chemistry and engineering. that early philosophical curiosity about existence ultimately drew him toward biology and the story of life emerging from molecules after the Big Bang.

The conversation explores the evolution of synthetic biology through a literary metaphor. DNA sequencing allowed scientists to read the letters of life. Genome synthesis made it possible to write those letters. Gene editing introduced a way to revise existing text. Moon argues that most of modern biotechnology still resembles editing or copying nature rather than true creative writing in biology. Only recently have tools such as AI-guided protein design begun to generate entirely new biological "words."

Moon also discusses the legacy of Craig Venter and the creation of the first cell controlled by a synthetic genome. That milestone demonstrated that digital DNA stored in a computer can be turned back into a functioning biological system, a reversal of sequencing that points toward a future where genomes become programmable substrates.

The episode then moves into Moon's work at the intersection of space exploration and biotechnology. His team demonstrated that bacteria can produce the antioxidant lycopene in simulated microgravity using resources that would be available on the Moon or Mars. The system converts plastic waste into a carbon source and processes nutrients derived from human waste to fuel microbial production, a concept aimed at enabling sustainable life support systems during long-duration space missions.

Beyond space exploration, Moon leads global collaborations focused on transforming waste streams into useful chemicals and materials. He argues that the constraints of space missions mirror the resource challenges facing Earth today, from plastic pollution to carbon emissions. Technologies developed for closed-loop life support in space may also help build circular bioeconomies of Earth.

The conversation also tackles the rapid rise of artificial intelligence in biology, the future of scientific publishing, and the challenge of maintaining human creativity in an era of AI-generated research and communication. Moon reflects on what may remain uniquely human: genuine motivation, emotion, and the drive that comes from purpose and connection.

The episode closes with a story about one of Moon's former students who overcame severe adversity and later helped lead the development of a COVID vaccine. For Moon, that journey captures the deeper motivation behind science. The next generation of researchers will face immense challenges, but their work will shape the technologies that improve life across the planet.

This episode explores the frontier where biology becomes designable, where microbes may help sustain human life beyond Earth, and where the language of DNA may one day evolve from editing nature to composing entirely new forms of life.

0:00 - Introduction
1:01 - Tae Seok Moon Background
2:34 - From Poet to Scientist
8:26 - DNA as Language & Creation
12:37 - Synthetic Cells & Venter
18:31 - Microbes in Space
25:47 - ISS & Space Experiments
29:22 - Closed Ecosystems Challenge
32:25 - Solving Global Problems
37:44 - Science Fiction Influence
40:36 - AI in Synthetic Biology
50:38 - Future of Scientific Publishing
1:01:10 - Advice for Young Scientists

Max Rye and Evan Appleton of Intertwined Bio join Galaxy Balance to explore one of the boldest ideas in modern biology: borrowing nature’s most extreme traits and translating them into human health.

From horses that resist liver cirrhosis to naked mole rats, bowhead whales, radiation resistant organisms, hibernating animals, and the future of humans in space, this conversation asks what becomes possible when evolution itself becomes a design library. Max and Evan explain how Intertwined Bio is using synthetic biology, gene editing, AI, virtual macrophages, and agentic systems to identify traits from extraordinary animals and test whether those adaptations can be engineered into human cells.

We discuss liver fibrosis, DNA damage repair, innate immune engineering, longevity, space radiation, de extinction, Colossal Biosciences, the future of virtual cells, and the ethical line between therapy and enhancement.

This is a conversation about turning science fiction into biology.

00:00 - Introduction to Intertwined Bio and their innovative approach

01:01 - The origins and motivations of Max and Evan in biotech

04:56 - Scientific foundation: Borrowing traits from long-lived and resilient animals

07:16 - Why now? Recent technological advances enabling these innovations

10:46 - Role of AI in understanding complex biological systems and virtual cell modeling

14:17 - Delivery strategies for genetic modifications in humans

18:19 - Regulatory pathways and ethical boundaries in gene editing

22:25 - The potential of junk DNA variants and regulatory engineering

27:09 - The potential impact on sports animals and broader applications

31:12 - Industry landscape, collaboration, and competition

33:21 - Building a startup: team dynamics, trust, and early steps

35:58 - Insights on other biotech ventures like AstroMech and their directions

38:39 - Space applications: radiation resistance, hibernation, and life support systems

43:01 - Prioritizing targets using AI and high-throughput screening

48:31 - Broader prospects: aging, longevity, and the OZEMPIC effect

52:44 - Focus on innate immune system engineering and virtual cell development

57:15 - Strategies for macrophage gene editing and cell type targeting

1:01:36 - Bottlenecks in lab throughput and cell growth limitations

1:04:30 - The influence of science fiction on biotech innovation and ethical outlooks

1:06:14 - Closing thoughts: science fiction as inspiration and the rapid transition of ideas into reality

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, I sit down with Charles Fracchia to explore the emerging infrastructure layer of synthetic biology. We discuss the future of secure and scalable bioengineering, the role of community laboratories in accelerating innovation, and how biology is evolving into a programmable technology platform. Charles shares the story behind BioBright, the creation of Bio-ISAC, and the broader challenge of building resilient systems for a world where genetic engineering becomes increasingly accessible.

The conversation moves from cyberbiosecurity and open science to AI-driven biological design, scientific culture, and the growing overlap between software engineering and biotechnology. We also explore the long-term future of human enhancement, decentralized science, and how science fiction continues to shape the ambitions of the next generation of builders working at the frontier of biology.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Overcoming cynicism in AI's role in biosecurity

00:40 - Introduction to Charles Fracchia and his pioneering work

02:07 - Charles's background and journey into biotech innovation

04:01 - Balancing classical education with trial-by-fire experience

06:26 - AI as a search tool versus experimental center in biology

08:28 - Developing AI systems for biological experiment automation

11:35 - The founding and evolution of Black Mesa and its mission

14:26 - The importance of digital batch records and AI-assisted QA QC

16:06 - AI's role in drug development, safety, and traceability

18:44 - Ensuring trust and integrity in AI models for biotech applications

22:51 - Addressing data poisoning and ensuring model robustness

24:45 - Strategies for verifying biological data integrity through cryptography and blockchain

33:55 - Future threats like AI-driven bio weapons and safeguarding strategies

42:48 - The importance of operational innovation in accelerating bioeconomy growth

58:25 - Influence of science fiction on biosecurity and innovation

60:11 - Advice for emerging scientists in a rapidly changing landscape

1:02:53 - Closing remarks and future outlook from Charles Fracchia

What if the most powerful form of human optimization has nothing to do with biotech?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory sits down with Tyler Todt, who has built a platform around physical health, mental resilience, and intentional living. While the world races toward gene editing, AI, and synthetic biology, Tyler focuses on something more immediate: how daily habits, environment, and mindset shape the trajectory of your life.

They explore the tension between technological enhancement and human discipline, from fertility and genetic selection to Neuralink and simulated realities. Along the way, Tyler shares how small, consistent changes transformed his health, marriage, and purpose, and why most people fail by trying to do too much at once.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Small diet tweaks for improved energy and health

00:11 - The value of movement and daily habits in life optimization

00:44 - Introducing Tyler Todt’s background and mission

01:12 - Tyler’s journey from normal life to disciplined optimization

02:17 - Marriage, weight gain, and mental health struggles in the journey

03:08 - Creating intentional rules to improve life quality

04:08 - Mindset shifts for sustainable health improvements

04:45 - Challenges in maintaining motivation and overcoming setbacks

05:02 - Tips for starting small and building routines

06:01 - The neuroscience of habits and pattern creation

07:27 - The importance of grace and balance in biohacking

08:23 - Brain's autopilot and neural pathways in behavior change

09:16 - Ethical debates around reproductive biotech advances

09:43 - The use of stem cells in fertility and new treatments

10:32 - The future of gene editing and embryo selection

13:33 - Ethical considerations of genetic trait modification

15:35 - The potential dangers of designer traits and societal impacts

16:20 - Risks of focusing on narrow breeding goals

16:49 - Natural genetic variation and evolutionary trade-offs

17:09 - The double-edged sword of certain genetic traits like sickle cell

18:16 - Limitations of current genetic understanding and AI's potential

19:16 - Advances in DNA reading, writing, and CRISPR technology

20:03 - The ethical dilemmas of germline modifications and human enhancement

21:26 - The future of human evolution and the possibility of multiple iterations

22:16 - Space exploration, colonization, and interstellar travel

23:05 - The societal and ethical implications of AI-enhanced humans

24:33 - Neural interfaces, Neuralink, and virtual reality futures

25:35 - The allure and dangers of immersive digital worlds

26:13 - The role of genuine human experiences versus synthetic life

27:32 - The societal challenges of technological inequality

28:02 - The quest for extraterrestrial life and the Fermi paradox

39:15 - The potential for hidden advanced technologies and secret projects

40:44 - The vastness of space and the search for alien life

45:57 - Global cooperation and the importance of humanity's future

46:55 - UFOs, alien encounters, and government disclosures

49:40 - Living in a universe of uncertainties and existential risks

50:14 - Science fiction recommendations: The Matrix and beyond

50:53 - Advice for aspiring longevity explorers: control, curiosity, and consistency

52:25 - Mental health, nervous system management, and daily reflection

53:01 - Final thoughts and appreciation for innovative minds in health science

Genome editing has moved from experimental concept to FDA approved medicine in less than a generation. Few people have been closer to that transformation than TJ Cradick.

TJ was one of the earliest pioneers in programmable biology, helping shape the field from the era of zinc finger nucleases through the rise of CRISPR and next generation editing systems. As the second employee and Head of Genome Editing at CRISPR Therapeutics, he helped lay the scientific foundation for Casgevy, the first FDA approved CRISPR therapy. Later, at Excision BioTherapeutics, he worked on some of the first in vivo CRISPR therapies targeting latent HIV reservoirs.

In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of genome engineering. We explore the transition from protein engineered nucleases to scalable CRISPR guide libraries, and the growing importance of delivery technologies capable of targeting tissues beyond the liver. TJ explains how off target analysis evolved from primitive assays into massively parallel sequencing pipelines and why the future of gene editing depends just as much on delivery and manufacturing as the editing enzymes themselves.

We also discuss the hidden challenges behind FDA approval, the realities of scaling genome editing therapies, the future of in vivo editing, and the ethical questions surrounding human germline engineering.

This conversation is a rare look inside the engineering, regulation, and philosophy of one of the most transformative technologies humanity has ever developed.

·       0:00 - Science Fiction to Science Fact

·       0:23 - Cutting Edge of Science

·       0:37 - Introduction to TJ Cradick

·       1:06 - CRISPR Therapeutics and Beyond

·       1:42 - Early Interest in Science

·       2:12 - Academic Journey

·       3:08 - Transition to Biotech

·       4:04 - Zinc Finger Nucleases

·       5:28 - Evolution of Screening Technologies

·       6:48 - CRISPR Libraries and High Throughput Screens

·       8:07 - New Technologies in Gene Editing

·       9:15 - Off-Target Effects and Assays

·       11:23 - Future Opportunities in Gene Editing

·       13:18 - Regulatory Challenges

·       16:24 - Cost Challenges in Genome Editing

·       18:22 - Manufacturing and Delivery Innovations

·       20:14 - Delivery Challenges and Innovations

·       22:30 - Capsid Design and Blood-Brain Barrier

·       24:01 - Viral vs. Non-Viral Delivery Systems

·       27:19 - IP Limitations and CRISPR Variants

·       30:31 - Target Selection for Therapeutics

·       34:03 - Precise Repair Technologies

·       37:03 - Off-Target Effects in Gene Editing

·       42:31 - Genetic Instability in Edited Cells

·       46:20 - Human Germline Engineering

·       49:19 - CRISPR for Viral Cure

·       51:27 - Regulatory Path Improvements

·       54:20 - Balancing Speed and Safety

·       57:03 - Advice for Future Scientists

What does it actually take to manufacture biology at scale?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Nabiha Saklayen, CEO and co-founder of Cellino, to explore the future of cell therapy manufacturing. Trained in physics and biophotonics, Nabiha is applying principles from semiconductor fabrication to one of the hardest problems in medicine: turning powerful cell therapies into scalable, reliable products.

The conversation dives into the core challenges of iPSC variability, autologous versus allogeneic strategies, and why manufacturing remains the primary bottleneck preventing these therapies from reaching patients. Nabiha explains Cellino’s approach, combining AI, imaging, and laser-based systems to create a closed, automated platform for cell production.

They also explore how AI is reshaping biology, how scientists are evolving into computational operators, and what the future lab looks like as automation and intelligence converge. From Artemis missions to the arrow of time in reprogramming, this episode connects physics, biology, and the long-term future of engineered life.

This is a deep look at the infrastructure layer of biofuturism and what must be true for living medicines to reach the world at scale.

00:00 - The importance of curiosity and bold thinking in science and technology

00:11 - Nabiha Saklayen’s background and childhood fascination with space

02:01 - Her journey through physics, biophysics, and motivations behind her work

03:24 - Early influences from diverse cultures and educational choices

06:17 - How personal loss shaped her scientific focus on biomedicine

08:40 - Insights on Artemis moon mission and space biology innovations

12:27 - Inspiring the next generation: fostering curiosity in children

14:20 - AI as a tool for biology and the significance of large language models

17:03 - The origins of Cellino: applying light-based manufacturing methods

20:22 - Cellino’s optical bioprocess and steps toward clinical-scale production

22:23 - Addressing variability in iPSC reprogramming and quality control

26:32 - Regulatory milestones and FDA collaborations in advanced therapies

30:27 - The role of automation and dashboards in scalable cell manufacturing

36:52 - Visualizing the process from donor cell to differentiated therapy

40:35 - Maintaining sterility and process control in cell banking

45:40 - How AI interfaces with robotics and the role of scientists in automated development

46:04 - The physics of cell removal using bubbles and laser technology

49:20 - How AI and machine learning optimize manufacturing processes and data management

54:54 - Advice for students passionate about science and innovation

57:19 - Future of human creativity and AI partnership in work and art

59:05 - Speculating on the creation or existence of AGI and its first questions

1:00:03 - The influence of science fiction on Nabiha’s worldview and recommended books

What if aging is not a collection of diseases, but a system-level failure we can intervene in?

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Noah Davidsohn, co-founder and CSO of Rejuvenate Bio, to explore a new approach to longevity rooted in gene therapy and systems biology.

Noah’s work focuses on treating aging at its source by rebalancing key biological pathways across the body. Instead of targeting one disease at a time, his team is developing combination gene therapies designed to improve function across multiple organs simultaneously.

Rejuvenate Bio is currently raising on Wefunder. This is a rare opportunity to invest in a scaling biotech on the same terms as their VC partners. If our conversation resonated with you, this is your chance to join what Dr. Noah Davidsohn is building. Learn more and invest at wefunder.com/rejuvenatebio

00:00 - Replacing organs to reverse aging: science fiction or imminent reality

00:34 - Welcome to Galaxy Balance: exploring biology and AI frontiers

01:01 - Noah Davidson’s background and mission at Rejuvenate Bio

01:57 - Reprogramming biological systems for systemic healthspan extension

02:41 - The influence of sci-fi on Noah’s interest in space and longevity

03:38 - Space exploration's crossover with biological resilience

05:25 - The societal impact of science fiction on technological progress

07:55 - Addressing dystopian themes in modern sci-fi and their societal reflection

08:16 - The absence of longevity-focused sci-fi and Noah’s motivation

09:12 - Personal story: pet dog inspired Noah’s longevity work

10:33 - Origin of Rejuvenate Bio and its mission to treat aging

11:57 - Combining gene therapies targeting multiple age-related diseases

13:44 - The potential and limitations of epigenetic partial reprogramming

14:14 - Upcoming clinical trials and safety considerations for gene therapy

16:01 - Cyclic gene therapy and risks of permanent expression

17:43 - Inducible gene expression systems: safety and practical considerations

21:19 - Systemic, liver-targeted gene therapies: permanent vs. transient

22:33 - Strategies for pet therapies and expanding to human applications

25:47 - Manufacturing innovations reducing costs for wide-scale treatment

27:12 - Prophylactic use of gene therapies in pets and humans

29:08 - Targeting multiple diseases with a single systemic therapy

30:40 - Breeds at risk for mitral valve disease and targeted therapy efforts

33:42 - Disease-modifying treatments for fibrosis and heart failure

36:48 - How AAV vector delivery works and safety measures in tissue targeting

42:47 - Regulatory pathways for animal therapies and translational relevance

44:22 - Challenges in funding and VC environment for longevity startups

45:45 - The strategy of using animal models as a bridge to human therapies

50:05 - Future scientific directions: partial reprogramming and cell replacement tech

52:37 - The concept of longevity escape velocity and current progress

53:44 - Personal longevity practices: exercise, diet, sleep, stress management

55:27 - The role of biometric feedback devices in health monitoring

56:54 - Emerging modalities and innovative approaches in anti-aging research

58:24 - The ship of Theseus analogy for cell and tissue replacement

59:37 - Philosophical questions about consciousness and identity in aging

1:00:43 - Recommended sci-fi books for longevity and biotech enthusiasts

1:01:39 - Career advice for aspiring scientists and interdisciplinary innovation

1:02:45 - Wrap-up and best wishes for ongoing longevity breakthroughs