Colossal Biosciences Edges Closer To Reviving The Woolly Mammoth With "Woolly Mice"
Language
Reading Level
Listen to Article
Alignment
Colossal Biosciences is on a quest to bring back the woolly mammoth. On March 1, 2025, the Texas-based startup came one step closer to its goal with the creation of genetically-modified "woolly mice." Featuring thick, golden fur and curled whiskers, the rodents have characteristics similar to those of the woolly mammoth.
The team, led by Beth Shapiro, started by finding the genes that made mammoths unique. To do this, they compared ancient mammoth DNA to that of African and Asian elephants, their closest living relatives. Key differences included genes linked to long, woolly hair and fat metabolism. Both were crucial for surviving the cold weather. Next, they searched for similar genes in mice that affect things like coat thickness, color, and fat storage.
The team then used gene-editing tools to modify seven genes in mice. Six were related to hair growth, texture, and metabolism. The result? Adorable mice with thick, woolly coats. These rodents also developed fat deposits similar to those that helped mammoths endure frigid weather. However, it is unclear whether they can withstand cold better than regular mice. The scientists plan to test this in the coming months.
The woolly mice are a great start to the company's goal of reviving the woolly mammoth, but many challenges remain. While the gene-editing tools worked on mice, they are not advanced enough to work on elephants. For example, unlike rodents, elephants have sparse hair. This will make it much more difficult to genetically modify them for a woolly coat.
Critics argue that even if Colossal succeeds, the result will not be a true woolly mammoth. Instead, it would be a modified elephant with mammoth-like traits. Whether the company's vision becomes a reality remains to be seen. For now, creating woolly mice is an exciting milestone.
"For us, it's an incredibly big deal," Shapiro said.
Resources: NPR.com, Livescience.com, Colossal.com
Get the Workbook for this article!
Workbook contains: Article, Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking Questions, Vocabulary in Context (+ answers), Multiple Choice Quiz (+ answers), Parts of Speech Quiz (+ answers), Vocabulary Game (+ answers)Cite Article
Learn Keywords in this Article
43 Comments
annelabout 12 hoursAlthough, why would we need woolly mammoths? They could destroy a lot of things. Do you all agree with me again?- annelabout 12 hoursI think the part where they did the test was very cool, and I also think the Woolly Mice are so adorable.
thewatcher20001 dayWould they not be more....LARGE.🤔
ocicatpacific1 dayHave any of theese scientists seen Jurassic Park?- ocicatpacific1 dayAAAAHHH SO CUTE!!! I want one as a pet!!
they are so adorebleee- annelabout 12 hoursyeah totally
spreadthelulz2 daysThey look adorable, but also a little weird. I wonder what animal might be modified next(30th comment yay)
i_love_kuromi3 daysOmgg they are so cute I want one as a pet 😭- annelabout 12 hoursMe too
852128sophie4 daysSo adorable!!!!!!!! Ilove furry animals!- annelabout 12 hourssame
lijadutibawu4 daysWow!
