De-extinction company Colossal Biosciences is working to birth the first mammoth-like calf by 2028, leveraging $555 million in funding. Rather than cloning a genetically pure woolly mammoth, scientists are using CRISPR gene-editing technology to splice ancient mammoth traits into Asian elephant cells, which share 99.6% of their DNA with their extinct relatives. Key adaptations include dense cold-resistant fur, thick subcutaneous fat, smaller ears, and specialized cold-tolerant hemoglobin.
The Texas-based team has achieved major preliminary milestones, including the creation of a "woolly mouse" proof-of-concept and the successful reprogramming of Asian elephant stem cells. However, significant challenges lie ahead: generating viable embryos and navigating a 22-month elephant gestation period.
Chief scientist Beth Shapiro confirmed the project remains on track while acknowledging the unpredictable biological factors ahead. If successful, the hybrid species could eventually be reintroduced to tundra ecosystems to aid in Arctic permafrost preservation.
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