From woolly mice to woolly mammoths

Scientists bring back mammoths - 31st March 2025

A US company, Colossal Biosciences, is working on a big project. Their goal is to bring back the woolly mammoth. These animals died and became extinct over 4,000 years ago.

The company's using advanced technology and science to change the genetic information of an animal's cells. These days, it's possible to find frozen mammoths because of climate change. Frozen mammoths can provide scientists with lots of information. The genetic data is compared to the DNA of an Asian elephant. In this way, it's possible to work out the differences. For example, scientists can discover what gives mammoths their long hair.

Mice are then used in the project. The team's found it can produce mice with longer hair, and also with a different colour.

The head of Colossal Biosciences is Ben Lamm. He's pleased with their results. He plans to produce a type of woolly mammoth by 2028. For him, science can be used to save the planet's plants and animals which are in danger.

Many scientists have different opinions. One scientist has said Colossal has only changed "the appearance of elephants". Another said it wasn't realistic to discuss bringing back animals in this way. But Colossal certainly isn't giving up now.