Scientists genetically engineer mice with thick hair like the extinct woolly mammoth

Extinction is still forever. But scientists at a biotech company are trying what they say is the next best thing to restoring ancient beasts. They’re genetically engineering living animals with qualities to resemble extinct species like the woolly mammoth. Colossal Biosciences announced Tuesday that it has simultaneously edited seven genes in mice embryos to create mice with long, thick, woolly hair. Scientists nicknamed them the “Colossal woolly mouse.” The results posted online have not yet been published in a journal or vetted by independent scientists. Outside scientists have mixed views on whether this strategy will be helpful for conservation. Extinction is still forever. But scientists at a biotech company are trying what they say is the next best thing to restoring ancient beasts. They’re genetically engineering living animals with qualities to resemble extinct species like the woolly mammoth. Colossal Biosciences announced Tuesday that it has simultaneously edited seven genes in mice embryos to create mice with long, thick, woolly hair. Scientists nicknamed them the “Colossal woolly mouse.” The results posted online have not yet been published in a journal or vetted by independent scientists. Outside scientists have mixed views on whether this strategy will be helpful for conservation.  AP Technology and Science