Episode
#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
3:01:52
Published: Sun May 08 2022
Description
Chris Mason is a professor of genomics, physiology, and biophysics at Cornell, doing research on the long-term effects of space on the human body. He is the author of The Next 500 Years: Engineering Life to Reach New Worlds. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/lex to get 10% off - Grammarly: https://grammarly.com/lex to get 20% off premium - Magic Spoon: https://magicspoon.com/lex - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex EPISODE LINKS: Chris's Twitter: https://twitter.com/mason_lab Chris's Website: http://masonlab.net/ Chris's Company: https://onegevity.com/ The Next 500 Years (book): https://amzn.to/3k9ab4S Reasons and Persons (book): https://amzn.to/3Lrm6a5 PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (0:00) - Introduction (7:43) - Human extinction awareness (16:29) - Heat death of the universe (22:05) - Alone in the universe (25:41) - Aliens (33:50) - Entropy goggles (48:04) - Genetics (56:14) - Scott Kelly (1:02:12) - Adapting to space (1:12:13) - Sex in space (1:14:46) - Colonizing planets (1:21:25) - Culture on Mars (1:25:51) - Commercial space flights (1:33:09) - Podcast in space (1:40:43) - Axiom Space (1:42:59) - Designing space experiments (1:49:49) - Robots in space (1:52:30) - Space exploration (1:56:28) - War in space (2:00:05) - Launch toward the Second Sun (2:06:14) - Chlorohumans (2:11:50) - Extreme microbiome project (2:18:17) - Space travel breakthroughs (2:30:15) - Clones (2:36:08) - AI age prediction (2:41:38) - Advice for young people (2:47:56) - Dark times (2:52:19) - Mortality (2:56:37) - Visiting ISS and deep space (2:57:46) - Meaning of life
Chapters
Chris Mason, a professor of genomics at Cornell, discusses how synthetic biology can help humans colonize space and travel to other planets.
00:00 - 03:35 (03:35)
Summary
Chris Mason, a professor of genomics at Cornell, discusses how synthetic biology can help humans colonize space and travel to other planets. He also talks about the experiments he conducts on space missions to study the effects of space travel on the human body.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses how contemplating mortality and taking responsibility for our planetary impact are uniquely human traits.
03:35 - 10:51 (07:15)
Summary
This podcast discusses how contemplating mortality and taking responsibility for our planetary impact are uniquely human traits. The host also recommends the use of blinkers to summarize books and to remind oneself of key insights.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Futurist and engineer Ray Kurzweil talks about the need to value and protect all life, including the possible de-extinctified woolly mammoth, and the importance of enjoying the present moment while still solving problems for the future.
10:51 - 19:37 (08:45)
Summary
Futurist and engineer Ray Kurzweil talks about the need to value and protect all life, including the possible de-extinctified woolly mammoth, and the importance of enjoying the present moment while still solving problems for the future.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In the face of the inevitable end of the existence of Earth, the question of whether or not humans should try to survive forever arises.
19:37 - 27:22 (07:44)
Summary
In the face of the inevitable end of the existence of Earth, the question of whether or not humans should try to survive forever arises. While some argue that humans should try to survive and thrive as long as possible, others argue that life may only be finite and that it's time to revisit our priorities.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Bacteria have always been an important subject of research due to their abundance and similar nature to other possible alien life forms.
27:22 - 33:36 (06:13)
Summary
Bacteria have always been an important subject of research due to their abundance and similar nature to other possible alien life forms. Pure research on bacteria has led to significant therapeutic advancements in curing diseases and could help in understanding and identifying other possible organisms on other planets.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Physicist and author, Dr. Sean Carroll, uses the notion of entropy goggles to think about the eventual decay and destruction of all things in the universe, including ourselves.
33:36 - 42:22 (08:46)
Summary
Physicist and author, Dr. Sean Carroll, uses the notion of entropy goggles to think about the eventual decay and destruction of all things in the universe, including ourselves. This thought experiment serves as a reminder of our limited time on Earth and the potential for change in the present.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Chris Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss the difficulty in accurately predicting the future, and how looking 500 years ahead is one of the few timeframes where large-scale changes can realistically be envisioned.
42:22 - 50:17 (07:54)
Summary
Chris Anderson and Kevin Kelly discuss the difficulty in accurately predicting the future, and how looking 500 years ahead is one of the few timeframes where large-scale changes can realistically be envisioned.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Twin studies are a useful tool for scientists to examine the balance of genetics versus environment in shaping human traits and behavior, by comparing identical twins to fraternal twins to determine the degree of genetic influence.
50:17 - 56:06 (05:48)
Summary
Twin studies are a useful tool for scientists to examine the balance of genetics versus environment in shaping human traits and behavior, by comparing identical twins to fraternal twins to determine the degree of genetic influence.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Space travel can cause jet lag-like symptoms for the body, as it takes time for the cells to repair DNA damage.
56:06 - 1:01:28 (05:21)
Summary
Space travel can cause jet lag-like symptoms for the body, as it takes time for the cells to repair DNA damage. Astronauts experience inflammation markers and physical discomfort such as puffiness and rashes on the skin due to the zero-gravity environment.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of low dosage radiation therapy with targeted therapies to activate immune cells for gene modification is becoming increasingly popular.
1:01:28 - 1:06:24 (04:55)
Summary
The use of low dosage radiation therapy with targeted therapies to activate immune cells for gene modification is becoming increasingly popular. The emergence of epigenetic CRISPR therapies has also enabled the modification of genetic cells to kindle work safety in dangerous mine or high radiation environments.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Dr. Andrew Rader discusses the concept of creating a prototrophic human that would be able to produce all their own amino acids and vitamins, as well as the possibility of sex in space.
1:06:24 - 1:14:22 (07:57)
Summary
Dr. Andrew Rader discusses the concept of creating a prototrophic human that would be able to produce all their own amino acids and vitamins, as well as the possibility of sex in space.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The colonization of Mars poses challenges, from ensuring it doesn't mirror the exploitation that characterized colonization in the past to creating a self-sufficient ecosystem that can support human life.
1:14:22 - 1:19:07 (04:45)
Summary
The colonization of Mars poses challenges, from ensuring it doesn't mirror the exploitation that characterized colonization in the past to creating a self-sufficient ecosystem that can support human life.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
As humans contemplate colonization of other planets, the question arises about how religious and different cultural beliefs will adapt to an extraterrestrial environment.
1:19:07 - 1:26:03 (06:56)
Summary
As humans contemplate colonization of other planets, the question arises about how religious and different cultural beliefs will adapt to an extraterrestrial environment. Additionally, what type of people will be the first settlers – engineers, scientists, or extreme survivalists?
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this episode, Dr. Peter Attia discusses the future of space suits and inflammation research with Ariel Ekblaw, founder and lead of the Space Exploration Initiative at the MIT Media Lab.
1:26:03 - 1:35:45 (09:41)
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Peter Attia discusses the future of space suits and inflammation research with Ariel Ekblaw, founder and lead of the Space Exploration Initiative at the MIT Media Lab.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The guest discusses the bureaucracy in scientific research, including funding restrictions from organizations such as the NSF and DOD, as well as the importance of safety regulations in early space exploration.
1:35:45 - 1:43:00 (07:15)
Summary
The guest discusses the bureaucracy in scientific research, including funding restrictions from organizations such as the NSF and DOD, as well as the importance of safety regulations in early space exploration.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Conducting experiments in space comes with a unique set of challenges, including dealing with floating materials and ensuring that machinery can withstand high vibrations from launch.
1:43:00 - 1:46:43 (03:42)
Summary
Conducting experiments in space comes with a unique set of challenges, including dealing with floating materials and ensuring that machinery can withstand high vibrations from launch.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The private space industry is working towards making space more fun and engaging while also conducting innovative experiments such as observing viable human embryos developing in zero gravity environments to answer unanswered questions.
1:46:43 - 1:52:31 (05:47)
Summary
The private space industry is working towards making space more fun and engaging while also conducting innovative experiments such as observing viable human embryos developing in zero gravity environments to answer unanswered questions.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This episode explores the mysteries of Saturn's moon Titan, including its eerie, green-hued atmosphere, methane lakes, and the military actions that have taken place on its surface.
1:52:31 - 2:00:08 (07:37)
Summary
This episode explores the mysteries of Saturn's moon Titan, including its eerie, green-hued atmosphere, methane lakes, and the military actions that have taken place on its surface. It also raises questions about the legal framework that governs ownership of space and celestial bodies.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The idea of living and dying on a spacecraft with generations of people seems like a good idea at first, but the challenges of being confined in a small space for a long period of time may lead to rebellion and mutiny.
2:00:08 - 2:06:14 (06:05)
Summary
The idea of living and dying on a spacecraft with generations of people seems like a good idea at first, but the challenges of being confined in a small space for a long period of time may lead to rebellion and mutiny. Propulsion technology is necessary to make long-term space travel feasible.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Various unique organisms were discovered in the International Space Station, including the rare Acinetobacter pitii, which is usually found on human skin.
2:06:14 - 2:17:52 (11:37)
Summary
Various unique organisms were discovered in the International Space Station, including the rare Acinetobacter pitii, which is usually found on human skin. These discoveries have led to discussions on the evolution of organisms living on humans and the possibility of genetically modifying them for increased resilience.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker believes that as programmers we can build AI that is embedded with a sense of duty and caretaking and friendship, which includes creativity.
2:17:52 - 2:22:39 (04:47)
Summary
The speaker believes that as programmers we can build AI that is embedded with a sense of duty and caretaking and friendship, which includes creativity. He believes that AI would be a failure if it wasn't built this way.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Nuclear fusion is developing as a major source of propulsion and AI systems are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, though it is important to treat them as a friend rather than a servant, in order to provide a healthier relationship.
2:22:39 - 2:28:43 (06:04)
Summary
Nuclear fusion is developing as a major source of propulsion and AI systems are becoming increasingly more sophisticated, though it is important to treat them as a friend rather than a servant, in order to provide a healthier relationship.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
As humans continue to live longer, the importance of the individual person may shift towards the ideas they contribute to society.
2:28:43 - 2:36:03 (07:19)
Summary
As humans continue to live longer, the importance of the individual person may shift towards the ideas they contribute to society. Maybe a cultural shift towards valuing the ideas of organisms rather than the unique bodies themselves could occur.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast discusses how machine learning tools, predictive algorithms, and AI in medicine are changing our lives fundamentally, with a focus on their impact on pathology sample analysis, and the potential prediction abilities of such tools for social media manipulation and voter behavior.
2:36:03 - 2:42:31 (06:28)
Summary
This podcast discusses how machine learning tools, predictive algorithms, and AI in medicine are changing our lives fundamentally, with a focus on their impact on pathology sample analysis, and the potential prediction abilities of such tools for social media manipulation and voter behavior.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The lure of quick and frequent dopamine rushes from social media and video games can cause distraction and hinder productivity, even though they may seem like beneficial activities similar to problem-solving.
2:42:31 - 2:47:23 (04:52)
Summary
The lure of quick and frequent dopamine rushes from social media and video games can cause distraction and hinder productivity, even though they may seem like beneficial activities similar to problem-solving.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how some of his deepest sorrows have later been translated into his life as places that can be filled with greater joy, as he enjoys and appreciates sadness, almost longing for it sometimes.
2:47:23 - 2:57:45 (10:21)
Summary
The speaker talks about how some of his deepest sorrows have later been translated into his life as places that can be filled with greater joy, as he enjoys and appreciates sadness, almost longing for it sometimes.
Episode#283 – Chris Mason: Space Travel, Colonization, and Long-Term Survival in Space
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the meaning of life and the potential future of technological development, including the possibility of creating and protecting other life forms.
2:57:45 - 3:01:29 (03:43)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the meaning of life and the potential future of technological development, including the possibility of creating and protecting other life forms. The speaker also touches on the idea of artificial intelligence eventually replacing humanity and whether or not that would be acceptable.