Scientists Create ‘Woolly Mouse’ with Mammoth Traits. Could It Bring Back the Extinct Giant?
A tiny lab mouse with curly whiskers and long, wavy hair might just hold the key to resurrecting woolly mammoths! Created by Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based company focused on de-extinction, this genetically modified mouse is designed to help scientists unlock the genetic traits that allowed mammoths to thrive in cold climates.
The Woolly Mouse Experiment
Colossal’s scientists made a major breakthrough by editing the genes of a lab mouse to mimic traits of the extinct woolly mammoth. By targeting specific genes related to hair length, texture, and body fat, they produced mice with longer, shaggy fur, curly whiskers, and a golden coat. These traits are characteristic of the mammoth’s adaptations to cold environments.
The research used a combination of cutting-edge genetic editing techniques to introduce eight simultaneous edits to the mouse’s genes. By studying these changes, Colossal hopes to understand how the mammoth’s traits were linked to its survival in freezing temperatures.
A Step Toward Reviving Extinct Species
This experiment is part of Colossal’s larger mission to bring back extinct animals, including the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger, by editing the genomes of their closest living relatives. In the case of the mammoth, the company envisions these creatures returning to the Arctic to help slow permafrost thaw and reduce carbon emissions.
Skepticism and Challenges
While the woolly mouse is an impressive scientific achievement, some experts question its value. Critics argue that the mice do not demonstrate cold tolerance, which is essential for mammoth traits. There are also concerns about the challenges of applying this research to elephants, the mammoth’s closest living relative, especially given the complexities of elephant reproduction.
Looking Ahead
Despite the scepticism, Colossal is moving forward with its plans to introduce woolly mammoth-like creatures by 2028. Whether or not these genetic advancements lead to the full revival of the mammoth remains uncertain, but the woolly mouse is a fascinating first step in the race to bring back lost species.
