TJ Cradick: Building the Future of Genome Editing

Tyler Todt: Discipline Over Dopamine

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 health 00:11 - The value of movement and daily habits in life optimization 00:44 - Introducing Tyler Todt’s background and mission 01:12 - Tyler’s journey from normal life to disciplined optimization 02:17 - Marriage, weight gain, and mental health struggles in the journey 03:08 - Creating intentional rules to improve life quality 04:08 - Mindset shifts for sustainable health improvements 04:45 - Challenges in maintaining motivation and overcoming setbacks 05:02 - Tips for starting small and building routines 06:01 - The neuroscience of habits and pattern creation 07:27 - The importance of grace and balance in biohacking 08:23 - Brain's autopilot and neural pathways in behavior change 09:16 - Ethical debates around reproductive biotech advances 09:43 - The use of stem cells in fertility and new treatments 10:32 - The future of gene editing and embryo selection 13:33 - Ethical considerations of genetic trait modification 15:35 - The potential dangers of designer traits and societal impacts 16:20 - Risks of focusing on narrow breeding goals 16:49 - Natural genetic variation and evolutionary trade-offs 17:09 - The double-edged sword of certain genetic traits like sickle cell 18:16 - Limitations of current genetic understanding and AI's potential 19:16 - Advances in DNA reading, writing, and CRISPR technology 20:03 - The ethical dilemmas of germline modifications and human enhancement 21:26 - The future of human evolution and the possibility of multiple iterations 22:16 - Space exploration, colonization, and interstellar travel 23:05 - The societal and ethical implications of AI-enhanced humans 24:33 - Neural interfaces, Neuralink, and virtual reality futures 25:35 - The allure and dangers of immersive digital worlds 26:13 - The role of genuine human experiences versus synthetic life 27:32 - The societal challenges of technological inequality 28:02 - The quest for extraterrestrial life and the Fermi paradox 39:15 - The potential for hidden advanced technologies and secret projects 40:44 - The vastness of space and the search for alien life 45:57 - Global cooperation and the importance of humanity's future 46:55 - UFOs, alien encounters, and government disclosures 49:40 - Living in a universe of uncertainties and existential risks 50:14 - Science fiction recommendations: The Matrix and beyond 50:53 - Advice for aspiring longevity explorers: control, curiosity, and consistency 52:25 - Mental health, nervous system management, and daily reflection 53:01 - Final thoughts and appreciation for innovative minds in health science

TJ Cradick: Building the Future of Genome Editing

Genome editing has moved from experimental concept to FDA approved medicine in less than a generation. Few people have been closer to that transformation than TJ Cradick. TJ was one of the earliest pioneers in programmable biology, helping shape the field from the era of zinc finger nucleases through the rise of CRISPR and next generation editing systems. As the second employee and Head of Genome Editing at CRISPR Therapeutics, he helped lay the scientific foundation for Casgevy, the first FDA approved CRISPR therapy. Later, at Excision BioTherapeutics, he worked on some of the first in vivo CRISPR therapies targeting latent HIV reservoirs. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of genome engineering. We explore the transition from protein engineered nucleases to scalable CRISPR guide libraries, and the growing importance of delivery technologies capable of targeting tissues beyond the liver. TJ explains how off target analysis evolved from primitive assays into massively parallel sequencing pipelines and why the future of gene editing depends just as much on delivery and manufacturing as the editing enzymes themselves. We also discuss the hidden challenges behind FDA approval, the realities of scaling genome editing therapies, the future of in vivo editing, and the ethical questions surrounding human germline engineering. This conversation is a rare look inside the engineering, regulation, and philosophy of one of the most transformative technologies humanity has ever developed. ·       0:00 - Science Fiction to Science Fact ·       0:23 - Cutting Edge of Science ·       0:37 - Introduction to TJ Cradick ·       1:06 - CRISPR Therapeutics and Beyond ·       1:42 - Early Interest in Science ·       2:12 - Academic Journey ·       3:08 - Transition to Biotech ·       4:04 - Zinc Finger Nucleases ·       5:28 - Evolution of Screening Technologies ·       6:48 - CRISPR Libraries and High Throughput Screens ·       8:07 - New Technologies in Gene Editing ·       9:15 - Off-Target Effects and Assays ·       11:23 - Future Opportunities in Gene Editing ·       13:18 - Regulatory Challenges ·       16:24 - Cost Challenges in Genome Editing ·       18:22 - Manufacturing and Delivery Innovations ·       20:14 - Delivery Challenges and Innovations ·       22:30 - Capsid Design and Blood-Brain Barrier ·       24:01 - Viral vs. Non-Viral Delivery Systems ·       27:19 - IP Limitations and CRISPR Variants ·       30:31 - Target Selection for Therapeutics ·       34:03 - Precise Repair Technologies ·       37:03 - Off-Target Effects in Gene Editing ·       42:31 - Genetic Instability in Edited Cells ·       46:20 - Human Germline Engineering ·       49:19 - CRISPR for Viral Cure ·       51:27 - Regulatory Path Improvements ·       54:20 - Balancing Speed and Safety ·       57:03 - Advice for Future Scientists

Nabiha Saklayen: From Physics to Scalable Cell Therapies

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 technology 00:11 - Nabiha Saklayen’s background and childhood fascination with space 02:01 - Her journey through physics, biophysics, and motivations behind her work 03:24 - Early influences from diverse cultures and educational choices 06:17 - How personal loss shaped her scientific focus on biomedicine 08:40 - Insights on Artemis moon mission and space biology innovations 12:27 - Inspiring the next generation: fostering curiosity in children 14:20 - AI as a tool for biology and the significance of large language models 17:03 - The origins of Cellino: applying light-based manufacturing methods 20:22 - Cellino’s optical bioprocess and steps toward clinical-scale production 22:23 - Addressing variability in iPSC reprogramming and quality control 26:32 - Regulatory milestones and FDA collaborations in advanced therapies 30:27 - The role of automation and dashboards in scalable cell manufacturing 36:52 - Visualizing the process from donor cell to differentiated therapy 40:35 - Maintaining sterility and process control in cell banking 45:40 - How AI interfaces with robotics and the role of scientists in automated development 46:04 - The physics of cell removal using bubbles and laser technology 49:20 - How AI and machine learning optimize manufacturing processes and data management 54:54 - Advice for students passionate about science and innovation 57:19 - Future of human creativity and AI partnership in work and art 59:05 - Speculating on the creation or existence of AGI and its first questions 1:00:03 - The influence of science fiction on Nabiha’s worldview and recommended books

Noah Davidsohn: Engineering Longevity at the Genetic Level

What if aging is not a collection of diseases, but a system-level failure we can intervene in? In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Noah Davidsohn, co-founder and CSO of Rejuvenate Bio, to explore a new approach to longevity rooted in gene therapy and systems biology. Noah’s work focuses on treating aging at its source by rebalancing key biological pathways across the body. Instead of targeting one disease at a time, his team is developing combination gene therapies designed to improve function across multiple organs simultaneously. Rejuvenate Bio is currently raising on Wefunder. This is a rare opportunity to invest in a scaling biotech on the same terms as their VC partners. If our conversation resonated with you, this is your chance to join what Dr. Noah Davidsohn is building. Learn more and invest at wefunder.com/rejuvenatebio [http://wefunder.com/rejuvenatebio] 00:00 - Replacing organs to reverse aging: science fiction or imminent reality 00:34 - Welcome to Galaxy Balance: exploring biology and AI frontiers 01:01 - Noah Davidson’s background and mission at Rejuvenate Bio 01:57 - Reprogramming biological systems for systemic healthspan extension 02:41 - The influence of sci-fi on Noah’s interest in space and longevity 03:38 - Space exploration's crossover with biological resilience 05:25 - The societal impact of science fiction on technological progress 07:55 - Addressing dystopian themes in modern sci-fi and their societal reflection 08:16 - The absence of longevity-focused sci-fi and Noah’s motivation 09:12 - Personal story: pet dog inspired Noah’s longevity work 10:33 - Origin of Rejuvenate Bio and its mission to treat aging 11:57 - Combining gene therapies targeting multiple age-related diseases 13:44 - The potential and limitations of epigenetic partial reprogramming 14:14 - Upcoming clinical trials and safety considerations for gene therapy 16:01 - Cyclic gene therapy and risks of permanent expression 17:43 - Inducible gene expression systems: safety and practical considerations 21:19 - Systemic, liver-targeted gene therapies: permanent vs. transient 22:33 - Strategies for pet therapies and expanding to human applications 25:47 - Manufacturing innovations reducing costs for wide-scale treatment 27:12 - Prophylactic use of gene therapies in pets and humans 29:08 - Targeting multiple diseases with a single systemic therapy 30:40 - Breeds at risk for mitral valve disease and targeted therapy efforts 33:42 - Disease-modifying treatments for fibrosis and heart failure 36:48 - How AAV vector delivery works and safety measures in tissue targeting 42:47 - Regulatory pathways for animal therapies and translational relevance 44:22 - Challenges in funding and VC environment for longevity startups 45:45 - The strategy of using animal models as a bridge to human therapies 50:05 - Future scientific directions: partial reprogramming and cell replacement tech 52:37 - The concept of longevity escape velocity and current progress 53:44 - Personal longevity practices: exercise, diet, sleep, stress management 55:27 - The role of biometric feedback devices in health monitoring 56:54 - Emerging modalities and innovative approaches in anti-aging research 58:24 - The ship of Theseus analogy for cell and tissue replacement 59:37 - Philosophical questions about consciousness and identity in aging 1:00:43 - Recommended sci-fi books for longevity and biotech enthusiasts 1:01:39 - Career advice for aspiring scientists and interdisciplinary innovation 1:02:45 - Wrap-up and best wishes for ongoing longevity breakthroughs

Tae Seok Moon: Engineering Biology at Planetary Scale

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 - Introduction 1:01 - Tae Seok Moon Background 2:34 - From Poet to Scientist 8:26 - DNA as Language & Creation 12:37 - Synthetic Cells & Venter 18:31 - Microbes in Space 25:47 - ISS & Space Experiments 29:22 - Closed Ecosystems Challenge 32:25 - Solving Global Problems 37:44 - Science Fiction Influence 40:36 - AI in Synthetic Biology 50:38 - Future of Scientific Publishing 1:01:10 - Advice for Young Scientists