When asked if their latest breakthrough in resurrecting the woolly mammoth marked the first time humanity had mastered evolution, Colossal CEO Ben Lamm laughed. He considered the statement too bold, perhaps even a bit much for their audacious company. This level of control over evolution would require further exploration and understanding.
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03-17, 2025Lamm's colleague, Dr. Beth Shapiro, agreed, pointing out that humans have been manipulating evolution for thousands of years, such as turning gray wolves into Chihuahuas. They are simply taking it a step further. Colossal's mammoth team recently showcased the Colossal Mammoth Mouse, a mouse genetically engineered to withstand cold climates, possessing mammoth-like characteristics such as coat color and hair length. This advancement signifies a tangible step towards their ultimate goal.
To make it easier for the average person to grasp, Lamm and Shapiro outlined the scope of the achievement. They were able to simultaneously modify seven genes through a "pipeline" approach, derived from computational analysis of 59 mammoth genomes, ranging from 3,500 to over 1.2 million years old. Importing eight modifications into seven genes—an unprecedented feat—into a regular mouse embryo appeared to progress smoothly. This innovative process has streamlined their research capabilities.
Lamm stated that all seven modified genes expressed themselves "100%" in the living mice, without adverse effects. He emphasized that this validates their work but does not accelerate anything, simply meaning they don't need to go back and redo. They anticipate achieving a viable "mammoth" embryo by the end of 2026, implying that a live mammoth calf could be born in the early months of 2029, following a 22-month elephantine gestation period. This timeline reflects their dedication to scientific rigor.
Meanwhile, what is the fate of these mice? They have their own habitat, and Shapiro stated there are no plans to sell them. Lamm added that their mice are living very well compared to regular mice. Shapiro said that behavioral studies and ethical experiments will also be conducted on these furry specimens in the next six to twelve months, all of which will contribute to the ultimate goal. These studies will help them better understand the implications of their genetic modifications.
Colossal's mammoth project often receives the most media attention, but the company also has two other teams dedicated to resurrecting two other animals—the dodo bird and the thylacine. The bird team, in particular, is progressing rapidly, having developed a method to solve the problem of not being able to clone birds. Due to differences in bird egg development, "standard" cloning, like that of Dolly the sheep, is not possible. Therefore, the team aims to edit primordial germ cells, which control the production of eggs or sperm. In theory, they could have ordinary chickens lay dodo eggs. This innovative approach bypasses the limitations of traditional cloning methods.
As for the thylacine, this extinct predator will return to us via the small fat-tailed dunnart. Like the thylacine, the dunnart is a marsupial with sharp teeth, providing a good genetic foundation. Furthermore, Shapiro pointed out that marsupial pups, whether they grow up to be 1.8-meter-tall red kangaroos or mouse-sized dunnarts, are initially about the same size. This means they can transfer the pups into increasingly larger pouches, expanding the space as they grow. This unique characteristic of marsupials offers a practical solution for nurturing the resurrected thylacine.
When asked why climb Mount Everest, the mountaineer George Mallory is said to have replied, "Because it's there." Colossal, facing the awesome power of nature, gives a more thoughtful answer. All the technologies they outline can be used to increase the numbers of species that still exist but are dwindling. Shapiro stated that resurrecting mammoths could help "stabilize" the warming habitats the animals once roamed. Their goal is not to resurrect 100% mammoth clones, but to enable resurrected species to help the environment by aerating the soil, spreading seeds, and engaging in greater symbiosis with their habitats. Shapiro concluded that they want to make extinction a thing of the past. Their vision extends beyond simply bringing back extinct species.
