• Genetic Engineering for Cold Adaptation: The woolly mice have been engineered to exhibit traits reminiscent of the woolly mammoth, including curlier, golden-brown fur and a gene affecting fat metabolism. These modifications aim to mimic the mammoth’s adaptations to cold environments. A unique feature of the mammoth are clumps on their back filled with fat to help keep the animal both insulated and energized during long, frigid months in largely barren landscapes.

• Rapid Testing with Mice: Mice were chosen for this experiment due to their short gestation period of about 20 days, allowing for quicker observation of genetic modifications compared to elephants, which have a 22-month gestation and take years to reach maturity.

  
  

• Broader De-Extinction Goals: Colossal’s efforts extend beyond the woolly mammoth. The company is also working on de-extinction projects for the dodo and the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger), aiming to reintroduce these species with resilience(ability) to modern challenges such as diseases and environmental changes.

• Infact, Colossal is also known for bringing back the infamous Dire Wolf which became extinct 12,000 years ago , made famous by the Game Of Thrones, television series.

Closely related to woolly mammoths than they are to african elephants!

First thought: How? and Why would they want to bring back extinct woolly mammoth including more extinct species?

Although they have received some disagreements that these modified creatures would harm or could be dangerous and would be regarded as freaks by other elephants and rejected by other members of their herd.

However, personally as someone who is very interested in knowing about prehistoric creatures, seeing a woolly mammoth in person would've been exciting.

• Future of the Woolly Mice: While the woolly mouse project is not intended to be ongoing, the mice have served their purpose in demonstrating the feasibility of expressing ancient traits in living animals. Team members have expressed interest in adopting the mice once the project concludes.

Women have been underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) for many years. Women remain underrepresented in STEM occupations, with two-thirds (65%) men and about one-third (35%) women. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of women in the STEM workforce increased 31%, from 9.4 million to 12.3 million.