The field of de-extinction science is making remarkable strides, with US-based biotech firm Colossal Biosciences leading the charge. Founded by tech entrepreneur Ben Lamm and Harvard geneticist George Church, the company is pioneering efforts to resurrect long-lost species through advanced genetic engineering techniques.
The process involves identifying and replicating the core genes that define an extinct animal, using DNA from its closest living relative. For instance, the woolly mammoth shares 99.5% of its genes with the Asian elephant, making it an ideal candidate for resurrection. Similarly, the dodo's closest living relative is the Nicobar pigeon, whilst the Tasmanian tiger is genetically linked to the fat-tailed dunnart.
High-Profile Projects and Ambitious Timelines
Colossal has set its sights on bringing back iconic creatures such as the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger. These ambitious projects have garnered significant attention and financial backing, with the company raising an impressive £177 million to date. Notable investors include Australian actor Chris Hemsworth, American socialite Paris Hilton, and motivational guru Tony Robbins.
Ben Lamm, Colossal's chief executive, has expressed optimism about the timeline for these projects. While the company has set a target of late 2028 for the birth of its first mammoth, Lamm suggests that other species might beat this deadline. The Tasmanian tiger and the dodo, with their shorter gestation periods, could potentially be the first to re-emerge.
Expanding Horizons: New Candidates for De-Extinction
Professor Beth Shapiro, Colossal's chief science officer, has revealed that the list of potential candidates for de-extinction is expanding. Among the intriguing prospects are the Arctodus, a 14-foot-tall Ice Age bear, and the giant North American beaver, which stood at an impressive 5 feet tall.
These efforts extend beyond mere scientific curiosity. Colossal has established a non-profit arm, the Colossal Foundation, with a £38 million fund dedicated to conservation efforts. This initiative aims to aid endangered species such as the vaquita porpoise and the northern white rhino, demonstrating the broader ecological implications of de-extinction technology.
Ethical Considerations and Future Implications
As the science progresses at a rapid pace, the ethical and ecological implications of bringing back extinct species remain topics of intense debate. Critics argue that resurrecting extinct species could divert resources from protecting currently endangered animals. However, proponents contend that the technologies developed for de-extinction can also bolster conservation efforts for existing species.
The potential to see a woolly mammoth or a dodo in the flesh within the next decade is both exhilarating and thought-provoking. It challenges our understanding of extinction and conservation in the modern world, raising important questions about our role in shaping the planet's biodiversity. As we stand on the brink of this scientific breakthrough, it's clear that de-extinction technology has the power to redefine our relationship with nature and our responsibilities towards it.
