The neobiological revolution started with the sequencing of the human genome, and really took off once we started being able to edit and reprogram DNA. Jane Metcalfe first saw this revolution unfolding at a conference, when she realized this was the next progression of the digital revolution–only this time we would be engineering life.
Metcalfe also noticed that many of the people at the forefront of this revolution were often too caught up in the specific problems they’re trying to solve, making it difficult for them to focus on the larger trends of this revolution. Metcalfe founded NEO.LIFE to help connect the dots between siloed disciplines; to identify the extraordinary scientists and innovators who are pioneering new biological solutions; and to help build a community and create some perspective on where this could and should (or should not) be going.
Jane Metcalfe is the Founder and CEO of NEO.LIFE, a media and events company she created in 02017 to explore the rapid developments at the intersection of technology and biology, and how those forces are shaping the future of our species. Metcalfe co-founded and was president of Wired Ventures, Inc., and president of Tcho Chocolate.
“The Neobiological Revolution” was given on April 16, 02020 as part of Long Now’s Seminar series. The series was started in 02003 to build a compelling body of ideas about long-term thinking from some of the world’s leading thinkers. The Seminars take place in San Francisco and are curated and hosted by Stewart Brand. To follow the talks, you can:
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