Scientists Create Genetically Modified Woolly Mice as Step Toward Mammoth Revival
Colossal Biosciences genetically engineered mice to resemble woolly mammoths, aiming to study cold adaptation traits for future mammoth-like elephants.
Colossal has raised $435 million since it was founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Ben Lamm and Harvard University geneticist George Church.
Genetically engineered woolly mouse is a step toward resurrecting extinct mammoth, company says
CNN·6d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Still, the refinement of precision gene-editing in animals could have other uses for conservation or animal agriculture.
Scientists genetically engineer mice with thick hair like the extinct woolly mammoth
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Colossal Biosciences' eventual goal is to engineer mammoth-like creatures that could help stop arctic permafrost from melting.
Mice experiment as step to create mammoth-like elephants
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However, two of the genes targeted in the mice were also found in mammoths, where they are thought to have contributed to a woolly coat, with the changes introduced by the researchers designed to make the mouse genes more mammoth-like.
Scientists aiming to bring back woolly mammoth create woolly mice
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However, Arif noted, the techniques employed to create the woolly mouse are useful.
Mammoth de-extinction a "step closer" as geneticists create woolly mouse
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The return of mammoths could revitalize Arctic grasslands, which could have “major climate change-combatting properties including carbon sequestering, methane suppression and light reflection.
Company creates 'woolly mouse' in quest to bring back mammoths. Turns out, it's really cute.
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The mice are a key step in the longer journey to de-extinct the woolly mammoth.
These scientists are trying to revive woolly mammoths ... by modifying mice : Short Wave
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Summary
Colossal Biosciences has developed genetically modified mice with woolly mammoth traits, showcasing advancements in gene editing technology. The project aims to engineer Asian elephants with similar adaptations, potentially aiding in climate control by maintaining Arctic ecosystems. However, skepticism surrounds the project's feasibility and ethical implications. Critics argue that creating mammoth-like elephants poses significant scientific challenges, raising concerns over reliable outcomes and animal welfare.
Perspectives
Colossal Biosciences is developing genetically engineered mice with woolly mammoth-like traits as a step towards potentially resurrecting the species, which may help restore Arctic ecosystems and combat climate change.
While the woolly mouse experiment showcases advancements in gene editing, experts express skepticism about the broader implications, arguing that simply altering an elephant's genetics won't truly bring back the mammoth species.
Critics highlight the ethical concerns and scientific challenges associated with creating a hybrid elephant and question whether resources spent on this project could be better allocated to existing conservation efforts.