DNA Science Resurrects Extinct Species | April 10, 2025

Summary

In this CNN 10 episode, Koi Wire highlights key global stories, including President Trump's tariff updates and their potential economic impact, as well as the ongoing garbage strike in Birmingham, UK, causing health risks due to rising rat populations. The episode also touches on space exploration with the nomination of Jared Isaacman to head NASA, and the resurrection of prehistoric species, like direwolves, by Colossal Biosciences. The episode wraps up with a lighthearted pop quiz and shout-outs to schools. A mix of serious news and fun facts, the show aims to keep viewers informed and engaged.

Takeaways

• 😀 Happy National Siblings Day! Remember to reach out to your sibling today, no matter how annoying they may be sometimes.
• 😀 President Trump has announced a 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs, except for China, where tariffs will be increased to 125%.
• 😀 The trade war between the US and China has led to economic uncertainty and is causing fears of a bear market, with stock indexes falling 20% or more.
• 😀 Bear markets typically indicate immense fear among investors and have occurred 18 times since 1929, often triggered by crises like asset bubbles or wars.
• 😀 In Birmingham, England, a garbage strike has caused mountains of trash to pile up, leading to a growing rat infestation and health hazards.
• 😀 NASA engineer Dr. Lonnie Johnson invented the Super Soaker after observing a jet of water, turning it into a popular toy.
• 😀 Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and SpaceX collaborator, has been nominated to lead NASA, sparking discussions on NASA's future focus on the Moon vs. Mars.
• 😀 Isaacman believes NASA can focus on both the Moon and Mars simultaneously, without having to choose one over the other.
• 😀 NASA’s Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon, but its goals have faced several setbacks, and the Trump administration’s support for SpaceX may shift priorities towards Mars.
• 😀 Colossal Biosciences has resurrected a hybrid direwolf species by using DNA from ancient fossils and cloning technology. They're also working on reviving other extinct species like the mammoth and dodo.

Q & A

What are tariffs, and why are they used by countries?

Tariffs are taxes placed on goods from other countries. They are used to protect domestic industries and generate revenue for the government.

What is the 90-day pause on tariffs announced by President Trump about?

President Trump ordered a 90-day pause on all reciprocal tariffs, with the exception of China, which will see tariffs increased to 125%. This pause aims to reward countries that chose not to retaliate and allows time for new trade negotiations.

What is a bear market, and how does it impact the economy?

A bear market is a period when a major stock index falls by 20% or more from its recent high. It signals fear among investors about the economy, often leading to losses in financial markets.

What caused previous bear markets in history?

Bear markets have been triggered by various factors, such as war (1990), bursting asset bubbles (2000), toxic mortgages (2008), and pandemics (2020). Each event has caused sharp declines in stock markets.

What is the current situation in Birmingham, UK related to garbage collection?

Birmingham is facing a garbage crisis as workers are on strike over pay disputes with the city council. The strike has led to mountains of uncollected trash, causing health hazards and rat infestations.

What impact have the garbage strikes had on residents of Birmingham?

The strikes have led to rats gaining access to homes and businesses, and residents have expressed increasing concern over health hazards due to the mounting trash, with some calling pest control due to severe rat problems.

Who invented the Super Soaker, and what was the inspiration behind it?

The Super Soaker was invented by Dr. Lonnie Johnson, a former NASA engineer. He was inspired by a shooting jet of water while working on a heat pump, leading to the creation of the popular toy.

Why is Jared Isaacman an unconventional pick to head NASA?

Jared Isaacman, a tech billionaire and CEO of Shift 4, is an unconventional pick because NASA is typically led by scientists, engineers, or public servants. Isaacman, however, has commanded private space missions and has close ties to SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

What is NASA's Artemis program, and what are its goals?

NASA's Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the lunar surface for the first time in over 50 years and eventually create a permanent human settlement on the moon. The program has faced several delays but remains a priority for space exploration.

What are some of the species that Colossal Biosciences is working to resurrect?

Colossal Biosciences is working to resurrect extinct species such as the mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger. They have already created a hybrid species of the prehistoric direwolf using DNA from ancient fossils and grey wolves.