Walter Isaacson on CRISPR, Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and More! | The Tim Ferriss Show

A 1968 book by James Watson, recounting the discovery of the structure of DNA. This book was a significant inspiration for both Walter Isaacson and Jennifer Doudna to pursue science.

A book by John M. Barry about the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Isaacson draws parallels between historical pandemic responses and those during COVID-19 after reading Barry's work.

A 1651 book by Thomas Hobbes that is considered one of the most influential works of political philosophy, particularly in relation to social contract theory. Mentioned in the context of enforcing guidelines for gene editing technology.

The current President of Russia. He alluded to the potential of creating 'super soldiers' with enhanced abilities, highlighting concerns about the military applications of genetic technology.

The host of the podcast, interviewing Walter Isaacson. He shares his personal experiences with sponsors and topics discussed, and poses questions to his guest.

The dictator of Nazi Germany. Jennifer Doudna had a nightmare where she met Hitler, symbolizing the fear that CRISPR technology could be misused for nefarious purposes, akin to eugenics.

A Swiss chemist who first synthesized LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), psilocybin, and other psychedelic compounds. He was recognized as one of the 'greatest living geniuses' in 2007.

A biohacker whom Tim Ferriss mentions as someone who attempted to use CRISPR to suppress myostatin and increase muscle mass, illustrating citizen science and potential athletic applications.

Co-founder of Apple Inc., known for his ability to blend art and technology. Isaacson notes that Jobs, like Doudna, did not distinguish between these fields, contributing to his innovative approach.

An English chemist and X-ray crystallographer whose work was central to the understanding of the molecular structures of DNA, RNA, viruses, coal, and graphite. Her data was used by Watson and Crick in their discovery of the DNA double helix.

An American molecular biologist, geneticist, and zoologist. Watson, along with Francis Crick, discovered the DNA double helix structure, inspiring both Isaacson and Jennifer Doudna in their scientific pursuits.

An American inventor and entrepreneur who was one of the founders of Fairchild Semiconductor and Intel Corporation. He played a key role in the development of the integrated circuit, mentioned in relation to technological advancement and collaboration.

A professor of history, former CEO of the Aspen Institute, and author, who is a guest on the podcast for the second time to discuss his new book. He is known for biographies of prominent figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Kissinger.

An artist and inventor whose meticulousness and curiosity are compared to Jennifer Doudna's scientific approach. Isaacson notes Da Vinci's unfinished works and his inquiries into natural phenomena.

A jazz musician Isaacson considered writing a biography about but ultimately decided against due to an inability to 'crack his code' and understand his inner life.

An English mathematician and writer, chiefly known for her work on Charles Babbage's proposed mechanical general-purpose computer, the Analytical Engine. She is credited with creating the first algorithm intended to be carried out by such a machine, leading to her description as the first computer programmer. Isaacson considered a biography on her but found insufficient material.

A Nobel Prize-winning biochemist and one of the inventors of CRISPR gene editing technology. She is the central figure of Isaacson's new book, 'The Code Breaker,' and her journey from a curious child in Hawaii to a leading scientist is detailed.

An American chemist, biochemist, molecular biologist, and Nobel laureate who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and the Nobel Peace Prize. He was a competitor to Watson and Crick in the race to discover the structure of DNA.

The first person successfully cured of sickle cell anemia using CRISPR gene editing technology.

A British computer scientist best known as the inventor of the World Wide Web. He was ranked among the 'greatest living geniuses' in 2007, alongside Albert Hofmann.

A breed of beef cattle known for extreme muscle hypertrophy (double muscling), achieved through selective breeding. This is used as an example of how genetic traits can be enhanced, similar to potential CRISPR applications.

A brand of low-carb, high-protein, zero-sugar cereal that Tim Ferriss eats daily and discusses as a sponsor. It's noted for being gluten-free, grain-free, keto-friendly, soy-free, and GMO-free.

A prestigious research university where Fong Zhang is affiliated through the Broad Institute, a joint initiative with MIT.

A major biomedical and health research institute affiliated with MIT and Harvard University, where Fong Zhang conducts his research on CRISPR.

A non-profit organization for public dialogue and bipartisan discourse. Walter Isaacson previously worked there and encountered Jennifer Doudna there, sparking his interest in her story.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a leading research university where Fong Zhang works and where significant advancements in CRISPR technology have been made.

The podcast hosted by Tim Ferriss, featuring interviews with world-class performers and thinkers. This episode features Walter Isaacson as a guest.

A book by Tim Ferriss that offers advice on lifestyle design and productivity. He mentions his website '4hourworkweek.com' for listeners to sign up for his 'Five Bullet Friday' email.

A multinational semiconductor manufacturer that developed early microchip technology. Mentioned as an example of innovation and collaboration leading to widely adopted technologies.

A company offering smart mattress covers that regulate temperature for better sleep. Tim Ferriss endorses the Pod Pro Cover, highlighting its cooling and heating capabilities and biometric tracking.

A Titan in Greek mythology known for his intelligence and for tricking the gods to give fire to humans. The act of editing human genes is compared to Prometheus stealing fire, symbolizing a transgression or a powerful, potentially dangerous, advancement.

A gene that inhibits muscle growth. Suppressing or blocking myostatin can lead to increased muscle mass, an area of interest for both natural genetic enhancement and potential CRISPR applications in athletes.

Technological processes that can be used to add, delete, or alter genetic material. CRISPR is the primary gene editing technology discussed, with its potential benefits and risks explored.

A family of DNA sequences found in the genomes of prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria and archaea. CRISPR technology, co-invented by Jennifer Doudna, acts like molecular scissors to edit genes, with vast potential for treating diseases and ethical implications.

Lysergic acid diethylamide, a psychedelic drug synthesized by Albert Hofmann. Hofmann's work reflects a curiosity that can lead to profound discoveries with both positive and negative implications.

A scientific research project that aims to map all of the genes of the human genome from both a physical and a functional standpoint. Understanding its outcomes is helpful, but not essential, for grasping basic genetic concepts.