Emily Zemler
Updated on: October 17, 2024 4:27 am GMT
Imagine walking through the snow and spotting a woolly mammoth, a dodo, or a Tasmanian tiger. Although this seems like a scene from a fantasy film, new advancements in science could make these encounters a reality. Colossal Biosciences, a biotechnology company based in Texas, is pioneering efforts to resurrect these extinct species through cutting-edge gene-editing technology.
The Push for De-Extinction
Ben Lamm, the founder and CEO of Colossal, leads this ambitious project. His vision is to bring back the woolly mammoth, which last roamed the Earth around 4,000 years ago. The species went extinct due to factors like hunting and perhaps difficulties in adapting to climate change. Lamm asserts that his team is on track to achieve this remarkable feat by 2028.
- The woolly mammoth is related to the Asian elephant, sharing 99.5% of its DNA.
- Lamm’s plan involves using Asian elephants as surrogates to carry hybrid embryos created from DNA samples of preserved mammoths.
- Beyond reviving a single mammoth, the goal is to repopulate the planet with thriving herds.
“As we move forward, we will focus on creating enough genetic diversity,” Lamm explained. “This way, we can breed intercompatible, sustainable populations instead of just a handful of clones.”
Celebrity Support
The project is gathering steam not just for its scientific aspirations but also due to the high-profile support from celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Paris Hilton. Together, they have helped Colossal raise $235 million to fund its research. Their celebrity status not only garners attention but also brings excitement to the de-extinction mission.
Hemsworth, famed for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, commented on the significance of the project. “This initiative could change how we view conservation and our responsibility to other living beings.”
Hilton, a well-known social influencer and entrepreneur, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “We have the chance to bring back species that once disappeared. That’s an incredible opportunity for humanity.”
The Science Behind It
So how exactly does Colossal plan to accomplish this daunting task? The process relies on understanding specific genes responsible for the unique traits of these extinct species. Scientists are using DNA from the closest living relatives to recreate their long-lost characteristics. For instance:
- The dodo, once native to Mauritius, is closely related to the Nicobar pigeon.
- The Tasmanian tiger is related to the fat-tailed dunnart.
Lamm and his team are meticulously identifying the crucial genes to bring these species back to life. As they undertake this monumental task, they also aim to ensure that the reintroduced animals can survive and thrive in modern ecosystems.
A Timeline for Return
While Lamm is optimistic about recovering the woolly mammoth by 2028, the timelines for bringing back the dodo and Tasmanian tiger may be even shorter. This is because these species have much shorter gestation periods, making them viable candidates for earlier introduction.
Despite the excitement, some experts have expressed concerns. The changing climate poses valid questions about whether these species could adapt and survive in our current environment. However, Lamm maintains that historical data shows substantial interglacial periods that were actually warmer than today’s temperatures.
“Everyone thinks of the movie Ice Age. In those times, there were locations that were cold, but there were also massive interglacial periods,” he said. “These warmer environments support the idea that mammoths could thrive again.”
The Debate on De-Extinction
The efforts to reverse extinction have sparked passionate debates among scientists and conservationists. Supporters believe that de-extinction can enhance biodiversity and restore ecosystems that have been disrupted by human activities. However, critics worry that focusing on resurrecting extinct species might divert attention from the urgent need to save endangered species currently facing extinction.
Colossal acknowledges the complexity of the issue but emphasizes the importance of biodiversity as a whole. “Our goal is not just to bring back one species but to contribute to a world where all species can co-exist,” Lamm remarked.
The Future of Extinct Species
The dream of seeing woolly mammoths, dodos, and Tasmanian tigers once again is becoming more plausible as technology advances. With financial support from celebrities, the efforts of companies like Colossal, and a passionate team of scientists, we may stand on the brink of a new era in conservation.
As this project unfolds, it will serve as an important test case for the possibilities of gene editing and de-extinction. While challenges lie ahead, the hope of reviving these magnificent creatures is an exciting prospect that could redefine our relationship with the natural world.
The idea of bringing extinct animals back to life is exciting! Scientists are working hard to see if they can really make this happen. While we don’t know yet if they will succeed, their efforts are making us think about what the future might be like. It makes us wonder: will we soon be able to say we’ve brought some amazing creatures from the past back to life?
