Colossal, not your run-of-the-mill biotechnology firm, but one striving to perform a resurrection of extinct species, recently dazzled the social-sphere by humorously appealing to Star Trek’s United Federation of Planets. You’ve got to dig the cheeky audacity. And yeah, sure, there’s a whiff of Jurassic Park déjà vu, but co-founder, Ben Lamm, far from getting prickly over the comparisons, fully embraces it. After all, how many business owners can proudly say they have a Barbasol can on display in their office as a nod to a cult movie?

Lamm, far from an uptight guy in a white lab coat, describes himself as an enthusiastic geek. For him, attention-grabbing actions like the Star Trek petition are less about gratuitous self-promotion (though it very nicely stokes the flames) and more about enlightening Joe Public about the exciting prospects in his pioneering industry. Which, wouldn’t you know, is not all doom, destruction, and rampaging previously-extinct creatures.

According to Lamm, “I’m a huge comic book guy. I’m a massive sci-fi guy.” If his previous business was jokingly labelled Stark Industries due to its futuristic undertones, then it’s no real shocker that Colossal attracts a Jurassic Park reference occasionally.

Straddling Science Fiction and Reality

Donning a grin, Larms states, “We adore pop culture at Colossal. We acknowledge that aspects of our work may appear to pay homage to films such as Jurassic Park.” In truth, it is their mission to leverage advanced genetic engineering tools like CRISPR to reincarnate extinct species.

Yet, they’re interested in more than just stirring the genetic pot; they’re passionate about making people realise the potency of genetic engineering, formerly a sci-fi exclusive. Lamm notes that genetics is a versatile tool, just as handy for resurrecting long-lost colossal beasts as it is for saving critically endangered creatures, like the northern white rhino.

Sensibility Amidst The Science Fiction

Not to shy away from the controversial elements, Lamm brings up the often unethical use of science in fiction and reality. It turns out that guys in white lab coats can indeed have a moral compass, and Colossal is eager to spotlight the potential for world-changing applications of their work, which sometimes go unnoticed amidst the high-octane spectacle.

Using the Star Trek universe’s stance on genetic engineering as a springboard, Lamm engaged in a fascinating discourse with fans about the ethical implications. He argued, “If scientifically resurrecting the humpback whale had been possible in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the crew wouldn’t have had to time travel to save the species.”

Lamm’s approach serves as a reminder not to dismiss science fiction as mere entertainment. Often, it has the potential to serve as an engaging, imaginative platform to discuss very real-world possibilities and challenges. So, whether you’re a sci-fi lover or not, you should keep an eye on Colossal because who knows, they might turn your favorite science fiction into tomorrow’s reality. Now wouldn’t that be… Colossal?