Hello, tech enthusiasts! Get ready for an exciting update in the world of biotech.

Colossal Biosciences, a company with big ambitions, is on a quest to bring back the woolly mammoth by 2028. While that may sound like science fiction, they have made significant progress by successfully engineering a woolly mouse.

Using advanced CRISPR technology, the team identified mammoth genes in mice and edited their embryos to exhibit mammoth-like fur. These surrogate mice mothers have given birth to adorable little creatures that flaunt fur reminiscent of their long-extinct relatives.

But it’s not just about cuteness! The scientists believe that this woolly coat may help these mice thrive in colder environments, drawing parallels to the legendary mammoths.

Before diving deeper into their experiments, the company needs to secure approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, ensuring that all procedures maintain ethical standards in research.

To recreate the woolly mammoth fully, Colossal aims to map its entire genome and compare it with its closest living relative: the Asian elephant. Who knew that the key to the past would involve some mouse magic?

Despite the enthusiasm, experts warn that technical hurdles remain. Producing multiple mutations in these mice is one thing, but the leap from mice to a full-fledged mammoth is a monumental task.

Nevertheless, co-founder Ben Lamm sees this as a pivotal moment in their de-extinction mission, especially with the charming animals proving to be even cuter than expected. It’s a journey filled with challenges, but the prospects are as fascinating as ever!