Woolly Mice:
Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have genetically engineered “woolly mice” by editing specific genes to mimic traits of the woolly mammoth, such as thick, wavy fur and cold adaptation.
- This experiment aims to validate genetic modifications for potential use in reviving the extinct woolly mammoth, but experts remain skeptical about its significance.
- Woolly Mice is Genetically modified mice engineered to express mammoth-like traits, including longer, wavier hair and cold adaptation features.
- Created as a model organism to study genetic modifications that could be applied to de-extinct species like the woolly mammoth.
- Developed by: Colossal Biosciences, a US-based genetic engineering company.
- Scientists edited seven key genes linked to hair length, texture, colour, and metabolism, found in woolly mammoths and their closest relatives, Asian elephants.
- Compared mammoth genomes with Asian elephants to identify cold-adaptation genetic variants.
- Introduced these gene edits into laboratory mice using CRISPR gene-editing technology.
