Scientists Create ‘Woolly Mice’ in Bid to Revive Mammoths
A team of scientists has genetically engineered mice with mammoth-like traits, marking what they call a significant step in the effort to bring the extinct species back to life. The project, led by US-based company Colossal Biosciences, involved modifying seven genes to give the mice thicker, curlier fur similar to that of the ancient woolly mammoth. The company says this breakthrough brings them closer to engineering cold-adapted elephants, with the first embryos expected by 2026.
Despite the excitement, many experts remain skeptical. Critics argue that making mice hairier is a far cry from creating a mammoth-like elephant. Some believe the project is more of a publicity stunt than a realistic scientific endeavor. Others worry about ethical concerns, including potential suffering for the genetically modified elephants and their acceptance by existing herds.
Colossal Biosciences insists their work has been misunderstood. They argue that the woolly mice serve as a tool for testing genetic changes before applying them to elephants. "Validation that this works is really exciting for this project," said the company’s chief science officer, Prof. Beth Shapiro. The company is also working on artificial wombs and other research aimed at protecting endangered species.
In addition to the mammoth project, Colossal is attempting to bring back other extinct animals, such as the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger. They claim that reintroducing these species could help restore lost ecosystems and combat climate change. Their vision includes releasing herds of mammoth-like elephants into the Arctic, where their grazing habits could help slow the thawing of permafrost.
Whether this ambitious plan will succeed remains uncertain. While the woolly mice are an interesting scientific development, the leap to resurrecting mammoths is enormous. "A mammoth is much more than just an elephant in a fur coat," said Dr. Tori Herridge of the University of Sheffield. With significant technical and ethical challenges ahead, the dream of seeing mammoths roam the tundra again is still a long way off.
