Ancient RNA from Woolly Mammoth Reveals Insights into Extinct Giants

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by extracting RNA from a woolly mammoth that lived 40,000 years ago. This finding, derived from muscle tissue, reveals that RNA can endure for millennia, shedding light on the biology and behavior of these extinct giants.

The study enables scientists to explore gene expression in ancient species, providing a deeper understanding of their physiology and ecology. Moreover, it opens up avenues for comparing these ancient mammals with modern elephants.

While some researchers pursue de-extinction efforts using genetic templates from current species, there remains skepticism regarding the practical implications of such initiatives. Overall, this significant advancement in ancient genetics offers promising insights into the life of prehistoric megafauna.