Colossal aims to bring woolly mammoths back from extinction : NPR
NPR • • science
Key Points:
- Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based company, aims to resurrect extinct species like woolly mammoths and Tasmanian tigers using gene-editing, cloning, and AI, with plans to birth the first mammoth in about two years.
- The company has successfully created "woolly mice" with mammoth-like fur to validate targeted genetic traits and announced the revival of dire wolves, though critics argue these animals are genetically modified relatives rather than true extinct species.
- Ethical concerns arise over potential animal suffering, ecological risks, and the diversion of resources from conserving endangered living species, with some experts warning that de-extinction efforts could undermine current conservation priorities.
- Colossal defends its mission, highlighting potential ecological benefits such as restoring ecosystems
