News Genetics

‘Woolly mice’ were just a start. De-extinction still faces many hurdles

Success with mice does not guarantee success with elephants

A mouse with an unusually thick and fluffy golden coat, sitting against a white background. Its fur appears much longer than that of a typical lab mouse. The mouse has small pink paws and a long, thin tail.

Cute, yes. But is this “woolly mouse” really a step toward bringing woolly mammoths back?

Colossal Bioscience

By Jason Bittel

Scientists working to unlock the secrets of de-extinction recently announced what they say is a turning point for the movement: the creation of transgenic mice with long, luxurious golden locks of tufted fur inspired by the coats of woolly mammoths.

They’re called Colossal woolly mice. And yes, they are cute to boot.

Transgenic mice — those that have had their genomes altered through genetic engineering — are not new.