Galaxy Balance

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 health00:11 - The value of movement and daily habits in life optimization00:44 - Introducing Tyler Todt’s background and mission01:12 - Tyler’s journey from normal life to disciplined optimization02:17 - Marriage, weight gain, and mental health struggles in the journey03:08 - Creating intentional rules to improve life quality04:08 - Mindset shifts for sustainable health improvements04:45 - Challenges in maintaining motivation and overcoming setbacks05:02 - Tips for starting small and building routines06:01 - The neuroscience of habits and pattern creation07:27 - The importance of grace and balance in biohacking08:23 - Brain's autopilot and neural pathways in behavior change09:16 - Ethical debates around reproductive biotech advances09:43 - The use of stem cells in fertility and new treatments10:32 - The future of gene editing and embryo selection13:33 - Ethical considerations of genetic trait modification15:35 - The potential dangers of designer traits and societal impacts16:20 - Risks of focusing on narrow breeding goals16:49 - Natural genetic variation and evolutionary trade-offs17:09 - The double-edged sword of certain genetic traits like sickle cell18:16 - Limitations of current genetic understanding and AI's potential19:16 - Advances in DNA reading, writing, and CRISPR technology20:03 - The ethical dilemmas of germline modifications and human enhancement21:26 - The future of human evolution and the possibility of multiple iterations22:16 - Space exploration, colonization, and interstellar travel23:05 - The societal and ethical implications of AI-enhanced humans24:33 - Neural interfaces, Neuralink, and virtual reality futures25:35 - The allure and dangers of immersive digital worlds26:13 - The role of genuine human experiences versus synthetic life27:32 - The societal challenges of technological inequality28:02 - The quest for extraterrestrial life and the Fermi paradox39:15 - The potential for hidden advanced technologies and secret projects40:44 - The vastness of space and the search for alien life45:57 - Global cooperation and the importance of humanity's future46:55 - UFOs, alien encounters, and government disclosures49:40 - Living in a universe of uncertainties and existential risks50:14 - Science fiction recommendations: The Matrix and beyond50:53 - Advice for aspiring longevity explorers: control, curiosity, and consistency52:25 - Mental health, nervous system management, and daily reflection53:01 - Final thoughts and appreciation for innovative minds in health science

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 technology00:11 - Nabiha Saklayen’s background and childhood fascination with space02:01 - Her journey through physics, biophysics, and motivations behind her work03:24 - Early influences from diverse cultures and educational choices06:17 - How personal loss shaped her scientific focus on biomedicine08:40 - Insights on Artemis moon mission and space biology innovations12:27 - Inspiring the next generation: fostering curiosity in children14:20 - AI as a tool for biology and the significance of large language models17:03 - The origins of Cellino: applying light-based manufacturing methods20:22 - Cellino’s optical bioprocess and steps toward clinical-scale production22:23 - Addressing variability in iPSC reprogramming and quality control26:32 - Regulatory milestones and FDA collaborations in advanced therapies30:27 - The role of automation and dashboards in scalable cell manufacturing36:52 - Visualizing the process from donor cell to differentiated therapy40:35 - Maintaining sterility and process control in cell banking45:40 - How AI interfaces with robotics and the role of scientists in automated development46:04 - The physics of cell removal using bubbles and laser technology49:20 - How AI and machine learning optimize manufacturing processes and data management54:54 - Advice for students passionate about science and innovation57:19 - Future of human creativity and AI partnership in work and art59:05 - Speculating on the creation or existence of AGI and its first questions1:00:03 - The influence of science fiction on Nabiha’s worldview and recommended books

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 - Introduction1:01 - Tae Seok Moon Background2:34 - From Poet to Scientist8:26 - DNA as Language & Creation12:37 - Synthetic Cells & Venter18:31 - Microbes in Space25:47 - ISS & Space Experiments29:22 - Closed Ecosystems Challenge32:25 - Solving Global Problems37:44 - Science Fiction Influence40:36 - AI in Synthetic Biology50:38 - Future of Scientific Publishing1:01:10 - Advice for Young Scientists

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 normHis 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 marathonFurther analysis showed that this microbe uniquely metabolizes lactate and converts it into short-chain fatty acids such as propionateLactate 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 pathwaysThe 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 datasetsThe conversation expands into longevity, mitochondrial efficiency, digital health integration, and the idea of FitBiomics as a biological data company rather than simply a probiotic brandScheiman also reflects on science fiction, pop culture, and storytelling as forces that shape technological ambition, drawing connections between Marvel, AI, and biotechnology innovationThis 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 performance02:20 - Personal journey from sports to biotech innovation05:28 - How elite athletes inspired microbiome research09:04 - Approaching human performance limits and societal health impacts13:48 - Early discoveries: microbiome sampling from Boston Marathon runners27:19 - The breakthrough finding: Vianella's role in fatigue and endurance30:19 - Scientific steps to isolate and validate Vianella33:29 - Regulatory considerations for microbiome supplements versus therapeutics36:04 - Prevalence of Vianella across different athletes and individuals40:51 - Microbiome as a dynamic, modifiable biomarker for health and sport45:37 - Metabolism, mitochondria, and longevity interconnected through microbiome dynamics49:16 - Influences of science fiction on biotech imagination and vision57:39 - Future applications: wearables, continuous monitoring, and AI in microbiome health1:00:46 - Vision for FitBiomics’ role in health innovation and societal impact

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 biology02:18 - Dr. Guell’s childhood in the Pyrenees fueling his passion for building and discovery03:14 - From organic chemistry to synthetic genome engineering at Heidelberg and Harvard05:33 - Recent advances in genome editing: CRISPR, xenotransplantation, and deep tech biotech startups09:48 - The coming revolution: speaking DNA with AI tools and designing complex genetic circuits12:30 - Navigating the vast, unconstrained genetic landscape using synthesis-free, AI-guided methods15:44 - Exploring the complexity of splicing, gene regulation, and the role of AI in modeling biological systems20:31 - Improving protein design and gene writing with coupled CRISPR and transposases22:58 - Using AI-generated transposases surpassing natural biodiversity and expanding genotypic networks27:09 - Strategies for safe, targeted insertions in gene therapy and cell engineering safety sites30:20 - The mission of Integrate Therapeutics: commercializing AI-driven transposon technologies for cell therapies34:50 - Challenges facing biotech startups and the need for strategic, cautious growth39:42 - Engineering skin microbiomes for health and aesthetic applications, from acne to inflammation sensing44:38 - The incredible potential of microbiome modulation for systemic health and space travel applications46:46 - Ethical and safety considerations for AI-designed proteins and synthetic biology innovations49:48 - Cross-cultural perspectives in science: Europe, the US, and China’s unique approaches and collaboration opportunities51:59 - Automation and AI in experimental biology: new paradigms for high-throughput, in-silico evolution55:18 - The impact of AI assistants and knowledge agents in accelerating scientific discovery59:20 - The influence of science fiction: predicting and inspiring future biotechnologies1:01:23 - Contemplating the nature of life, complexity, and the role of AI in understanding biology’s mysteries1:04:25 - The power of imagination and science fiction in shaping the next generation of biotech breakthroughs

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 health02:08 - Christian Kramme’s background and journey from Harvard to biotech founder06:26 - How Gameto’s support cell approach differs from other reproductive biotech efforts10:08 - Current IVF challenges and how support cells enable faster, less drug-dependent treatments11:52 - Safety measures ensuring support cells do not transfer or integrate into embryos17:24 - Donor cell line selection, GMP manufacturing, and consistency across lots21:25 - Clinical trial outcomes so far and operational milestones for scale-up25:25 - How clinical labs can integrate support cell therapies with existing IVF infrastructure28:34 - Upcoming trial endpoints, patient recruitment, and next steps30:52 - Advice for patients navigating infertility and importance of early intervention34:39 - Ethical considerations in stem cell therapies and responsible innovation in reproductive medicine40:50 - Expanding the platform: menopause, ovarian support, and beyond50:29 - The future of support cells: potential in other organ systems and therapies55:23 - Addressing genomic safety: vector choice and integration site analysis62:25 - Science fiction influence on Christian’s scientific worldview and favorite authors/books63:07 - Advice for young scientists: pursue impact, stay optimistic, and integrate diverse pathways

What if human eggs could be made outside the body, safely, reliably, and at scale?00:00 - Introduction to Merrick Smela and IVG technology01:28 - Merrick’s scientific background and career path03:07 - Inspiration from early stem cell research and career milestones09:00 - How transcription factors and meiosis are driven in vitro15:00 - Screening strategies for high-fidelity egg development20:00 - Diversity and variability in high-throughput cell screening27:32 - Commercialization and scaling of stem cell reprogramming33:34 - Ensuring egg functionality and safety ahead of clinical trials36:03 - Timeline for in vitro conception and embryo development41:14 - Safety protocols including non-human primate studies47:15 - Societal causes for declining fertility and OVEL’s potential impact48:46 - Supporting older donors and age-related reproductive technology50:52 - Opportunities for gay men and reproductive diversity53:53 - Ethical and regulatory landscape for germline modifications1:02:24 - How AI and machine learning accelerate research1:05:22 - Science fiction’s influence on ethical biotech development1:08:48 - Maintaining work-life balance amid groundbreaking research1:12:25 - Advice for young scientists tackling high-impact problemsIn 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.

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/https://www.levf.org/donate

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.

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.