De-Extinction Nightmare Part 1: Nazi Cows (E368)
About this episode
The episode explores the disturbing history and ideology behind the de-extinction efforts of the Heck brothers in 1930s Germany.
The long history of humans bending biology for civilization eventually raised an important question: if animals can be domesticated, then couldn’t they also be de-domesticated? Further: could selective breeding allow scientists to reverse-engineer a species back from extinction and contain identical DNA to its ancestors? The first people to attempt “de-extinction” were, naturally, mad zoologists supported by Nazis. Modern attempts to leverage molecular biology to revive long-lost species provide a classic example of history rhyming. In part one of this two-part episode, Jack explores the disturbing ideology behind the de-extinction efforts of the Heck brothers in 1930s Germany, as well as their attempts to create so-called “genetically pure” species. Next week, we’ll unpack the floundering species revival program from genetic engineering startup Colossal Biosciences and why billionaires and the Trump administration are so invested in gaining the ability to make extinction less permanent than commonly believed. Subscribe for $5 a month to get all the premium episodes: www.patreon.com/qaa Check out our new podcast series network Cursed Media! Spectral Voyager Season 2 is releasing…
More episodes of QAA Podcast
- Jake’s Takes x Liv’s Gives - Coachella Edition (Premium E333) Sample
- De-Extinction Nightmare Part 2: Colossal Lies (E369)
- Paleolithic Secret Societies and How to Join One (Premium E332) Sample
- Back to Conspiracy School Part 2 (Premium E330) Sample
- World’s Last Chance (E367)
- Back to Conspiracy School Part 1 (Premium E330) Sample
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the QAA Podcast podcast page.