Scientists Reconstruct Wooly Mammoth's Genetic Code

Scientists Reconstruct Wooly Mammoth's Genetic Code
Image credit: Print Collector/Contributor/Hulton Fine Art Collection via Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Now that we know that dehydrated fossils can be turned into near-perfect DNA replicas, scientists may be able to do the same for ancient Egyptian mummies or other long-lost animals. Given time, this information may also lead to the revival of extinct animals, or at the very least ones similar to those of ancient times.

Narrative B

While novel genome sequencing technology provides incredible insight into the evolution and history of animals, that doesn't mean they can be completely de-extinct. Using a modern-day elephant to produce some sort of reincarnated wooly mammoth may be possible, but that would bring up ethical issues surrounding using animals for such experiments.

Metaculus Prediction



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.2

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.20.2