Woolly Mice: The First Step to Resurrecting Extinct Mammoths
On their journey to bring back the long extinct wooly mammoths, scientists created a ‘woolly mouse’ with mammoth traits. Is it a step toward bringing back the extinct giants?
Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have genetically engineered mice to exhibit key traits of the extinct woolly mammoth
Traits such as a woolly, golden-colored coat and fat adapted for cold climates are key traits of the extinct animal. This experiment validates the scientist's approach to de-extinction and is seen as a crucial step toward reviving mammoth-like creatures.
Researchers identified genes responsible for mammoth traits by comparing mammoth DNA with that of Asian and African elephants
Using advanced genetic engineering techniques, they introduced these genes into mouse embryos, resulting in offspring with the desired physical characteristics. The success of this experiment suggests that similar genetic modifications could be applied to elephants in the future.
Colossal Biosciences aims to edit Asian elephant embryos to produce mammoth-like creatures and hopes to achieve this by 2028
The company argues that reintroducing mammoth-like animals could help restore Arctic ecosystems. They are also working on reviving other extinct species like the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger.
Scientists outside the project acknowledge the achievement but question whether the technique will work for larger animals like elephants
Critics argue that the resources spent on de-extinction would be better used to protect endangered species. Concerns also include unforeseen ecological consequences of introducing mammoth-like creatures into modern ecosystems.
Despite criticism, Colossal Biosciences defends its project, stating that reviving extinct species could help restore lost ecological roles
Additionally, they believe that the genetic technologies developed for de-extinction could be applied to conservation efforts, making species more adaptable to environmental changes. The company views genetic engineering as a necessary tool to combat the rapid loss of biodiversity.
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