Scientists Create “Colossal Woolly Mouse” with Mammoth-Like Hair

In a groundbreaking scientific endeavor, researchers at the biotech company Colossal Biosciences have embarked on a mission to genetically modify living animals to possess characteristics reminiscent of extinct species such as the woolly mammoth. The woolly mammoth, an ancient creature that once roamed the icy terrains of Europe, Asia, and North America before facing extinction approximately 4,000 years ago, has captured the imagination of scientists seeking to bring back elements of the past through innovative genetic engineering techniques.

Colossal Biosciences gained widespread attention in 2021 for its ambitious initiative to resurrect the woolly mammoth and later the dodo bird. Since then, the company has delved into the realm of ancient DNA to uncover the distinctive traits of extinct animals, with the ultimate goal of integrating these traits into contemporary living organisms. CEO Ben Lamm expressed the company’s vision to “engineer them into living animals,” a process that has sparked varied perspectives among experts in the field.

While some scientists view this approach as a potential avenue for conservation, others like Christopher Preston, a wildlife and environment specialist at the University of Montana, remain cautious, emphasizing that this method does not equate to true resurrection of extinct species. The recent announcement by Colossal Biosciences revealed a significant milestone in genetic manipulation as researchers successfully edited seven genes in mouse embryos, resulting in the creation of mice adorned with long, dense, woolly hair, affectionately termed the “Colossal woolly mouse.”

Although the outcomes of this experiment have been shared online, they are yet to undergo formal peer review. Nevertheless, experts like Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University of Buffalo, commend the technological advancement showcased in this achievement. The utilization of cutting-edge tools such as CRISPR has revolutionized genetic engineering, making the process more efficient and accessible than ever before.

By analyzing DNA databases of mouse genes associated with hair texture and fat metabolism, the scientists at Colossal Biosciences identified specific genetic variations already present in certain mouse populations. These variations were consolidated in a single mouse to create the desired traits. The selection of these traits was informed by their probable connection to cold tolerance, a crucial adaptation that enabled woolly mammoths to thrive in the frigid Arctic landscape.

While the focus initially remains on mice, the ultimate goal for Colossal Biosciences is to extend this genetic modification to Asian elephants, the closest living relatives of woolly mammoths. However, due to the endangered status of Asian elephants, the process entails navigating through regulatory hurdles and ethical considerations. Despite skepticism surrounding the concept of “de-extinction,” experts like Bhanu Telugu, an animal biotechnology researcher at the University of Missouri, acknowledge the broader implications of precision gene-editing techniques in fields like conservation and agriculture.

The advancements made by Colossal Biosciences not only hold promise for scientific innovation but also have potential applications in human health. CEO Ben Lamm envisions a future where similar genetic technologies could be harnessed to combat diseases in humans, a direction that has already led to the establishment of health care spin-off companies by the organization. While the ethical implications of genetic manipulation persist, the strides made in this realm underscore the evolving landscape of biotechnology and its far-reaching impacts on both the natural world and human health.