Scientists created furry mice: Are woolly mammoths roaming the Earth again?
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For years, scientists have been exploring ways to rewrite the genetic code, but their latest experiment is raising eyebrows.
Researchers at Colossal Biosciences have tweaked the DNA of ordinary mice, giving them thick, woolly fur—just like the legendary woolly mammoth.
Could this be a small step toward reviving an Ice Age giant? And if so, what does it mean for the future of science, conservation, and even medicine?
Rather than cloning these animals, scientists are identifying key genetic traits in ancient DNA and inserting them into living relatives.
This approach has sparked both excitement and controversy.
In a 2023 CBS News interview, correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti expressed skepticism, saying, "I hear mammoth and dodo in the same sentence and, you know, it's science fiction to me."
Colossal’s CEO Ben Lamm replied, "Yeah, I mean, it is—until it's not."
The latest milestone in Colossal’s research? Genetically modifying mice embryos to give them long, thick hair.
To do this, scientists edited seven genes, selecting traits linked to hair texture and fat metabolism—characteristics that helped mammoths survive in freezing climates.
While the results are impressive, they haven't been peer-reviewed yet, meaning the broader scientific community is still waiting for verification.
Even so, experts acknowledge the feat is technologically impressive.
Biologist Vincent Lynch of the University of Buffalo remarked, "It's technologically pretty cool."
The logical next step for Colossal is applying similar gene-editing techniques to Asian elephants, the mammoth’s closest living relative.
But because Asian elephants are endangered, any attempts to modify their genetics will face heavy ethical and regulatory scrutiny.
Ben Lamm has urged caution when discussing synthetic biology, saying, "These tools exist. It's hard to put the genie back in the bottle. We need to be really thoughtful about the intended and unintended consequences of our actions."
Wildlife and environment expert Christopher Preston of the University of Montana argued, "You're not actually resurrecting anything—you're not bringing back the ancient past."
Instead, he believes this type of work creates an entirely new species rather than reviving what was lost.
Despite these concerns, gene-editing advancements could have benefits far beyond de-extinction.
The company has already spun off two healthcare firms, applying their technology to medical research.
Author Ben Mezrich, who wrote Woolly: The True Story of the Quest to Revive One of History's Most Iconic Extinct Creatures, believes studying mammoth DNA could even help with cancer research.
"Elephants don't get cancer, which is very strange," Mezrich told CBS News.
"If we can figure that out, we can use this genetic engineering to solve cancer."
Meanwhile, a well-known actor’s revelation about Alzheimer’s is sparking new conversations about early detection and prevention.
These developments are reshaping what we know about health, technology, and the future of medicine.
Should scientists alter modern species to bring back extinct traits?
Are the medical benefits worth the potential risks?
What do you think about Colossal’s work? Is this a scientific breakthrough or a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Read more: Boost your happiness instantly with these 6 science-backed, wallet-friendly tips
Researchers at Colossal Biosciences have tweaked the DNA of ordinary mice, giving them thick, woolly fur—just like the legendary woolly mammoth.
Could this be a small step toward reviving an Ice Age giant? And if so, what does it mean for the future of science, conservation, and even medicine?
A bold step toward prehistoric revival
Colossal Biosciences made headlines in 2021 when it announced plans to recreate traits of extinct species, including the woolly mammoth and the dodo bird.Rather than cloning these animals, scientists are identifying key genetic traits in ancient DNA and inserting them into living relatives.
Scientists have successfully engineered furry mice with woolly mammoth-like traits. Image source: TIME / YouTube
This approach has sparked both excitement and controversy.
In a 2023 CBS News interview, correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti expressed skepticism, saying, "I hear mammoth and dodo in the same sentence and, you know, it's science fiction to me."
Colossal’s CEO Ben Lamm replied, "Yeah, I mean, it is—until it's not."
The birth of the "Colossal woolly mouse"
The latest milestone in Colossal’s research? Genetically modifying mice embryos to give them long, thick hair.
To do this, scientists edited seven genes, selecting traits linked to hair texture and fat metabolism—characteristics that helped mammoths survive in freezing climates.
While the results are impressive, they haven't been peer-reviewed yet, meaning the broader scientific community is still waiting for verification.
Even so, experts acknowledge the feat is technologically impressive.
Biologist Vincent Lynch of the University of Buffalo remarked, "It's technologically pretty cool."
Could an elephant be next?
The logical next step for Colossal is applying similar gene-editing techniques to Asian elephants, the mammoth’s closest living relative.
But because Asian elephants are endangered, any attempts to modify their genetics will face heavy ethical and regulatory scrutiny.
Ben Lamm has urged caution when discussing synthetic biology, saying, "These tools exist. It's hard to put the genie back in the bottle. We need to be really thoughtful about the intended and unintended consequences of our actions."
Is "de-extinction" actually possible?
Many scientists remain unconvinced that modifying an existing species is the same as bringing back an extinct one.Wildlife and environment expert Christopher Preston of the University of Montana argued, "You're not actually resurrecting anything—you're not bringing back the ancient past."
Instead, he believes this type of work creates an entirely new species rather than reviving what was lost.
Despite these concerns, gene-editing advancements could have benefits far beyond de-extinction.
From mammoths to medicine—how genetic research could fight disease
Colossal’s work isn’t just about Ice Age creatures—it could also lead to breakthroughs in healthcare.The company has already spun off two healthcare firms, applying their technology to medical research.
Author Ben Mezrich, who wrote Woolly: The True Story of the Quest to Revive One of History's Most Iconic Extinct Creatures, believes studying mammoth DNA could even help with cancer research.
"Elephants don't get cancer, which is very strange," Mezrich told CBS News.
"If we can figure that out, we can use this genetic engineering to solve cancer."
Want to know more about the latest in science and medical breakthroughs?
A groundbreaking medical discovery is making waves, leaving experts wondering—could this be the next big leap in medical innovation?Meanwhile, a well-known actor’s revelation about Alzheimer’s is sparking new conversations about early detection and prevention.
These developments are reshaping what we know about health, technology, and the future of medicine.
What’s next for genetic engineering?
With every advancement, gene-editing technology becomes more powerful—and more controversial.Should scientists alter modern species to bring back extinct traits?
Are the medical benefits worth the potential risks?
Read more: Boost your happiness instantly with these 6 science-backed, wallet-friendly tips
