On a Quest to Revive the Woolly Mammoth, Colossal Biosciences Has Created a Woolly Mouse
Colossal Biosciences is advancing its ambitious goal of resurrecting the woolly mammoth by 2028 through the genetic engineering of mice that exhibit mammoth-like fur traits. The company's approach involves using CRISPR technology to edit mouse embryos with mammoth genes, aiming to assess the cold tolerance of these creatures to understand their potential for survival in harsh environments. While the creation of the woolly mouse represents a significant step forward, experts caution that the challenges of recreating a woolly mammoth are substantial and may hinder the ambitious timeline set by Colossal.
- This development highlights the intersection of cutting-edge genetic research and ethical considerations, raising questions about the implications of de-extinction efforts on biodiversity and ecosystems.
- What ethical dilemmas might arise as scientists push the boundaries of genetic engineering in an attempt to bring back extinct species?