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Galaxy Balance: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Cory Smith
Galaxy Balance explores the frontier where biology, technology and consciousness meet. Each episode brings together pioneers shaping our collective future, from genome engineers and AI builders to longevity researchers, space explorers, and mindfulness practitioners. Hosted by Cory Smith, the conversations dive deep into how these seemingly distant fields form an interconnected ecosystem, one that balance innovation with introspection, science with spirit, and ambition with awareness. At its core, Galaxy Balance is about integration; the idea that our greatest leaps forward happen when disciplines collide. The same algorithms that decode galaxies can help us understand genomes; the same principles that govern consciousness can illuminate AI. Through long-form, unscripted dialogue, the show invites listeners to zoom out from the silos of specialization and see the larger pattern: a living system of intelligence evolving across scales – molecular, planetary, and cosmic.
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- 4 days ago57 min
Li Li: Rewiring Skin Aging With AI and mRNA
00:00 - Introduction to Lily and GLife’s vision for data-driven dermatology01:20 - Lily’s scientific background 02:43 - Breakthroughs from single-cell atlases03:50 - The motivation behind founding GLife 04:50 - The importance of treating skin as a foundational organ 05:48 - Discovery of key molecular drivers of aging 06:22 - Challenges of fundraising07:45 - The novel approach to rejuvenating hair loss through targeted messenger RNA treatments08:53 - How treatments will be delivered via microneedles and micro patches09:32 - The potential to alter hair color and explore cosmetic applications10:06 - Balancing platform discovery engines with the development of first-in-class therapeutics10:43 - The comprehensiveness of the skin atlas and addressing genetic diversity11:39 - Technical challenges of capturing skin’s cellular heterogeneity and stem cell populations12:50 - The importance of isoforms and deep sequencing in understanding gene functions13:16 - Short-lived messenger RNA as a safe, reversible treatment modality14:55 - Safety considerations and toxicity management 16:01 - Biodistribution studies and local micro-needle delivery safety17:00 - Next steps towards clinical trials and regenerative therapies for hair loss18:08 - The role of big data and omics in understanding skin disorders and aging19:04 - The significance of isoforms in skin biology and gene function20:13 - Endogenous vs. modified messenger design for safety and efficacy21:32 - Potential for multi-gene delivery to enhance hair regrowth and color restoration22:22 - Conception of patches that work with existing hair without shaving23:38 - Targeting broad hair loss types and the concept of root causes24:47 - Modeling hair loss with animal models and regulatory considerations25:48 - Regulatory perspectives on non-animal models and validation strategies26:34 - The interplay between genetic and environmental causes of skin aging27:54 - The biological hub role of specific transcription factors in stress and aging29:10 - The future of skin biomarkers for diagnosis and personalized health monitoring30:18 - Leveraging AI’s data integration and precision medicine in dermatology32:32 - The impact of protein isoforms and post-translational modifications in skin treatment34:47 - Interest in peptides, small molecules, and biohacking trends for skin health36:03 - Collaboration between wet labs, computational teams, and clinical partners36:36 - The significance of internal naming conventions in research and development37:28 - The high-throughput screening process for key transcription factors38:13 - Strategies for overexpressing target genes in therapeutic design39:00 - AI’s role in accelerating discovery and development pipelines in biotech40:39 - Addressing data quality, heterogeneity, and integration challenges in big datasets44:12 - Envisioning personalized skincare driven by genomics and AI44:56 - The inspiring concept that ancient technologies now seem like magic45:24 - Challenges in bringing novel dermatological treatments through trials and regulation47:42 - The evolving role of AI in drug quality control and documentation48:11 - Unique advantages of Lily’s targeted mRNA approach over other modalities49:22 - Using skin as a model system for broader human biology insights50:28 - Perspectives on epigenetic reprogramming and cellular re-differentiation51:22 - Fundraising experiences and strategic positioning for biotech development52:21 - The influence of science fiction, especially “Three Body Problem” and “Interstellar,” on Lily’s vision54:24 - Advice to young scientists: read widely, think deeply, and dream big
- 2 weeks ago1h 3m
Aditya Kunjapur: Bringing New Chemistry to Life
What does it take to bring new chemistry to life?In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith speaks with Aditya Kunjapur, Associate Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Delaware, about genetic code expansion, non-standard amino acids, engineered microbes, and the future of synthetic biology.Aditya’s lab explores how biology can be programmed to biosynthesize chemical groups that are rare or absent in nature, install those new building blocks into proteins, and make microbial survival depend on synthetic chemistry. The conversation moves from his early path through energy and chemical engineering, to his time in George Church’s lab, to the founding of Nitro Biosciences and the use of expanded genetic codes for next generation vaccine platforms.They discuss how non-standard amino acids can act as chemical flags for the immune system, how live microbes could produce antigens inside the body, and why genetic code expansion may open new approaches to vaccines, biocontainment, agriculture, environmental engineering, and planetary protection.The episode also explores synthetic auxotrophy, engineered microbial dependence, plant controlled microbial survival, plastic degradation, agricultural probiotics, bioenergy, AI tools for non-standard amino acids, and the science fiction lessons behind containment, from Jurassic Park to modern AI.This is a conversation about rewriting the language of life, not only to understand biology, but to give it new chemistry, new safeguards, and new possibilities.Timestamps:00:00 - Engineering microbes for space: Bacillus subtilis and biological containment02:28 - Aditya’s pathway into synthetic biology and innovative chemistry05:46 - Transitioning from industry internships to academia and entrepreneurship10:16 - Founding Nitro Biosciences: balancing entrepreneurship with academic research16:31 - Genetic code expansion and its potential to elicit immune responses22:41 - The scarcity and potential of non-standard amino acids in life27:26 - Detecting extraterrestrial life and the shared building blocks of biology36:49 - Synthetic oxytrophy and microbial biocontainment strategies44:01 - Reducing herbicide reliance with engineered microbes in agriculture52:53 - Computational tools and AI for non-standard amino acid research54:53 - Bioenergy and sustainability: bio-catalysis innovations59:08 - How science fiction influences bioengineering and AI safety considerations
- Jun 29, 20261h 0m
Erik Aznauryan: Writing Genes at Scale
Erik Aznauryan, CEO and co-founder of HarborSite, joins Galaxy Balance to explore the next frontier of genome engineering: moving beyond small edits and toward precise, large-scale DNA insertion. Erik traces his path from Armenia and medical school to Europe, the Church Lab, and eventually founding HarborSite with a mission to make gene insertion safer, more durable, and more programmable.The conversation dives into recombinases, safe harbor sites, payload size limits, delivery vehicles, in vivo validation, AI-driven protein engineering, and the therapeutic promise of inserting full genes or even entire genetic programs into the genome. Cory and Erik also discuss rare disease, cell therapy, skin and liver targeting, regulatory bottlenecks, animal models, funding shifts in biotech, and the long-term possibility of human enhancement in an age of AI.At the edge of science fiction and translational medicine, this episode asks what becomes possible when genome engineering evolves from editing biology to writing biology at scale00:00 — The North Star for genome engineering00:36 — Introduction to Erik and HarborSite01:39 — Erik’s path into science02:36 — Early fascination with cloning and genome engineering03:21 — Cory’s own early inspiration04:03 — Why genome engineering matters05:24 — Ethical questions around germline engineering06:37 — Why early-stage intervention matters07:51 — Technical progress and disease-specific editing09:25 — Why HarborSite was founded10:50 — Recombinases as the core technology12:15 — Engineering recombinases for new DNA targets13:12 — Novel genomic safe harbors14:18 — How safe harbors are selected and validated15:36 — How much target specificity can be changed?16:36 — Why lifelong expression matters17:29 — Testing durability in culture and in vivo18:26 — The appeal of the albumin locus19:15 — Endogenous production of biologics20:59 — Startup challenges and fundraising22:28 — Why LabCentral is valuable23:07 — AI BioHub and large proprietary datasets24:08 — AI’s role in model development25:11 — Practical uses of AI in biotech startups26:51 — How the team handles data analysis27:56 — What the therapeutic product looks like28:52 — First target tissues: liver and T cells30:27 — Testing off-target integration31:27 — Balancing specificity and efficiency32:24 — Lessons from CAR-T and random integration33:40 — Why recombinase systems may be safer34:39 — Payload size and delivery constraints35:35 — Delivery strategies under consideration38:09 — Simpler donor DNA formats39:38 — Platform company and therapeutic company40:59 — The key milestone: in vivo validation41:48 — HarborSite’s pre-seed raise43:05 — How VC expectations have shifted44:26 — Choosing the right in vivo model46:22 — The continued importance of mouse studies48:23 — Global regulatory differences50:10 — Science funding in the U.S.52:40 — Synthetic biology in space54:34 — Enhancement and self-directed health57:40 — Science fiction and inspiration59:34 — Advice for young scientists60:31 — Closing remarks
- Jun 15, 20261h 7m
Intertwined Biosciences: Engineering Evolution for Human Health
Max Rye and Evan Appleton of Intertwined Bio join Galaxy Balance to explore one of the boldest ideas in modern biology: borrowing nature’s most extreme traits and translating them into human health.From horses that resist liver cirrhosis to naked mole rats, bowhead whales, radiation resistant organisms, hibernating animals, and the future of humans in space, this conversation asks what becomes possible when evolution itself becomes a design library. Max and Evan explain how Intertwined Bio is using synthetic biology, gene editing, AI, virtual macrophages, and agentic systems to identify traits from extraordinary animals and test whether those adaptations can be engineered into human cells.We discuss liver fibrosis, DNA damage repair, innate immune engineering, longevity, space radiation, de extinction, Colossal Biosciences, the future of virtual cells, and the ethical line between therapy and enhancement.This is a conversation about turning science fiction into biology.00:00 - Introduction to Intertwined Bio and their innovative approach01:01 - The origins and motivations of Max and Evan in biotech04:56 - Scientific foundation: Borrowing traits from long-lived and resilient animals07:16 - Why now? Recent technological advances enabling these innovations10:46 - Role of AI in understanding complex biological systems and virtual cell modeling14:17 - Delivery strategies for genetic modifications in humans18:19 - Regulatory pathways and ethical boundaries in gene editing22:25 - The potential of junk DNA variants and regulatory engineering27:09 - The potential impact on sports animals and broader applications31:12 - Industry landscape, collaboration, and competition33:21 - Building a startup: team dynamics, trust, and early steps35:58 - Insights on other biotech ventures like AstroMech and their directions38:39 - Space applications: radiation resistance, hibernation, and life support systems43:01 - Prioritizing targets using AI and high-throughput screening48:31 - Broader prospects: aging, longevity, and the OZEMPIC effect52:44 - Focus on innate immune system engineering and virtual cell development57:15 - Strategies for macrophage gene editing and cell type targeting1:01:36 - Bottlenecks in lab throughput and cell growth limitations1:04:30 - The influence of science fiction on biotech innovation and ethical outlooks1:06:14 - Closing thoughts: science fiction as inspiration and the rapid transition of ideas into reality
- Jun 1, 20261h 2m
Charles Fracchia: Securing the Bioeconomy
In this episode of Galaxy Balance, I sit down with Charles Fracchia to explore the emerging infrastructure layer of synthetic biology. We discuss the future of secure and scalable bioengineering, the role of community laboratories in accelerating innovation, and how biology is evolving into a programmable technology platform. Charles shares the story behind BioBright, the creation of Bio-ISAC, and the broader challenge of building resilient systems for a world where genetic engineering becomes increasingly accessible.The conversation moves from cyberbiosecurity and open science to AI-driven biological design, scientific culture, and the growing overlap between software engineering and biotechnology. We also explore the long-term future of human enhancement, decentralized science, and how science fiction continues to shape the ambitions of the next generation of builders working at the frontier of biology.Timestamps:00:00 - Overcoming cynicism in AI's role in biosecurity00:40 - Introduction to Charles Fracchia and his pioneering work02:07 - Charles's background and journey into biotech innovation04:01 - Balancing classical education with trial-by-fire experience06:26 - AI as a search tool versus experimental center in biology08:28 - Developing AI systems for biological experiment automation11:35 - The founding and evolution of Black Mesa and its mission14:26 - The importance of digital batch records and AI-assisted QA QC16:06 - AI's role in drug development, safety, and traceability18:44 - Ensuring trust and integrity in AI models for biotech applications22:51 - Addressing data poisoning and ensuring model robustness24:45 - Strategies for verifying biological data integrity through cryptography and blockchain33:55 - Future threats like AI-driven bio weapons and safeguarding strategies42:48 - The importance of operational innovation in accelerating bioeconomy growth58:25 - Influence of science fiction on biosecurity and innovation60:11 - Advice for emerging scientists in a rapidly changing landscape1:02:53 - Closing remarks and future outlook from Charles Fracchia
- May 19, 202653 min
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 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
- May 11, 202659 min
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
- Apr 27, 20261h 1m
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 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
About Galaxy Balance
Galaxy Balance explores the frontier where biology, technology and consciousness meet. Each episode brings together pioneers shaping our collective future, from genome engineers and AI builders to longevity researchers, space explorers, and mindfulness practitioners. Hosted by Cory Smith, the conversations dive deep into how these seemingly distant fields form an interconnected ecosystem, one that balance innovation with introspection, science with spirit, and ambition with awareness. At its core, Galaxy Balance is about integration; the idea that our greatest leaps forward happen when disciplines collide. The same algorithms that decode galaxies can help us understand genomes; the same principles that govern consciousness can illuminate AI. Through long-form, unscripted dialogue, the show invites listeners to zoom out from the silos of specialization and see the larger pattern: a living system of intelligence evolving across scales – molecular, planetary, and cosmic.
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