
Hosted by Cory Smith · EN
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.

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

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/rejuvenatebio00:00 - Replacing organs to reverse aging: science fiction or imminent reality00:34 - Welcome to Galaxy Balance: exploring biology and AI frontiers01:01 - Noah Davidson’s background and mission at Rejuvenate Bio01:57 - Reprogramming biological systems for systemic healthspan extension02:41 - The influence of sci-fi on Noah’s interest in space and longevity03:38 - Space exploration's crossover with biological resilience05:25 - The societal impact of science fiction on technological progress07:55 - Addressing dystopian themes in modern sci-fi and their societal reflection08:16 - The absence of longevity-focused sci-fi and Noah’s motivation09:12 - Personal story: pet dog inspired Noah’s longevity work10:33 - Origin of Rejuvenate Bio and its mission to treat aging11:57 - Combining gene therapies targeting multiple age-related diseases13:44 - The potential and limitations of epigenetic partial reprogramming14:14 - Upcoming clinical trials and safety considerations for gene therapy16:01 - Cyclic gene therapy and risks of permanent expression17:43 - Inducible gene expression systems: safety and practical considerations21:19 - Systemic, liver-targeted gene therapies: permanent vs. transient22:33 - Strategies for pet therapies and expanding to human applications25:47 - Manufacturing innovations reducing costs for wide-scale treatment27:12 - Prophylactic use of gene therapies in pets and humans29:08 - Targeting multiple diseases with a single systemic therapy30:40 - Breeds at risk for mitral valve disease and targeted therapy efforts33:42 - Disease-modifying treatments for fibrosis and heart failure36:48 - How AAV vector delivery works and safety measures in tissue targeting42:47 - Regulatory pathways for animal therapies and translational relevance44:22 - Challenges in funding and VC environment for longevity startups45:45 - The strategy of using animal models as a bridge to human therapies50:05 - Future scientific directions: partial reprogramming and cell replacement tech52:37 - The concept of longevity escape velocity and current progress53:44 - Personal longevity practices: exercise, diet, sleep, stress management55:27 - The role of biometric feedback devices in health monitoring56:54 - Emerging modalities and innovative approaches in anti-aging research58:24 - The ship of Theseus analogy for cell and tissue replacement59:37 - Philosophical questions about consciousness and identity in aging1:00:43 - Recommended sci-fi books for longevity and biotech enthusiasts1:01:39 - Career advice for aspiring scientists and interdisciplinary innovation1:02:45 - Wrap-up and best wishes for ongoing longevity breakthroughs

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 - Introduction1:01 - Tae Seok Moon Background2:34 - From Poet to Scientist8:26 - DNA as Language & Creation12:37 - Synthetic Cells & Venter18:31 - Microbes in Space25:47 - ISS & Space Experiments29:22 - Closed Ecosystems Challenge32:25 - Solving Global Problems37:44 - Science Fiction Influence40:36 - AI in Synthetic Biology50:38 - Future of Scientific Publishing1:01:10 - Advice for Young Scientists

What if biology could be engineered the way we engineer software?In this episode of Galaxy Balance, I'm joined by Pranam Chatterjee, Assistant Professor at the University of Pennsylvania and leader of the Programmable Biology Group, working at the intersection of AI, synthetic biology, and next-generation therapeutics.Pranam's work is shaping a future where generative models can design peptides and biologics from sequence data alone, enabling a new era of programmable medicine.We explore how Pranam went from studying religion and philosophy to transferring into MIT and building cutting-edge computational tools for biology. We dive into his time in George Church's lab, where early computational strategies helped spark the origins of Gameto, and how that work evolved into today's iPSC-derived ovarian support cell technologies now entering clinical trials.From there, we go deep into the frontier of AI-driven molecular design:• Do we actually need protein structure to design effective therapeutics?• How do we optimize binding, toxicity, permeability, and immunogenicity simultaneously?• What does "virtual cell" really mean, and why does mapping cell states matter?• How close are we to "vibe coding biology," where natural language becomes the interface to biological engineering?We also discuss the future of automation, robotics, and agentic AI in biology, as well as the ethical risks of democratized generative models in biotech.This conversation is a window into the net phase of human capability: not just ready biology, but designing it.00:00 - Introduction to AI-driven therapeutic peptide design01:05 - Background of Pranam Chatterjee's journey from religion to science02:50 - The evolution of AI models in synthetic biology05:17 - Key milestones: from modeling to clinical applications like Gameto08:19 - The founding story of Gameto and major breakthroughs12:20 - Expanding into disease targeting and regenerative medicine17:50 - The shift to virtual cell and organism design22:16 - Tools for peptide design: Peptune and PEPMLM25:04 - Generative modeling with language models and functional constraints28:32 - Imagining programmable organisms and mythical creatures29:41 - Hardware importance and future of vibe-coded biology31:54 - The role of automation and robotics in biotech labs33:47 - Mentoring students for the AI-biotech revolution36:50 - Targeting rare diseases and regulatory considerations40:34 - Global competition, safety, and ethics in biotech innovation44:44 - Designing molecules with AI: from complexity to deliverability45:09 - Data needs: where to find diverse biological datasets47:49 - The rise of AI agents in scientific research50:12 - Ethical responsibilities in AI bioengineering52:38 - Safeguards against harmful biotech applications55:22 - Thoughts on artificial general intelligence and human purpose58:40 - How science fiction inspires biotech innovation1:00:13 - Book recommendations and closing thoughts

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith speaks with Dr. Jonathan Scheiman, co-founder and CEO of FitBiomics, about the science of elite performance, microbiome discovery, and the future of metabolic health.Jonathan shares his journey from Division I basketball player to biomedicine PhD and postdoctoral researcher in the Church Lab, where unconventional ideas are encouraged and ambitious biology is the normHis central question was simple but radical: instead of studying disease, what if we studied peak human performance?That question led to a longitudinal study of Boston Marathon runners, where his team collected microbiome samples before and after intense endurance events. The data revealed a striking pattern. One microorganism, Veillonella, spiked in abundance immediately after the marathonFurther analysis showed that this microbe uniquely metabolizes lactate and converts it into short-chain fatty acids such as propionateLactate is often misunderstood as a fatigue molecule. In reality, it is a normal metabolic fuel. When produced in excess during intense exercise, it accumulates in the bloodstream. Scheiman’s work suggests that a portion of circulating lactate is shuttled to the gut, where Veillonella uses it as a carbon source, producing metabolites that may support mitochondrial function, muscle recovery, glucose utilization, and anti-inflammatory pathwaysThe episode explores:• How elite athletes may represent a rare biological phenotype comparable in rarity to centenarians • Why the microbiome can shift rapidly in response to exercise intensity • The challenges of culturing and scaling strict anaerobic microbes for commercialization • The regulatory pathway differences between therapeutic microbiome interventions and consumer health products • How AI and machine learning enabled the discovery of novel microbial signals in complex datasetsThe conversation expands into longevity, mitochondrial efficiency, digital health integration, and the idea of FitBiomics as a biological data company rather than simply a probiotic brandScheiman also reflects on science fiction, pop culture, and storytelling as forces that shape technological ambition, drawing connections between Marvel, AI, and biotechnology innovationThis episode sits at the intersection of microbiome science, metabolic optimization, artificial intelligence, and the long-term future of human performance.If the biology of elite athletes can be decoded and translated, the implications extend far beyond sport. 00:00 - Introduction to microbiome insights for human performance02:20 - Personal journey from sports to biotech innovation05:28 - How elite athletes inspired microbiome research09:04 - Approaching human performance limits and societal health impacts13:48 - Early discoveries: microbiome sampling from Boston Marathon runners27:19 - The breakthrough finding: Vianella's role in fatigue and endurance30:19 - Scientific steps to isolate and validate Vianella33:29 - Regulatory considerations for microbiome supplements versus therapeutics36:04 - Prevalence of Vianella across different athletes and individuals40:51 - Microbiome as a dynamic, modifiable biomarker for health and sport45:37 - Metabolism, mitochondria, and longevity interconnected through microbiome dynamics49:16 - Influences of science fiction on biotech imagination and vision57:39 - Future applications: wearables, continuous monitoring, and AI in microbiome health1:00:46 - Vision for FitBiomics’ role in health innovation and societal impact

Biology is becoming programmable.In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith speaks with Yuanhao Qu, President and Co-Founder of PhyloBio, about the emergence of AI driven biological discovery. Yuanhao represents a new generation of scientists who combine genome engineering with large language models to build systems that can reason about DNA and accelerate research across the life sciences.The conversation explores Yuanhao’s journey from early cancer research to developing CRISPR-GPT and Biomni, tools designed to help scientists design experiments, analyze data, and navigate the growing complexity of biological research. The discussion then moves to the founding of PhyloBio and the idea of an integrated biology environment where AI agents collaborate with human researchers.We examine the future of genome engineering, the challenges of delivering gene therapies, and how AI agents may soon assist in designing experiments, generating hypotheses, and exploring massive biological datasets. They also discuss the possibility of automated laboratories, the evolving role of scientists in an AI-augmented research ecosystem, and the ethical boundaries that must guide advances in synthetic biology.The episode closes with a discussion of science fiction, biosecurity, and the long term vision of AI systems that help humanity understand life at every scale.If biology becomes a language, the next frontier will belong to those who learn how to speak it.Phylo is a research lab developing cutting-edge agentic intelligence to accelerate discovery for biomedical scientists. They are building Biomni Lab, an integrated biology environment that leverages the latest AI to transform how biologists work. Explore it at biomni.phylo.bioPhylo is also actively hiring. Learn more at phylo.bio/careersTimestamps:00:00 - Embracing rapid change and AI tools in biology02:24 - Yuanhao’s background and motivation to cure cancer04:11 - Analyzing complex diseases with genomics and AI07:25 - Switching focus to AI-guided discovery and CRISPR engineering12:13 - Building and deploying CRISPR-GPT to democratize gene editing design16:23 - How AI enhances the role of scientists rather than replacing them20:52 - The story behind PhiloBio and its vision to accelerate biotech innovation24:01 - Developing BioOmni: an AI environment for biological research28:21 - The future of AI in autonomous labs and the challenge of human-in-the-loop systems36:33 - Ensuring safety and predicting oncogenic risk in genome engineering42:49 - Advances needed in delivery mechanisms for gene therapies45:02 - Insights into human intelligence evolution and AI’s role in discovery51:04 - The significance of memory, personalization, and continuous learning in AI agents55:06 - Ethical dilemmas in human germline modification and societal impacts58:30 - Speculations on life’s prevalence in the universe and the Dark Forest hypothesis59:46 - Advice for aspiring scientists eager to innovate with AI

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith is joined by Marc Güell, a synthetic biologist working at the frontier of genome engineering, AI-driven biological design, and translational therapeutics. Marc's work spans programmable genome integration systems, synthetic evolution, and the development of biological tools that extend far beyond what natural evolution has produced.From his early training in chemistry and engineering to his time in the Church Lab at Harvard and now leading a research group in Barcelona, Marc's career reflects a consistent focus on building new biological technologies. The conversation explores how generative AI is reshaping genome writing, why engineering principles matter in biology, and what it takes to translate deep-tech synthetic biology into real-world applications.We also discuss the founding of Integra Therapeutics, engineering the skin microbiome as a therapeutic platform, and how imagination influences real life science.00:00 - How AI enables exploration of unconstrained genotypical spaces in synthetic biology02:18 - Dr. Guell’s childhood in the Pyrenees fueling his passion for building and discovery03:14 - From organic chemistry to synthetic genome engineering at Heidelberg and Harvard05:33 - Recent advances in genome editing: CRISPR, xenotransplantation, and deep tech biotech startups09:48 - The coming revolution: speaking DNA with AI tools and designing complex genetic circuits12:30 - Navigating the vast, unconstrained genetic landscape using synthesis-free, AI-guided methods15:44 - Exploring the complexity of splicing, gene regulation, and the role of AI in modeling biological systems20:31 - Improving protein design and gene writing with coupled CRISPR and transposases22:58 - Using AI-generated transposases surpassing natural biodiversity and expanding genotypic networks27:09 - Strategies for safe, targeted insertions in gene therapy and cell engineering safety sites30:20 - The mission of Integrate Therapeutics: commercializing AI-driven transposon technologies for cell therapies34:50 - Challenges facing biotech startups and the need for strategic, cautious growth39:42 - Engineering skin microbiomes for health and aesthetic applications, from acne to inflammation sensing44:38 - The incredible potential of microbiome modulation for systemic health and space travel applications46:46 - Ethical and safety considerations for AI-designed proteins and synthetic biology innovations49:48 - Cross-cultural perspectives in science: Europe, the US, and China’s unique approaches and collaboration opportunities51:59 - Automation and AI in experimental biology: new paradigms for high-throughput, in-silico evolution55:18 - The impact of AI assistants and knowledge agents in accelerating scientific discovery59:20 - The influence of science fiction: predicting and inspiring future biotechnologies1:01:23 - Contemplating the nature of life, complexity, and the role of AI in understanding biology’s mysteries1:04:25 - The power of imagination and science fiction in shaping the next generation of biotech breakthroughs

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Samira Kiani, a genetic engineer, entrepreneur, and science storyteller working at the intersection of genome engineering, regenerative biology, and human meaning. Samira's scientific work spans synthetic biology, immune modulation, and cellular rejuvenation, while her broader mission explores how innovation can remain aligned with ethics consciousness, and care.A former academic and DARPA Safe Genes investigator, Samira is the co-founder and CTO of HexemBio, where she is developing regenerative platforms inspired by early human development. Beyond the lab, she is the creator of Make People Better, an award-winning documentary examining the moral and societal implications of gene editing. This conversation explores authenticity in science, conscious innovation, the responsibility of power, and how the future of biotechnology depends as much on wisdom as capability.00:00 - The philosophy of presence and being in the moment02:15 - Origin story: From Iran to MIT in synthetic biology04:23 - The art design in genetic engineering and synthetic biology as poetry08:58 - Advice for young scientists feeling constrained by societal expectations12:52 - Research journey at MIT: CRISPR and translating tech to clinics15:51 - Ethical discussions in gene editing and public engagement19:12 - Making "Make People Better": The moral dimensions of gene editing22:01 - Reflection on the controversy of the first gene-edited babies27:23 - Rethinking innovation culture and race for first publication36:44 - Leaving academia: embracing authenticity and starting HexenBio38:02 - HexemBio’s mission: rejuvenating cells with consciousness43:24 - Origin stories of cells and connectedness in biology45:58 - Her approach to science: exposing cells to youthful environments47:54 - Leadership and empathy in building a conscious company52:08 - Work-life balance: connecting with nature and spiritual practices56:49 - The influence of science fiction: from dystopia to positive futures1:00:15 - The philosophy of living in the present and trusting the universe

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith is joined by Christian Kramme, Chief Scientific Officer of Gameto, a biotechnology company rethinking reproductive medicine through cell engineering, Christian's work focuses on using iPSC-derived ovarian support cells to improve IVF outcomes by enabling egg maturation outside the body, while avoiding genetic modification or implantation of stem cells into patients.Drawing from his training in the Church Lab at Harvard Medical School, Christian sits at the intersection of stem cell biology, translational medicine, and reproductive health. With Gameto's lead product now in Phase III clinical trials, this conversation explores how cell therapies can quietly reshape IVF, why process is often the true product in biotechnology, and what responsible innovation looks like when the stakes include future generations.00:00 - Gameto’s iPSC product: First FDA phase three clearance in reproductive health02:08 - Christian Kramme’s background and journey from Harvard to biotech founder06:26 - How Gameto’s support cell approach differs from other reproductive biotech efforts10:08 - Current IVF challenges and how support cells enable faster, less drug-dependent treatments11:52 - Safety measures ensuring support cells do not transfer or integrate into embryos17:24 - Donor cell line selection, GMP manufacturing, and consistency across lots21:25 - Clinical trial outcomes so far and operational milestones for scale-up25:25 - How clinical labs can integrate support cell therapies with existing IVF infrastructure28:34 - Upcoming trial endpoints, patient recruitment, and next steps30:52 - Advice for patients navigating infertility and importance of early intervention34:39 - Ethical considerations in stem cell therapies and responsible innovation in reproductive medicine40:50 - Expanding the platform: menopause, ovarian support, and beyond50:29 - The future of support cells: potential in other organ systems and therapies55:23 - Addressing genomic safety: vector choice and integration site analysis62:25 - Science fiction influence on Christian’s scientific worldview and favorite authors/books63:07 - Advice for young scientists: pursue impact, stay optimistic, and integrate diverse pathways

In this episode of Galaxy Balance, Cory Smith sits down with Kejun (Albert) Ying, a computational biologist and aging researcher working at the intersection of AI, protein design, and longevity science. Albert's work spans designing novel proteins never seen in nature, applying large-scale AI models to millions of RNA-seq samples, and uncovering potential anti-aging effects hidden in existing drugs.Splitting his time between the Baker Lab at the University of Washington and the Vies-Carre Lab at Stanford, Albert brings a rare systems-level perspective on how computation, biology, and experimentation can converge to tackle aging as an engineering problem. The conversation explores why aging became his central focus, how AI is reshaping biological discovery, and what it might take to meaningfully extend human healthspan.00:00 - The integrated future of AI in daily life and science02:19 - Introduction to Albert Ying’s background and research04:17 - Inspiration from Aubrey de Grey and shifts toward computational biology07:37 - Challenges with longitudinal aging data11:16 - Large-scale analysis with AI for aging interventions14:23 - Validation and regulatory pathways for aging biomarkers14:43 - The concept of autonomous AI agents in scientific discovery16:23 - How foundation models learn biology and their limitations18:07 - The impact of protein structure prediction tools like AlphaFold22:51 - Next steps after identifying promising aging interventions27:21 - The vision of AI operating seamlessly in background science infrastructure31:25 - The vision and mechanics of decentralized science with Avanasi Labs36:39 - Data privacy, security, and ethical considerations for decentralized platforms40:03 - Rethinking aging for better data collection and understanding47:30 - Insights from long-lived mammals and comparative genomics49:15 - Transitioning to a faculty role and research environment50:55 - Broader scientific interests beyond aging and AI52:23 - The search for extraterrestrial life and the Drake equation54:10 - Influence of science fiction, Three Body Problem, and multi-generational narratives57:38 - Career advice for young scientists in a changing landscape59:16 - The evolving role of human skills amidst AI and automation