“Stunning De-Extinction Breakthroughs: From Fossils to Reality, Hope and Challenges Ahead!”

Advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology are bringing the concept of reviving extinct species closer to reality. Companies like Colossal Biosciences are leading efforts to resurrect iconic animals Fossils such as the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger. These endeavors have sparked debate about their ethical, ecological, and practical implications. While promising potential benefits for conservation, critics caution against the risks of creating imitations of extinct animals and the challenges posed by such complex projects.

Credits: CNN

De-Extinction Breakthrough: $435M Boost to Revive Mammoths, Dodos Fossils, and More

Advances in genetic engineering and synthetic biology are bringing the possibility of reviving extinct species closer than ever before. Several organizations and companies, including the innovative biotech firm Colossal Biosciences, are at the forefront of these efforts, with the goal of restoring iconic creatures like the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger. Colossal recently raised an additional $200 million in funding, bringing its total to $435 million, a significant leap from its initial $15 million in 2021.

Reviving Extinct Species: A Decade Away from Restoring Lost Animals for Ecosystem Health

Within a decade, the world may witness the return of animals that were once only seen in ancient photographs, museum exhibits, or fossilized remains. These efforts are not only capturing public imagination but are also attracting new investors eager to contribute to conservation in groundbreaking ways. Proponents argue that reviving extinct species could have significant benefits for current ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and improving resilience to the climate crisis.

Critics Warn of Risks in De-Extinction Projects: Unintended Consequences and Ethical Concerns

However, critics caution that these ambitious projects are risky and that resurrecting extinct species could lead to unintended consequences. Some experts argue that the funds being invested in de-extinction projects might be better spent elsewhere, while others contend that the animals created may not truly resemble their extinct ancestors. Raising and breeding such creatures could pose challenges, including the potential harm to existing species used in the process and the ecosystems where revived animals may be released.

Credits: New Scientist

Bioethics Expert Challenges De-Extinction Concept, Calls It Genetic Engineering of Lost Species

Melanie Challenger, deputy co-chair of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, offers a thought-provoking perspective, emphasizing that what is being pursued isn’t “de-extinction” but rather the creation of a genetically engineered organism designed to mimic the function of a long-lost species. This, she asserts, involves a host of complex ethical considerations that need to be carefully examined.

Scientists Use Cloning, Genetic Engineering, and Back-Breeding to Revive Extinct Species

Scientists are employing three primary techniques to attempt to revive extinct species: cloning, genetic engineering, and back-breeding, a selective breeding method that reintroduces traits from extinct animals. Cloning, which first gained attention with the birth of Dolly the sheep nearly 30 years ago, holds the potential for creating genetically identical creatures. However, it is unlikely to be effective for long-extinct species. Meanwhile, back-breeding has seen some success in efforts to revive animals like the aurochs, an extinct ox. Grazelands Rewilding in the Netherlands has bred tauros cattle, which are genetically similar to the ancient aurochs, by using modern cattle and selectively breeding for traits of the extinct animal.

Colossal Biosciences Aims to Resurrect Mammoth, Dodo, and Tasmanian Tiger with Genetic Engineering

Colossal Biosciences, known for its more ambitious projects, aims to resurrect not only the woolly mammoth but also the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger. The company plans to use genetic engineering to alter the genomes of closely related species, such as the Asian elephant, to create a hybrid resembling the extinct mammoths. High-profile investors in Colossal’s work include celebrities like Peter Jackson, Paris Hilton, and Tom Brady, alongside investment firms like Breyer Capital.

Credits: Times Of India

Colossal Advances in Genetic Science, but Dodo Resurrection Faces Challenges

As Colossal continues to make strides, such as creating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) for elephants and editing the genes of the fat-tailed dunnart for the Tasmanian tiger project, the pace of progress is accelerating. However, challenges persist, especially in the resurrection of the dodo, with genetic editing still in early stages using its closest living relative, the Nicobar pigeon.

Credits: Braňo via Unsplash

Despite some progress, many developments have not been published in peer-reviewed journals, limiting the ability of the scientific community to scrutinize them. Nevertheless, Colossal’s efforts remain focused on creating tangible results, with some notable academic partners working alongside them, including molecular paleontologist Beth Shapiro.While de-extinction is not seen as a cure for extinction, many scientists, like Shapiro, believe that the tools developed through these projects could ultimately help protect and restore endangered species, contributing to global conservation efforts.