Galaxy Balance

Cory Smith
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Life Sciences

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.

  1. 6d ago

    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 containment 02:28 - Aditya’s pathway into synthetic biology and innovative chemistry 05:46 - Transitioning from industry internships to academia and entrepreneurship 10:16 - Founding Nitro Biosciences: balancing entrepreneurship with academic research 16:31 - Genetic code expansion and its potential to elicit immune responses 22:41 - The scarcity and potential of non-standard amino acids in life 27:26 - Detecting extraterrestrial life and the shared building blocks of biology 36:49 - Synthetic oxytrophy and microbial biocontainment strategies 44:01 - Reducing herbicide reliance with engineered microbes in agriculture 52:53 - Computational tools and AI for non-standard amino acid research 54:53 - Bioenergy and sustainability: bio-catalysis innovations 59:08 - How science fiction influences bioengineering and AI safety considerations

  2. Jun 29

    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 scale 00:00 — The North Star for genome engineering 00:36 — Introduction to Erik and HarborSite 01:39 — Erik’s path into science 02:36 — Early fascination with cloning and genome engineering 03:21 — Cory’s own early inspiration 04:03 — Why genome engineering matters 05:24 — Ethical questions around germline engineering 06:37 — Why early-stage intervention matters 07:51 — Technical progress and disease-specific editing 09:25 — Why HarborSite was founded 10:50 — Recombinases as the core technology 12:15 — Engineering recombinases for new DNA targets 13:12 — Novel genomic safe harbors 14:18 — How safe harbors are selected and validated 15:36 — How much target specificity can be changed? 16:36 — Why lifelong expression matters 17:29 — Testing durability in culture and in vivo 18:26 — The appeal of the albumin locus 19:15 — Endogenous production of biologics 20:59 — Startup challenges and fundraising 22:28 — Why LabCentral is valuable 23:07 — AI BioHub and large proprietary datasets 24:08 — AI’s role in model development 25:11 — Practical uses of AI in biotech startups 26:51 — How the team handles data analysis 27:56 — What the therapeutic product looks like 28:52 — First target tissues: liver and T cells 30:27 — Testing off-target integration 31:27 — Balancing specificity and efficiency 32:24 — Lessons from CAR-T and random integration 33:40 — Why recombinase systems may be safer 34:39 — Payload size and delivery constraints 35:35 — Delivery strategies under consideration 38:09 — Simpler donor DNA formats 39:38 — Platform company and therapeutic company 40:59 — The key milestone: in vivo validation 41:48 — HarborSite’s pre-seed raise 43:05 — How VC expectations have shifted 44:26 — Choosing the right in vivo model 46:22 — The continued importance of mouse studies 48:23 — Global regulatory differences 50:10 — Science funding in the U.S. 52:40 — Synthetic biology in space 54:34 — Enhancement and self-directed health 57:40 — Science fiction and inspiration 59:34 — Advice for young scientists 60:31 — Closing remarks

  3. Jun 15

    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 approach 01:01 - The origins and motivations of Max and Evan in biotech 04:56 - Scientific foundation: Borrowing traits from long-lived and resilient animals 07:16 - Why now? Recent technological advances enabling these innovations 10:46 - Role of AI in understanding complex biological systems and virtual cell modeling 14:17 - Delivery strategies for genetic modifications in humans 18:19 - Regulatory pathways and ethical boundaries in gene editing 22:25 - The potential of junk DNA variants and regulatory engineering 27:09 - The potential impact on sports animals and broader applications 31:12 - Industry landscape, collaboration, and competition 33:21 - Building a startup: team dynamics, trust, and early steps 35:58 - Insights on other biotech ventures like AstroMech and their directions 38:39 - Space applications: radiation resistance, hibernation, and life support systems 43:01 - Prioritizing targets using AI and high-throughput screening 48:31 - Broader prospects: aging, longevity, and the OZEMPIC effect 52:44 - Focus on innate immune system engineering and virtual cell development 57:15 - Strategies for macrophage gene editing and cell type targeting 1:01:36 - Bottlenecks in lab throughput and cell growth limitations 1:04:30 - The influence of science fiction on biotech innovation and ethical outlooks 1:06:14 - Closing thoughts: science fiction as inspiration and the rapid transition of ideas into reality

  4. Jun 1

    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 biosecurity 00:40 - Introduction to Charles Fracchia and his pioneering work 02:07 - Charles's background and journey into biotech innovation 04:01 - Balancing classical education with trial-by-fire experience 06:26 - AI as a search tool versus experimental center in biology 08:28 - Developing AI systems for biological experiment automation 11:35 - The founding and evolution of Black Mesa and its mission 14:26 - The importance of digital batch records and AI-assisted QA QC 16:06 - AI's role in drug development, safety, and traceability 18:44 - Ensuring trust and integrity in AI models for biotech applications 22:51 - Addressing data poisoning and ensuring model robustness 24:45 - Strategies for verifying biological data integrity through cryptography and blockchain 33:55 - Future threats like AI-driven bio weapons and safeguarding strategies 42:48 - The importance of operational innovation in accelerating bioeconomy growth 58:25 - Influence of science fiction on biosecurity and innovation 60:11 - Advice for emerging scientists in a rapidly changing landscape 1:02:53 - Closing remarks and future outlook from Charles Fracchia

  5. May 19

    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

  6. May 11

    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

  7. Apr 27

    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

  8. Apr 20

    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 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

See All (23)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Cory Smith
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Cory Smith
  • Show Website
    Galaxy Balance

You Might Also Like