Colossal Biosciences, a US biotech company, has made significant progress in efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth by creating a genetically engineered mouse with traits akin to the extinct species. Dubbed the "woolly mouse," this innovative creation features long, thick hair and improved metabolism for cold tolerance—traits essential for surviving in the Arctic tundra where woolly mammoths once thrived.

CEO Ben Lamm announced this achievement, stating, "The woolly mouse is not just a feat of engineering; it proves that our targeted approach to precision editing based on very deep computational analysis works." The endeavor promises potential advancements in conservation biology, aiming to recreate animals lost to extinction through DNA insights from ancient specimens.

The development follows Colossal's significant fundraising achievements, amassing over $400 million, and achieving a valuation of $10.2 billion. This financial backing included support from high-profile investors and celebrities. Although the project has sparked criticism regarding its feasibility and conservation effectiveness, Lamm remains optimistic about future endeavors, including using the insights gained from the woolly mouse to edit genes in Asian elephants, the closest living relatives of mammoths.

In a groundbreaking experiment, scientists edited seven specific genes in mouse embryos simultaneously, achieving the desired coat characteristics by manipulating genes related to hair texture and fat metabolism. This effort is regarded as a significant leap in gene-editing technologies, especially with the refinement of methods like CRISPR, which allows for more efficient genetic modifications.

Despite this progress, skepticism persists among many scientists. Christopher Preston, an expert from the University of Montana, emphasized, "You’re not actually resurrecting anything — you’re not bringing back the ancient past." Concerns remain about whether the approach actually achieves true de-extinction or merely transforms existing species.

In the meantime, the modified mice's health is comparable to regular mice, and Colossal assures there are no intentions to breed or commercialize them. Results have been presented online but await further validation through peer review.

Colossal's technology not only strives for the revival of mammoths but may also have broader applications in conservation and health sciences, suggesting potential benefits for managing diseases in other species.

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