Biology as a Service: Synthetic Biology • Harvard Wyss Institute / George Church

From Extinction to Immortality: George Church on Redefining LifeGeorge Church, one of the most influential figures in modern biology, joins us to explore the breathtaking frontiers of synthetic biology. From his foundational role in the Human Genome Project to his groundbreaking work on gene editing, de-extinction, and engineered immunity, Church has helped transform biology from a descriptive science into a design discipline.In this episode, we trace the arc of synthetic biology—from sequencing DNA to programming life itself. We discuss how the field is converging with artificial intelligence and neuromorphic engineering, unlocking the potential to rewire aging, revive extinct species, and radically extend the human condition. Can biology become as programmable as software? Can we fend off death entirely? And what does it mean to be human when evolution is no longer natural?