Scientists Create 'Woolly Mouse' Using Mammoth Genes
Above: The Colossal woolly mouse. Image credit: Colossal Biosciences via X
The Facts
- Colossal Biosciences has engineered mice with mammoth-like traits by modifying seven genes simultaneously, resulting in animals with longer, wavier, and lighter-colored fur designed to demonstrate cold-climate adaptation.
- The research team analyzed 121 mammoth and elephant genomes, ranging from 3.5K to over 1.2M years old, to identify the genetic differences that could contribute to cold-weather survival traits.
- Scientists used gene-editing techniques, including CRISPR, to modify genes controlling hair growth, texture, and fat metabolism, with one modification causing hair to grow three times longer than normal.
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The Spin
Narrative A
This is a crucial milestone in de-extinction efforts, highlighting the ability to recreate complex genetic combinations that took nature millions of years to develop. This could help address pressing ecological challenges and potentially reverse some human-caused extinction damage.
Narrative B
The project diverts resources from more urgent conservation needs — poses significant ethical concerns regarding animal welfare, and may also produce only crude approximations of extinct species that cannot truly replicate the original animals' behaviors or ecological roles.
Metaculus Prediction
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 7.18.2
© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.
All rights reserved.
Version 7.18.2