Dallas, Texas – Scientists have made significant progress in their plan to revive the woolly mammoth by successfully creating a new species known as the woolly mouse. This groundbreaking research is being led by the team at Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology company in the United States.
The team at Colossal Biosciences is working towards “de-extincting” the prehistoric mammoths by genetically modifying Asian elephants to incorporate woolly mammoth traits. With the hope of having the first calf born by the end of 2028, the scientists have been studying ancient mammoth genomes and comparing them to Asian elephant genomes to understand the differences.
In their latest research efforts, the team has made a major breakthrough by creating healthy, genetically modified mice with traits that are tailored towards cold tolerance, such as woolly hair. This achievement serves as a significant validation of their approach, as they continue to push forward with their mission to bring back the mammoth species.
Using various genome editing techniques, the researchers focused on disrupting nine genes associated with different aspects of hair traits in mice. By introducing alterations to these genes, they aimed to produce physical traits similar to those observed in mammoths, including woolly hair and adaptations for cold climates.
Despite facing challenges in some of their experiments, the team successfully produced mice with distinctive woolly coats, long hair, and golden-brown coats. While there is still much to learn about the physiological and behavioral implications of these genetic modifications, the scientists remain optimistic about the potential for success in their endeavor.
Dr. Tori Herridge of the University of Sheffield emphasized the complexities involved in engineering a mammoth-like elephant, highlighting the multitude of genes that would need to be considered and the need to ensure the animal behaves like a true mammoth. These concerns underscore the intricate nature of the project and the long road ahead for the researchers.
While some experts have praised the technical aspects of the study, others have raised questions about the practicality and ethics of reviving extinct species. The debate surrounding de-extinction continues, with differing viewpoints on the feasibility and implications of such endeavors.
As the team at Colossal Biosciences continues their work on resurrecting the mammoth, the scientific community remains divided on the ultimate viability and necessity of such a project. With ongoing advancements in genetic technology, the possibilities for genetic modification and species revival open up new frontiers in the realm of science and ethics.