Kate Adamala on Synthetic Biology, Origins of Life, and Bioethics

Explore the fascinating world of synthetic biology and the origins of life in this thought-provoking podcast episode featuring Kate Adamala, a synthetic biologist and professor at the University of Minnesota. Delve into the complex questions surrounding the definition of life, the potential for creating synthetic minimal cells, and the ethical implications of bioengineering. Learn about Adamala's groundbreaking research on producing artificial cells capable of performing biological processes, and how this work bridges the gap between biology and physics. Discover the connections between past and future as the discussion touches on topics such as building life, growing machines, and the potential for multiple origins of life. Gain insights into the practical applications of synthetic biology, public concerns, and the philosophical implications of creating artificial life forms. This engaging conversation challenges conventional thinking about life's origins and offers a unique perspective on the future of biotechnology and its impact on our understanding of existence.

Intro
Welcome to Complexity
Childhood and Early Life
Origins of Life
What I Cannot Create
Synthetic Cells
Origin of Life
The Origin of Life
Competition Between Model Protocells
SelfReplication
ContextDependence
Cell Reproduction
Catalysts
Strategy vs Luck
Freshwater Geothermal Hypothesis
What Technology Wants
Informational Lineage
Alien Intelligence
Practical Applications
Public Concerns