Scientists have created genetically modified “woolly mice,” a step toward resurrecting woolly mammoths to help repair ecosystems, sparking debate on the safety and ethics of such projects.
Key Facts:
- Scientists have genetically engineered mice to have traits similar to woolly mammoths.
- The first genetically modified “woolly mice” were born in October, confirmed by researcher Beth Shapiro.
- The goal is to create mammoth-like Asian elephants by editing embryos and implanting them into elephants by 2028.
- Supporters believe this technology can help restore damaged ecosystems.
- Critics worry about unknown environmental consequences.
The Rest of The Story
Company leaders argue their methods can improve current conservation efforts.
They hope reintroducing mammoth-like elephants will restore Arctic ecosystems to their former state.
True story: the privately held biotechnology company Colossal Bioscience (co-founded by George Church) created a novel mouse strain containing the shaggy-hair gene of an extinct Wooly Mammoth.
These guys are pretty darn cute. pic.twitter.com/7pQns19538
— Klebanoff_Lab (@KlebanoffLab) March 4, 2025
Additionally, they plan to apply similar technology to other extinct animals, including the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger, hoping to slow biodiversity loss driven by rapid environmental changes.
Commentary
These researchers seem oddly confident despite their glaring lack of knowledge about what could go wrong.
Professor Karl Flessa rightly pointed out the obvious: introducing genetically modified elephants to the Arctic tundra has unknown risks.
It’s almost as if ecosystems are puzzles that can be repaired simply by fitting long-extinct species back into place.
The researchers treat ecosystems as puzzles that can be fixed by genetic tinkering, yet ecosystems are far more complex.
Next thing you know, they’ll want to recreate dinosaurs, maybe on an island somewhere so they can’t escape and can be controlled.
History repeatedly shows nature is far more complicated and unpredictable than scientists like to admit.
Colossal Biosciences believes their work will offer revolutionary conservation tools, but it might only open a Pandora’s box.
There’s no guarantee that mammoth-like creatures will peacefully coexist in today’s ecosystems.
While the idea is captivating, the practical risks clearly outweigh any potential rewards.
The Bottom Line
Scientists have successfully engineered “woolly mice,” taking the first step toward recreating woolly mammoths and other extinct species.
While their goals may seem noble, the risks and unknown consequences of reintroducing these creatures should make everyone pause and consider carefully.
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