Researchers create a fetus living in an artificial uterus

What if the mammoths walked again on earth? Meanwhile, Researchers recreate a “woolly” creature by modifying mouse DNA. Furthermore, First step towards a full -scale desextinction?

Genetically modified mice to imitate mammoth hairs – Researchers create fetus living artificial

Of the woolly mouseyes, you read that right. In addition, This is the latest creation of Colossal Biosciencesa Texan biotech start-up that dreams of reviving the Woolly mammoth. For example, To move forward in this project. Furthermore, its researchers have changed theRodent DNA to reproduce several Characteristic features of mammoth : thick, color researchers create fetus living artificial coat, and even genes linked to adaptation to cold.

They have selected key genes. In addition, FGF5 For the length of the hairs, MC1R For color and FABP2 for the metabolism of lipids, and edited them simultaneously. Meanwhile, Result ? For example, A Three times more dense fura shade gilded brown And … Moreover, a real mini mammoth head. All, without modifying the body mass. In other words, an impressive technical success.

Why start with mice and not directly with elephants? – Researchers create fetus living artificial

Because The mice go fast ! Short reproduction cycle. well -known genome: they offer a Ideal living laboratoryTo test complex genetic changes before transposing them to larger and threatened species, such as theAsian elephant . The latter shares 99.6 % of its genomewith mammoth.

This first step is therefore strategic. It validates a Multiplex genetic editing techniqueessential researchers create fetus living artificial for the ultimate ambition: create a Elephant-Mammoth hybrid embryowhich would then be. worn in a artificial uterus.

Exciting promises … and vigilant skeptics

The enthusiasm is great, but not everyone climbed the time machine. Robin Lovell-Badgeof Crick Institutewith and guard: «They are just hairy mouse. We don’t know anything about their physiologynor their behavior. It doesn’t tell us about what a real one might become Mammoth-elephant hybrid. »

Another point raised by specialists: Cold adaptation . The chosen genes are promising, but nothing proves, at this stage, that these mice would resist a Siberian winter. And even less than reconstituted elephantwould be able to Restore the tundra like the colossal dream.

The hidden lens: save the climate with “arctic elephants”

This project is not just a whip of crazy scientist. For its promoters. researchers create fetus living artificial it is Restore ecosystemsarctic by reintroducing a species capable of compact snow , Promote the regrowth of herbsand slow down Dégel du Permafrost. In short, curb global warming .

But. that asks a dizzying question: How far can we recreate the living to repair our mistakes?Technology of artificial bellyunder development, adds a layer of ethics to a science already worthy of science fiction.

What does I think? Fascinating … but to handle with care

I don’t hide you that this project fascine. To redo a mammoth in the tundra is to dreamedalmost poetic. But I also wonder: What do we seek to repair? The disappearance of a species … or our own guilt?

The experience of woolly mice is a tour de force It’s true. But she poses more questionsthat it researchers create fetus living artificial does not bring responses. And as long as the elephants do not work in the snow, I will remain cautiously enthusiastic.