Colossal Biosciences creates mammoth-like traits in mouse

Colossal Biosciences has created a genetically modified mouse with traits similar to the woolly mammoth, marking a significant step in de-extinction research. This "woolly mouse" demonstrates that mammoth-like characteristics can be engineered into living organisms. The mouse was developed using CRISPR technology to alter genes related to fur and fat metabolism. This allows researchers to test genetic edits quickly before applying them to larger animals, like elephants, which are the closest living relatives of mammoths. While this breakthrough shows potential, challenges remain. Critics question the feasibility and ethics of de-extinction, and significant genetic modifications are still needed to create a true mammoth hybrid. The ecological impact and behavioral traits of such hybrids also raise concerns.