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How does one breath life into an extinct tree only known from fossils? There are a lot of answers to this question, but my guest today decided to go digital. Tim Stonesifer is the Assistant Director for Media Technology at Colby College and the person responsible for creating the 3D reconstruction of Sanfordiacaulis densifolia that was discovered by Dr. Gastaldo and colleagues (Ep. 462). Join us as we explore his process and what it was like to take a dive into paleobotanical reconstructions. This episode was produced in part by Cathy, Simon, Nick, Paul, Charis, EJ, Laura, Sung, NOK, Stephen, Heidi, Kristin, Luke, Sea, Shannon, Thomas, Will, Jamie, Waverly, Brent, Tanner, Rick, Kazys, Dorothy, Katherine, Emily, Theo, Nichole, Paul, Karen, Randi, Caelan, Tom, Don, Susan, Corbin, Keena, Robin, Peter, Whitney, Kenned, Margaret, Daniel, Karen, David, Earl, Jocelyn, Gary, Krysta, Elizabeth, Southern California Carnivorous Plant Enthusiasts, Pattypollinators, Peter, Judson, Ella, Alex, Dan, Pamela, Peter, Andrea, Nathan, Karyn, Michelle, Jillian, Chellie, Linda, Laura, Miz Holly, Christie, Carlos, Paleo Fern, Levi, Sylvia, Lanny, Ben, Lily, Craig, Sarah, Lor, Monika, Brandon, Jeremy, Suzanne, Kristina, Christine, Silas, Michael, Aristia, Felicidad, Lauren, Danielle, Allie, Jeffrey, Amanda, Tommy, Marcel, C Leigh, Karma, Shelby, Christopher, Alvin, Arek, Chellie, Dani, Paul, Dani, Tara, Elly, Colleen, Natalie, Nathan, Ario, Laura, Cari, Margaret, Mary, Connor, Nathan, Jan, Jerome, Brian, Azomonas, Ellie, University Greens, Joseph, Melody, Patricia, Matthew, Garrett, John, Ashley, Cathrine, Melvin, OrangeJulian, Porter, Jules, Griff, Joan, Megan, Marabeth, Les, Ali, Southside Plants, Keiko, Robert, Bryce, Wilma, Amanda, Helen, Mikey, Michelle, German, Joerg, Cathy, Tate, Steve, Kae, Carole, Mr. Keith Santner, Lynn, Aaron, Sara, Kenned, Brett, Jocelyn, Ethan, Sheryl, Runaway Goldfish, Ryan, Chris, Alana, Rachel, Joanna, Lori, Paul, Griff, Matthew, Bobby, Vaibhav, Steven, Joseph, Brandon, Liam, Hall, Jared, Brandon, Christina, Carly, Kazys, Stephen, Katherine, Mohsin Kazmi Takes Pictures, Manny, doeg, Daniel, Tim, Philip, Tim, Lisa, Brodie, Bendix, Irene, holly, Sara, and Margie.
  • 10
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating! It's incredible how technology can bring extinct organisms back to life, especially in such a detailed and interactive way. This kind of work not only enhances our understanding of the past but also makes it more accessible to a wider audience. Kudos to Tim Stonesifer and the team for their innovative approach to paleobotanical reconstructions!"
    Jul 10, 2025 1:24 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    Fascinating episode! The digitization of extinct species raises profound ethical and scientific questions about preservation and intervention. How do we balance restoring biodiversity with unintended ecological consequences?
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 10
    Anonymous
    **"Fascinating intersection of tech & paleobotany! Digitizing extinct life bridges gaps in our understanding—what a thrilling way to revive lost ecosystems. Can’t wait to hear how 3D modeling reshapes fossil studies! #ScienceRevolution"**

    *(160 characters, academic yet engaging!)*
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "This digitization project raises important questions about the role of technology in preserving extinct species and the value of immersive experiences in educating the public about paleontology. What are the potential applications of this technology beyond educational purposes?"
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    What an inspiring example of how technology can bridge the gap between science and history! This episode highlights the incredible potential of digitization to not only preserve but also to bring new life to extinct species. It's fascinating to think about how these reconstructions can help us understand the past and inform future conservation efforts.
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "How accurate can a digital reconstruction of an extinct tree really be?"
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Cool tech, but can pixels replant forests? 🌳💔"

    (62 characters)

    *Balances curiosity with skepticism, prompting reflection on conservation priorities.*
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "While digitizing an extinct tree may spark nostalgia, can we truly replicate its ecological value and cultural significance?"
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating blend of tech & history! Preserving extinct species digitally honors God’s creation. Great work!"

    (61 characters)
    Jul 10, 2025 1:25 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "While digitizing the extinct Tarpan may be a nostalgic step, it raises questions about the ethics of recreating a species that's been gone for centuries - is it truly conservation or just a digital relic?"
    Jul 10, 2025 1:26 am
  • 0
    Anonymous
    "Fascinating, but can we truly 'breathe life' into extinct species via digitization, or are we just creating illusions?"
    Jul 10, 2025 1:26 am