Reviving furry giants is likely in the next decade
Using CRISPR-Cas9 genetic editing technology, biologists have long dreamed of reviving extinct species - for example, carrier pigeons that died out a century ago, as well as the dodo bird and sea cow, which have not existed for several centuries. Scientists at Harvard University set themselves even more ambitious goals - they hope to "bring back to life" mammoths, the last of which roamed the Earth about four thousand years ago.
According to biologist George Church, within seven years, the experiment may end with success. Experts have already extracted samples of mammoth DNA from frozen remains and this year "built" them into the genome of an Asian elephant. Mammoths and modern elephants are so close genetically that if they coexist today, they could leave a joint offspring. This gives genetic engineers hope that two genetically modified elephants can give the world even more mammoth-like cubs, writes The Huffington Post.
Scientists have already drawn up a "road map" for the revival of mammoths. In the coming years, elephants, “transformed” into their ancient species, will have to grow more and more wool from generation to generation, and an ever thicker fat layer will form under their skin. The circulatory system is also transforming to meet the demands of living in cold regions. After that, the animals will need a new home, and experts suggest allocating a territory for them in Siberia and North America. Biologists hope that in the long term this will help restore polar ecosystems and slow down the process of climate change around the world.
However, some scientists are not too optimistic about this project. In particular, Steward Pimm from Duke University criticized the idea of reviving ancient species on the pages of National Geographic. From his point of view, this distracts the attention of scientists and the public from the more urgent task of preserving biodiversity - protecting the many species that live in our time, but are on the verge of extinction. In addition, Steward Pimm says, even if the experiments to revive ancient animals are successful, the chances of these animals surviving in the long term still cannot be called one hundred percent: if they disappeared, unable to adapt to changing conditions in the past, they are hardly will be able to survive in a new, even more changed world.
Dmitry Erusalimsky