Episode
Intertwined Biosciences: Engineering Evolution for Human Health
- Podcast
- Galaxy Balance
- Published
- Jun 15, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4032
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
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 biote…