How to Make a Mammoth (and save the world)

Summary

4,000 years ago, the extinction of Woolly Mammoths helped accelerate the thawing of the Arctic Permafrost, releasing massive amounts of carbon. Now, scientists are working to bring these creatures back through genetic editing of Asian Elephants, aiming to reverse climate damage. The hybrid creatures could help preserve Permafrost by clearing snow and maintaining cold temperatures. The company Colossal Biosciences plans to produce the first hybrid calves by 2028. De-extinction technologies may also provide solutions for biodiversity, agriculture, and human health, marking a pivotal moment in humanity's battle against climate change.

Takeaways

• 😀 Woolly Mammoths went extinct 4,000 years ago due to climate change and human activity.
• 😀 Scientists are working to resurrect Woolly Mammoths using gene editing and tissue from recovered frozen Mammoths.
• 😀 The Permafrost in the Arctic is rapidly thawing, potentially releasing huge amounts of carbon into the atmosphere.
• 😀 There is twice as much carbon locked in Permafrost as currently exists in Earth's atmosphere, which could be disastrous if released.
• 😀 Before their extinction, Woolly Mammoths helped preserve Permafrost by clearing snow and trees, keeping the ground frozen.
• 😀 The landscape of the Arctic has changed after the extinction of Mammoths, with forests and shrubs now contributing to the thawing of the Permafrost.
• 😀 Scientists are using the DNA of Asian Elephants, which share 98% of their DNA with Woolly Mammoths, to create a hybrid species.
• 😀 Gene editing allows scientists to insert specific traits from Mammoths, such as cold adaptation, into Elephant cells.
• 😀 The goal is to create hybrid Elephant-Mammoth calves by 2028 to help combat climate change in the Arctic.
• 😀 Colossal Biosciences, a company leading the efforts, has already successfully created Woolly Mice with Mammoth-like fur.
• 😀 The development of artificial wombs and bio-vaults could revolutionize de-extinction, restoring biodiversity and aiding in climate and health solutions.

Q & A

What led to the extinction of the Woolly Mammoth?

The Woolly Mammoth went extinct 4,000 years ago due to a combination of climate change and human activity.

Why is Permafrost important for the climate?

Permafrost acts as a global freezer, trapping dead plants and animals and preventing the release of carbon into the atmosphere. It helps stabilize the planet’s climate.

What happens if Permafrost thaws?

If Permafrost thaws, it releases a significant amount of carbon into the atmosphere, which could accelerate climate change and worsen global warming.

How much carbon is locked in the Permafrost compared to the atmosphere?

There is around twice as much carbon locked beneath the Permafrost as there is in Earth's atmosphere.

How did the Woolly Mammoths help preserve the Permafrost?

Mammoths helped preserve the Permafrost by clearing snow and young trees, allowing cold air to reach the ground and keep it frozen.

What changes occurred in the Arctic landscape after the Mammoths went extinct?

After the Mammoths’ extinction, forests and shrubs began to take over, absorbing more heat and contributing to the thawing of the Permafrost.

How are scientists working to bring the Woolly Mammoth back?

Scientists are using gene editing to modify Asian Elephants' DNA, incorporating traits of the Woolly Mammoth, such as cold-resistant adaptations and shaggy fur, to create hybrid Mammoths.

What is the role of Colossal Biosciences in the Woolly Mammoth project?

Colossal Biosciences is the startup leading the effort to create a Woolly Mammoth-Elephant hybrid, aiming to produce the first hybrid calves by 2028.

What other successes has Colossal Biosciences had with gene editing?

As proof of concept, Colossal Biosciences has created Woolly Mice with Mammoth-like fur by modifying their genes.

What broader applications does de-extinction technology have beyond the Woolly Mammoth?

De-extinction technologies can help restore biodiversity, protect endangered species, improve agriculture, combat disease, and lead to breakthroughs in human health.

How does Ground News contribute to the understanding of climate change?

Ground News helps users compare global perspectives on issues like the Permafrost carbon imbalance by offering a platform that aggregates credible sources and maps out biases in media coverage.

How does the Ground News platform support critical thinking?

Ground News offers diverse perspectives on important issues, helping users challenge assumptions and think critically about global challenges.