Scientists Engineer Woolly Mice in Effort to Revive Mammoths

Woolly Mice
Woolly Mice

In a significant step towards reviving the woolly mammoth, biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences has created genetically engineered mice with mammoth-like traits. These “woolly mice” possess thicker, curlier fur and increased body fat, resembling the extinct mammoths adapted for cold climates. The researchers at Colossal Biosciences identified key genes responsible for the mammoths’ distinctive features by comparing ancient mammoth DNA with that of their closest living relatives, African and Asian elephants.

Using advanced genetic engineering techniques, they inserted these mammoth-specific genes into mouse embryos, resulting in the birth of the first woolly pups in October 2024. “This is really validation that what we have in mind for our longer-term de-extinction project is really going to work,” said Beth Shapiro, chief science officer at Colossal Biosciences. The company’s ultimate goal is to create mammoth-like creatures that could help restore damaged Arctic ecosystems.

The woolly mice experiment allowed the researchers to test their hypotheses more quickly, as mice have a much shorter gestation period compared to elephants. “We ended up with some absolutely adorable mice that have longer, woolly, golden-colored coats,” Shapiro said. “And this is the way that we’re going to create mammoths for the future.”

Colossal Biosciences plans to apply this technology to Asian elephant embryos, with the aim of producing mammoth-like elephant calves by 2028.

Woolly mice mark mammoth milestone

However, the project has faced criticism from some scientists who argue that resources would be better spent on conserving currently endangered species. “The focus on de-extinction as a conservation tool is a distraction from the work that needs to be done to conserve species,” said a senior director of wildlife science at the Toronto Zoo.

“There’s species disappearing every day.”

Others have raised concerns about the potential consequences of reintroducing mammoth-like creatures into modern ecosystems. “They sort of want to mess around on a pretty large scale,” noted a professor of geosciences at the University of Arizona. “I don’t know what the downside of having a bunch of hairy Asian elephants stomping around in the tundra might be.”

Despite the criticism, Colossal Biosciences defends its project, stating that the reintroduction of mammoth-like creatures could benefit the environment by restoring ecological roles once filled by these ancient animals.

Moreover, the technologies being developed could aid in protecting existing species. “Current conservation models work. They just don’t work at the speed at which we are changing the planet and eradicating species,” said Ben Lamm, Colossal’s co-founder and CEO.

“So we need new tools and technologies so we can engineer life in a better way that’s more adaptable to be co-existent with humans.”

As Colossal Biosciences continues its work on the woolly mammoth revival project, it is also exploring the possibility of bringing back other extinct species, such as the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger. While the scientific community remains divided on the merits of de-extinction efforts, the creation of the woolly mice marks a significant milestone in this controversial field of research.

Photo by; Ryan Stone on Unsplash

Kayla Lear

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