Colossal Biosciences, a start-up focused on gene-editing technology, is working towards resurrecting the woolly mammoth and other extinct species. In a recent development, the company made notable progress: last year, it successfully produced stem cells derived from the Asian elephant, the mammoth’s closest living relative. This month, Colossal revealed images of genetically modified mice that exhibit long, mammoth-like fur. According to one of the founders, George Church, a professor at Harvard and MIT, these breakthroughs signify a substantial advancement toward using mammoths to mitigate climate change by revitalizing Arctic grassland ecosystems. Church also emphasized that their woolly mammoth initiative aims to support conservation efforts for endangered species such as the Asian elephant, asserting, “we’re injecting money into conservation efforts.”
The scientific progress made in Colossal’s laboratories is expected to bring about beneficial changes, impacting ecosystems from tropical regions to the Arctic and affecting both soil and atmospheric conditions.
Colossal’s ambitious goals, reminiscent of a real-life Jurassic Park, have captivated both the public and investors, leading to a recent valuation of approximately $10 billion. The company’s research appears to be yielding technical advancements. However, some experts argue that the overarching initiative to bring back the mammoth is misguided with respect to conservation priorities. Critics assert that Colossal’s efforts may not truly aid endangered elephants or the climate. Instead, they suggest the focus lies on creating spectacles for human interest, neglecting the potential impacts and opportunity costs on both human and animal life.
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