Scientists Create Woolly Mice in Bid to Revive Woolly Mammoth

Dallas, Texas — Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have achieved a breakthrough in genetic engineering by creating woolly mice that exhibit traits reminiscent of the extinct woolly mammoth. This achievement marks a significant step toward the company’s goal of de-extinction, potentially bringing back the mammoth by 2028.

After 4,000 years without the woolly mammoth roaming Earth, Colossal’s CEO, Ben Lamm, announced the successful birth of the first generation of genetically modified mice, which possess key mammoth characteristics including a long, wavy coat and enhanced fat metabolism. “The Colossal woolly mouse marks a watershed moment in our de-extinction mission,” said Lamm in a statement. The company has been working on this project since its inception in 2021 and aims to harness advanced gene-editing techniques.

Colossal’s researchers have identified nearly 60 mammoth genomes recovered from specimens found in the Arctic. Utilizing CRISPR technology, the team pinpointed genes that determine mammoth traits, such as hair type and fat metabolism, and introduced these traits into the mice. In total, the scientists produced approximately 250 embryos, with 38 healthy mouse pups born displaying the desired mammoth-like features.

The practicality of using mice in their testing has been central to the research; the short gestation period of mice—just 20 days—greatly accelerates their experiments as opposed to using Asian elephants, which have a gestation period of around 22 months. This strategy allows for rapid testing of genetic edits. Lamm noted, “We started this project in September and we had our first mice in October, so that shows this works—and it works efficiently.”

Despite these accomplishments, the road to resurrecting the mammoth comes with numerous challenges. For instance, the project involves engineering multiple genes responsible for various physical traits of the mammoth beyond just fur, such as fat distribution and cold-resistant metabolism. This requires extensive trials and iterations while maintaining ethical considerations toward living elephants.

While the woolly mouse does not directly replicate a woolly mammoth, it acts as a vital developmental model for continuing research efforts. “The woolly mouse project doesn’t bring us any closer to a mammoth, but it does validate the work we are doing on the path to a mammoth,” Lamm explained.

The company faces significant scrutiny from scientists and conservationists who raise concerns about the ethics and ecological impact of de-extinction. Critics argue funds might be better allocated to conserving endangered species rather than attempting to revive long-lost creatures. Senior wildlife director at the Toronto Zoo stated, “The focus on de-extinction … is a distraction from the work that needs to be done.”

Nevertheless, Colossal aims to apply the technology derived from this research to prevent further extinctions and enhance the genetic diversity of current species at risk. “Current conservation models work, but they don’t work at the speed at which we are changing the planet,” Lamm remarked. They aspire to include species such as the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger in future projects.

As scientists push forward, the potential implications of bringing extinct species back into ecosystems raise questions. Beth Shapiro, chief science officer, stated, “Our intention is to re-create these extinct species that played really important roles in ecosystems.” Whether this endeavor will lead to positive or negative ecological effects remains to be seen, but the urgency for answers increases as biodiversity continues to decline globally.

Colossal anticipates progressing towards producing mammoth-like Asian elephant embryos by 2026 and aims to have calves resembling the woolly mammoth within the next three years.