How can analysis of DNA isolated from old, preserved organisms, bones, or tissues tell us about life today? Dr. Beth Shapio is a professor at the University of California Santa Cruz and an HHMI Investigator. She has studied the genomic information from ancient preserved sources to describe events and adaptations that underlie species evolution. In this episode we discuss the technology behind isolating ancient DNA, its utility in resolving evolutionary lineages, and understanding traits in populations and their relationships to their environment. We conclude with a discussion of gene editing ethics and application to conservation biology. Follow Dr. Shapiro on Twitter at @BonesAndBugs # COLABRA Talking Biotech is brought to you by Colabra – an R&D platform that brings your lab’s world-changing research together in one shared space. Learn more at https://www.colabra.app/ # TALKING BIOTECH Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkingbiotech Website: https://www.colabra.app/podcasts/talking-biotech/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/colabrahq The Talking Biotech podcast is distinct from Dr. Kevin Folta's teaching and research roles at the University of Florida. The views expressed on the show are those of Dr. Folta and his guests, and do not reflect the opinions of the university or Colabra.