Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company based in Dallas, has made a groundbreaking announcement that could potentially bring the woolly mammoth back from extinction. The company claims to have created a set of stem cells from an Asian elephant, with the aim of recreating an animal that closely resembles the woolly mammoth. This achievement marks a significant step in Colossal’s mission to revive the 6-ton, 16-foot creature.
The woolly mammoth, which disappeared from the Earth approximately 4,000 years ago, could soon make a comeback, albeit not in its exact form. The revived creature would possess similar traits to the original mammoth, such as a heavy fur coat and ample fat to withstand freezing temperatures. Colossal Biosciences envisions a woolly mammoth that not only looks and walks like its predecessor but also has the ability to inhabit the same ecosystem that was abandoned by the mammoth’s extinction.
To achieve this ambitious goal, the company plans to genetically modify an elephant egg by introducing genes from a mammoth’s stem cell nucleus. The resulting embryo would then be implanted into an elephant surrogate, with the hope of successful birth. However, not everyone is supportive of Colossal’s endeavor.
Tori Herridge, a paleontologist from the University of Sheffield in England, raises concerns about the potential suffering that any living elephant involved in the birthing process may experience. She questions the ethical implications of sacrificing elephants for the sake of bringing back a woolly mammoth. Other scientists, such as Karl Flessa from the University of Arizona, criticize the project as “irresponsible.” Flessa questions the purpose of reviving the mammoth and highlights the potential risks associated with reintroducing a herd into the Arctic tundra, especially in the face of global warming.
Despite these criticisms, Colossal Biosciences remains determined to pursue its goal. The company expresses its intention to explore the use of artificial wombs in the future, should the project progress as planned. Additionally, Colossal argues that reviving the woolly mammoth could have positive implications for combating climate change. The company suggests that herds of mammoths could help slow down the thawing of permafrost, which releases carbon into the atmosphere and contributes to global warming.
George Church, a geneticist and co-founder of Colossal Biosciences who is also a professor at Harvard University, emphasizes the importance of restoring the environment to its former state. He believes that bringing back the woolly mammoth is crucial as it serves as a keystone species in the ecosystem.
While Colossal Biosciences faces criticism and ethical concerns, their breakthrough in creating stem cells from an Asian elephant brings us one step closer to witnessing the return of the woolly mammoth. The potential revival of this majestic creature not only sparks excitement but also raises important questions about the boundaries of scientific intervention and our responsibility towards the natural world.