What's New
Scientists Are Inching Closer to Bringing Back the Woolly Mammoth
Mar 7, 2024
Scientists are making strides in bringing back the woolly mammoth by reprogramming elephant cells. Colossal Biosciences is overcoming gene editing challenges to create mammoth-like elephants for reintroduction in the Arctic, sparking ethical debates and scientific milestones.
07:49
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Colossal Biosciences is working on reprogramming elephant cells to bring back the woolly mammoth.
- De-extinction efforts face ethical and ecological debates regarding the reintroduction of mammoth-like elephants into the wild.
Deep dives
Reviving the Woolly Mammoth through Genetic Editing
Colossal Biosciences aims to bring back the woolly mammoth by editing Asian elephant genes to create functional mammoths adapted to sub-zero environments. Scientists at Colossal have made progress in reprogramming elephant cells into induced pluripotent stem cells, allowing for the potential creation of elephant sperm and eggs in the lab, crucial for genetic testing without harming living elephants. This research presents significant challenges due to the limited availability of Asian elephant cells but could pave the way for de-extinction efforts and conservation work.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
