Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, inspired by Colossal Biosciences’ successful creation of dire wolf puppies through genetic engineering, is reconsidering the Endangered Species Act’s list. He envisions “de-extinction” technology as a tool to remove species from the list, ultimately aiming to eliminate the need for it entirely. Burgum views this innovative approach as crucial for advancing wildlife conservation and strengthening biodiversity. This technology’s potential to revive extinct animals like the Dodo and Tasmanian tiger offers a new frontier in species preservation.
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Colossal Biosciences, aiming to “de-extinct” the woolly mammoth by 2028, has achieved a significant milestone. The company created genetically modified mice exhibiting woolly mammoth-like traits, such as thick, golden hair, by editing genes associated with hair growth and fat metabolism. While this research validates their gene-editing techniques, experts caution that creating a mammoth-like elephant is far more complex, requiring far more than just altering a few genes for cold tolerance and necessitating further research into the animals’ behavior and physiology. Concerns remain regarding resource allocation and the overall feasibility of the mammoth de-extinction project.
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The idea of a Montana man using animal tissue and testicles to breed giant sheep for sale to hunting preserves is truly a bizarre and eyebrow-raising concept. When I first came across this headline, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. The thought of someone actually going to such lengths to create genetically engineered sheep for the sole purpose of hunting is both fascinating and concerning at the same time.
The fact that this man procured cloned embryos of the animal from a lab is mind-boggling. The idea that there are labs out there that will willingly clone animals for individuals is a concept that I never even considered before.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker