Scientists have produced thickly haired mice resembling extinct woolly mammoths using genetic engineering. (Source: Colossal Biosciences)A groundbreaking experiment was carried out in the field of science.
Researchers from the biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences, based in the USA, are conducting studies to revive woolly mammoths, most of which disappeared at the end of the Ice Age about 10,000 years ago and are considered fully extinct approximately 4,000 years ago. The company aims to create new organisms carrying some characteristics of extinct animals through genetic engineering.
Having previously made headlines with plans to revive the dodo and woolly mammoth, the company has now developed a new species called the “Colossal woolly mouse” through genetic modifications in mouse embryos. Scientists identified genes related to hair tissue and fat metabolism by examining the DNA databases of mice. Beth Shapiro, Chief Scientist at Colossal, noted that each of these genetic variations “was already present in some living mice” but that they had “combined them all into a single mouse.”
Ben Lamm, the company’s co-founder and CEO, stated that his team had analyzed ancient mammoth genomes, compared them with those of Asian elephants, and tried to identify genetic differences. Lamm mentioned that their team tested the accuracy of genetic editing methods by producing thickly haired mice adapted to cold climates, noting that “Although this process did not accelerate our work, it was a moment to validate some theories.”
Lamm added that they would soon test this method on Asian elephants as well, and if successful, they expect the birth of the first woolly mammoth calf by the end of 2028.