Revolutionary Project to Resurrect Woolly Mammoths by 2028
The Woolly Mammoth is on track to roam the Earth once again by 2028, some 4,000 years after extinction. It’s all thanks to a Jurassic Park-style project spearheaded by Colossal Biosciences, the world’s first de-extinction company.
Breakthrough in Elephant Pluripotent Stem Cells
Colossal announced a major milestone in bringing the Woolly Mammoth back to life. Scientists have had a breakthrough in elephant ‘pluripotent’ stem cells, also known as iPSCs, which can grow into any cell in the body. These cells are crucial building blocks for de-extincting the great Woolly Mammoth.
Potential Applications and Implications
These iPSCs hold promise for cell development, therapy, drug screening, and synthetic embryos. Scientist Shinya Yamanaka’s discovery of turning animal cells into stem cells in 2006 paved the way for this project. Colossal co-founder Dr. George Church noted the significance of this milestone in understanding developmental biology and the potential benefits for endangered species.
Creating Elephant-Mammoth Hybrids for Conservation
Dr. George Church emphasized that creating elephant-mammoth hybrids can aid in conserving the elephant species by extending its range and restoring damaged arctic ecosystems. The collaboration between scientists opens doors to various possibilities in genetics and traits, benefiting both modern and extinct relatives.
Final Thoughts
The journey to resurrect the Woolly Mammoth is a remarkable one, filled with scientific breakthroughs and possibilities. With Colossal Biosciences leading the way, the world could witness the revival of a long-extinct species, offering insights into genetic engineering and conservation efforts. Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking project.