Scientists Are Reincarnating the Woolly Mammoth, Will Resurrect It in 2027

How incredible would it be to have the woolly mammoth walk among us. Of course, no one wants a T-Rex, or a pterodactyl brought to life, but a woolly mammoth can’t be all that bad when you think of it. In an ambitious venture, a biotech company plans to use advanced gene technology to resurrect this fantastic creature by 2027. This fascinating journey is marked by groundbreaking achievements, technical challenges, and ethical debates. Will they be successful?

Colossal Biosciences: The Pioneers of De-extinction

Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotech company co-founded by George Church, is at the forefront of this ambitious project. The company aims to use advanced genetic engineering techniques to resurrect the woolly mammoth, leveraging the close genetic relationship between the mammoth and the Asian elephant.

The Significance of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

In a breakthrough, scientists at Colossal have successfully created induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from Asian elephants, the closest living relatives of woolly mammoths. In fact, research found how the DNA of woolly mammoths is a 99.6 percent match of the Asian elephant. The iPSCs can be reprogrammed into any cell type, paving the way for the creation of mammoth-like embryos.

Embryos will be planted into Asian elephants

After creating the embryos, they will be placed in a surrogate elephant which will be used to give birth to a woolly mammoth or an elephant-mammoth hybrid. The main aim of the exercise is to populate parts of the Arctic with the new mammoth species. This will result in plant life being strengthened in the region because of the dietary and migration habits of the beast.

Gene Editing: A Path to Revival

Using CRISPR technology, researchers are editing the DNA of Asian elephant cells to include key mammoth traits. These traits include the thick fur, fat layers, and cold resistance necessary for survival in Arctic environments.

The Role of Pleistocene Park

Sergei and Nikita Zimov’s Pleistocene Park in Siberia plays a crucial role in this project. By reintroducing large herbivores to the tundra, the Russin scientists  aim to restore ancient ecosystems and combat climate change. The addition of mammoths could further enhance these efforts by promoting grassland growth and reducing permafrost thaw.

The Ethical and Biological Challenges

The revival of the woolly mammoth is fraught with ethical questions. Critics argue that the resources could be better spent on conserving existing endangered species. There are also concerns about the welfare of the genetically engineered animals and the ecological impact of reintroducing them into modern ecosystems.

Potential Environmental Benefits

Proponents of the project highlight its potential environmental benefits. Mammoths could help slow climate change by transforming tundra ecosystems and preserving permafrost, which contains vast amounts of trapped carbon.

Technological Hurdles and Milestones

The path to de-extinction is not without its technical challenges. Creating a viable mammoth embryo and finding a suitable surrogate mother are significant hurdles. Colossal is also exploring the possibility of synthetic wombs to circumvent these challenges.

The Vision for Woolly Mammoths in the Wild

The ultimate goal is to establish herds of woolly mammoths in the Arctic tundra, where they can thrive and contribute to ecological restoration. This vision includes ensuring that the animals are well-socialized and capable of surviving in their new habitat.

Public and Scientific Reception

The project has garnered both excitement and skepticism. While some see it as a bold step forward in genetic science, others view it as an impractical and ethically questionable endeavor. The scientific community remains divided on the feasibility and desirability of de-extinction.

Funding and Resource Allocation

In a boost to the project, Colossal acquired a further $60 million. Funding for the project comes from a mix of private investments and public interest. Colossal argues that the project could spur advances in biotechnology and conservation, justifying the investment in this high-risk, high-reward venture.

The Future of De-extinction

If successful, the woolly mammoth project could pave the way for the revival of other extinct species. This could revolutionize conservation strategies and offer new tools for biodiversity restoration. Next on the list is the Thylacine or the Tasmanian tiger.

The Role of International Collaboration

The project involves collaboration between scientists from various countries, highlighting the global nature of this scientific quest. International cooperation is essential for sharing knowledge, resources, and ethical standards.

The Legacy of the Woolly Mammoth

The woolly mammoth holds a unique place in human history and culture. Reviving this iconic species could provide new insights into our past and inspire future generations of scientists and conservationists.

Looking Ahead: Timelines and Expectations

Colossal aims to produce the first woolly mammoth hybrid within the next few years, preferably by 2027. Whether it ultimately succeeds or not, the project will undoubtedly push the boundaries of what is possible in genetic science and conservation. What do you think? Would it be right to resurrect extinct species? How would such a creature impact our modern environment? Tell us your views in the comments, we’d love to know.

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