Colossal, a biotechnology firm, has made significant strides in the genetic restoration of the woolly mammoth, prompting discussions about humanity’s control over evolution. CEO Ben Lamm downplayed claims of humans taking complete control of evolution, remarking that such manipulation has been occurring for thousands of years, as demonstrated in breeding practices like turning grey wolves into chihuahuas.
Recently, Colossal unveiled the genetically engineered “Colossal woolly mouse,” which displays mammoth-like traits such as a longer coat and suitable colouring for colder climates. This innovation represents a major milestone as the team successfully modified seven genes at once, utilising data from the genomes of various mammoth species that date back between 3,500 years to over 1.2 million years. The genes were seamlessly incorporated into a standard mouse embryo—marking a groundbreaking achievement for genetic engineering, according to Lamm.
Every one of the seven edited genes manifested without adverse effects, providing validation for Colossal’s methods and suggesting a viable pathway towards creating a woolly mammoth embryo. The company is ambitiously aiming for a live woolly mammoth calf to emerge by early 2029, post a gestation period of 22 months typical for elephants.
The existing mice live comfortably, and while they are not intended for sale, they will undergo behavioural studies and ethical evaluations over the next year to further understand their capabilities.
Beyond the mammoth, Colossal has additional teams focusing on the resurrection of the dodo and the thylacine. The dodo team has developed an innovative strategy that involves editing chicken primordial germ cells to potentially produce dodo eggs, as cloning methods used for other species do not apply to birds.
For the thylacine, efforts are being directed towards using the fat-tailed dunnart, a small marsupial, which shares genetic similarities with the now-extinct thylacine. As the process unfolds, Shapiro emphasises the potential to grow a marsupial baby in progressively larger pouches, showcasing the adaptability of their approach.
Colossal’s overarching mission transcends mere revival; it aims to enhance biodiversity and potentially stabilise ecosystems impacted by climate change. Shapiro highlights that their goal is not to create an exact clone of the woolly mammoth but rather to produce a species that can contribute positively to its environment, highlighting activities like soil aeration and seed dispersal.
Ultimately, Colossal aspires to tackle extinction, aspiring to make it a relic of the past, which reflects a broader ambition to leverage genetic technology for ecological restoration and species conservation.