Cloning and Potential Impact on Society
Cloning is rapidly becoming one of biotechnology’s most data-driven frontiers. Blake Russell, president of ViaGen Pets & Equine, explains how cloning, AI, and predictive modeling are reshaping the future of health and the meaning of legacy.
Listen to the episode
When most people think of cloning, they imagine identical copies of life. But as Blake Russell explains, cloning is really about genotypes and the growing role of data and AI in how those genes express themselves. From pets to livestock to potential human therapeutics, this conversation explores how predictive modeling, CRISPR, and environmental data are ushering in a new era of biotechnology. Two years after this interview was first recorded, Russell’s perspective feels prophetic: cloning isn’t just about animals—it’s a blueprint for how AI and data will drive the next wave of biological and ethical innovation.
Key takeaways:
- Cloning demystified: Cloning doesn’t create new life; it reproduces a genotype, an identical twin separated in time.
- AI meets genetics: Data and modeling are revealing how DNA interacts with the environment, unlocking new ways to optimize health and longevity.
- Ethics and evolution: The next decade will hinge on how frameworks evolve to govern editing technologies responsibly.
About the guest
Blake Russell, President, ViaGen Pets & Equine
Blake Russell has spent over 15 years bringing animal cloning from scientific theory to personal reality. Under his leadership, ViaGen has pioneered cloning services for dogs, cats, and horses, helping families preserve beloved companions while advancing the science that will shape the future of biotechnology. A recognized voice on the convergence of genetics, AI, and data, Russell continues to lead conversations on how innovation and ethics can coexist in the age of engineered life.
Further reading
EDB Postgres® AI: The Healthcare-Ready Database for Compliance, Scale, and Trust
Governance and 'technical empathy' unlock patient trust in AI-driven healthcare