Genetic Breakthrough: Woolly Mice Resurrect Mammoth Traits

Scientists from Colossal Biosciences, alongside Harvard's George Church, have engineered woolly mice with mammoth-like fur using advanced genome editing. By altering key genes found in mammoths and elephants, the researchers aimed to demonstrate the potential for de-extincting species. They focused on genes affecting hair texture and metabolism, achieving longer, denser fur resembling mammoth pelage.

This project is part of a larger initiative to potentially bring back the woolly mammoth by 2028, with financial backing from notable figures like Paris Hilton and Peter Jackson. Though the creation of these mice is a significant scientific milestone, experts caution that applying similar techniques to elephants presents considerable challenges. The gestation period of elephants and ethical concerns complicate the process.

While the woolly mice exhibit the desired phenotypes, their actual cold tolerance remains untested. Some scientists express reservations about the practicality and ethics of such experiments, raising questions about resource allocation. Nonetheless, Colossal Biosciences views this achievement as a promising step toward reviving extinct species, with plans extending beyond mammoths to other lost animals like the Tasmanian tiger and dodo. Despite skepticism, the endeavor marks a noteworthy advancement in genetic engineering.