No, this still isn’t Spam, we like Korean fried chicken here more today. It’s still us for this second edition (Prateek & Jere) and if you missed the first one don’t worry! We are publishing these to our site as soon as we have it up and running. This week we are looking at some really interesting conversations on biological data privacy, how using genetic engineering for de-extinction is going, and a recent story in the field of how acquisition might just not be the end with some bite-sized goodies sprinkled about. Of course a more personal note at the bottom.
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Today's stories
The debacle of 23andMe:
a real-life reminder to think about your data
After suffering a large data breach, leaking the data of 7 million of its users and resulting in the DNA testing service 23andMe paying $30M in fines, the company filed for bankruptcy on March 16th. The company has stated that data privacy will be a priority in the case of a potential buyer. However a clause in their privacy policy states that the new owner would have to comply with the same provisions, but also that this policy could be changed at any time. This of course has raised concerns in the case of a new owner changing these policies as well as what the data is used for. We have linked here a coverage with the instructions to delete and manage your data if you are one of the customers.
This story also serves as a reminder to think twice about what data you share and to whom.
The facts:
DNA testing service 23andMe files for bankruptcy after nearly 20 years of operation
Sparked conversations around data privacy and use in the case of a new owner
Reminder to think what data you are willing to share and to whom in a rapidly digitalizing world
Read the coverage by TechCrunch and instructions to delete your data HERE
Bringing back the woolly mammoth? Not so fast
Colossal Biosciences and Laboratories, a well-funded company aiming to make gene editing into a tool against extinction, has reported their advances in engineering multiple cold-tolerant traits (using 7 genes as targets) from the mammoth into a mouse, now dubbed “Colossal Woolly Mice”. Although science-wise this is not revolutionary and requires a critical perspective, their published study also shows high efficiency. In our opinion, even if there is nothing groundbreaking here, it still shows what great intention can do towards developing solutions for pressing matters. However, how that may materialize is to be seen.
The facts:
Colossal showcases their progress in their mission to bring back the mammoth
This research has resulted in 7-plex (7 genes edited) mutant ‘Colossal Woolly’ mice
Bringing back the mammoth will still take time and requires more conversations on ethics and overarching consequences
When putting skin in the game burns
Almost 4 years after Hims & Hers acquired Apostrophe, a personalized dermatology company targeting acne patients, for a sizable $190M has now announced it will be shut down. Although no direct reason for this move is given other than simplifying and streamlining offerings, there are speculations of this being a ripple effect of the FDA announcing the end of shortage of semaglutide (an active ingredient in for example ozempic) causing stress on the company’s shares. Other reasonings we have found are the misalignment of Apostrophe’s niched-down brand with the now parent company Hims & Hers as well as the operational inefficiencies caused by staying as a standalone entity. This does highlight for us founder-spirited people that acquisition might not be the end game and in cases like these the integration strategy is of high importance.
The facts:
Apostrophe was founded in 2012 and acquired by Hims and Hers in 2021 for $190M
Apostrophe now shut down in March 2025 to ‘streamline and simplify’ the offering
Integration strategy is sometimes as important as the acquisition
What’s going on in funding? Quickfire 🔥
Bite-sized goodies
We loved seeing this short template on how to deliver a pitch about your solution in a 1-minute format. Remember it doesn’t need to be about a company, it could be about your research or yourself! Check it out.
Coming to this week after the high of the first one we wanted to try a few different types of stories and angles (we are researchers by heart, after all, we gotta do our testing!). Last week most of you seemed to really enjoy the development of AI-generated papers, which happened to be our favorite as well. We love the data but also love to hear from you and have a chat! Answer this email or wave us on LinkedIn or anywhere you can find us. We love having those conversations. And if you found this valuable feel free to share it with a colleague, friend, family, your cat, or even the cactus in the office next door (we know).
We also heard some feedback on the name of the letter and we are definitely working on it and making this as much a treat for your eyes as well as your brains. But for now, here’s a poll for what you’d like to hear most! Just click on the one you’d like most and we’ll get on it.
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