A team of scientists has successfully modified mice to grow thick, woolly fur, mimicking traits of the extinct woolly mammoth. Using advanced genetic engineering, biotech company Colossal Biosciences edited multiple genes to recreate key adaptations once found in Ice Age giants.
Breakthrough in Genetic Engineering
Colossal Biosciences, known for its efforts in de-extinction, announced that its researchers edited seven genes in mice embryos. The result was the “Colossal woolly mouse”, a rodent with long, dense fur resembling that of the woolly mammoth.
This genetic modification focuses on hair texture and fat metabolism, traits that helped mammoths survive in freezing climates. Scientists identified and combined these variations, which already exist in some mice, into a single organism.
Testing Before Larger Experiments
The team chose mice as the first test subjects before considering more complex animals. Asian elephants, the closest relatives of woolly mammoths, could be next in line. However, working with endangered species requires strict ethical reviews and regulatory approvals.
Colossal’s CEO, Ben Lamm, emphasized that the research aims to test gene-editing capabilities rather than bring back extinct species. The company previously made headlines for its ambition to restore the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird, but experts debate the feasibility of such projects.
Read: AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT: A Game-Changer for 4K Gaming
Experts Question “De-Extinction” Efforts
Some scientists are skeptical about whether this research truly contributes to conservation. Christopher Preston, an environmental ethics expert, argues that modifying Asian elephants would not resurrect the woolly mammoth but instead create an altered elephant species.
Similarly, Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University of Buffalo, acknowledged the technological achievement but questioned its real-world impact. He noted that CRISPR and other gene-editing tools have made genetic modifications faster and more precise, yet they do not reverse extinction.
Potential Applications Beyond De-Extinction
Despite skepticism, this breakthrough could benefit conservation efforts and agriculture. Scientists could apply similar techniques to enhance cold resistance in animals or prevent diseases in livestock.
Additionally, the healthcare industry could benefit from precision gene-editing. Lamm revealed that Colossal Biosciences has already spun off two healthcare companies, using its genetic research for medical advancements.
What’s Next?
The Colossal woolly mouse represents a major step in genetic engineering. While the debate over de-extinction continues, the technology behind it could shape the future of medicine, conservation, and biotechnology. As research progresses, scientists must weigh the ethical and practical implications of reshaping life at the genetic level.
Follow us on Google News, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook,Whats App, and TikTok for latest updates
