Key points from article :
Colossal Biosciences, a US-based company, has genetically engineered mice with mammoth-like traits as a step towards creating cold-adapted, woolly elephants. The ultimate goal is to reintroduce these mammoth-like creatures to the Arctic tundra, where their grazing habits could help restore grasslands and prevent the release of carbon dioxide from melting permafrost, a key driver of climate change. The company claims that it is on track to create the first cold-adapted elephant by 2028, with embryos expected by 2026.
However, the project has been met with widespread scepticism. Critics argue that making mice hairier is a long way from engineering woolly elephants and that the endeavour is more of a publicity stunt than a practical solution. Concerns include the difficulty of scaling up from modifying a few mice genes to successfully altering elephants, potential health risks for the animals, and whether such creatures would be accepted by wild elephant herds.
Colossal defends its work, stating that the woolly mice are a crucial tool for testing genetic modifications before applying them to elephants. The company is also working on embryo development and artificial wombs to ensure the project’s feasibility. Beyond mammoths, it aims to revive other extinct species like the dodo and Tasmanian tiger to restore lost ecosystems. Additionally, Colossal highlights its contributions to conservation, such as developing vaccines for elephants and genetic interventions for endangered species. Despite the criticisms, the company insists that its work has significant scientific and environmental value.
