Science & Technology

Stem cell breakthrough brings de-extinction one step closer

By T.K. Randall
March 7, 2024

Image: AI-generated (Bing AI / Dall-E 3) De-extinction might seem like science fiction right now, but over the next few years we could see the first ever extinct animal (such as a thylacine, mammoth or dodo) being brought back to life.

Several firms around the world are currently working on the problem and one of these is Colossal Biosciences - a biotechnology company that aims to achieve de-extinction as soon as 2028.

To this end, it has recently made a significant breakthrough by creating - for the first time - elephant 'pluripotent' stem cells that are capable of growing into any other type of cell in the body.

With these, it will be possible to test gene edits without the need for live animals.According to Eriona Hysolli - head of biological sciences at the company - the breakthrough will also enable the team to identify the cellular and genetic processes behind the various adaptations (such as thick fur, fat deposits and curled tusks) that helped mammoths thrive in cold environments.

To produce an actual live mammoth, the team will ultimately need to combine the cells with genes taken from a mammoth that has been found frozen and well-preserved in the permafrost.

This, in turn, will make it possible to create a mammoth-elephant hybrid.

If all goes to plan, we could see this become a reality within as little as 4 years.

Source: Live Science

Tags: Mammoth