Japanese scientists look to clone extinct mammoth
AFAR
7/17/2003
In an attempt to revive the wooly mammoth, a prehistoric animal that has been extinct for thousands of years, scientists in Japan are taking preliminary steps to clone it.
These scientists at Gifu Science and Technology Centre and Kinki University have prepared their first DNA samples from bone, muscle, and skin cell specimens taken from a frozen wooly mammoth that had been preserved in the Siberian tundra. They will determine if the cells are still intact, and whether they yield DNA of cloning quality.
A cloned Mammoth is a genetically identical copy of an extinct species of elephant, known as the Woolly Mammoth. Cloning involves taking the DNA from a preserved Mammoth specimen and inserting it into the egg of a closely related species, such as an Asian elephant, to create an embryo that is then carried to term by a surrogate mother.
Mammoths were chosen for cloning because they are an iconic and beloved species that went extinct relatively recently, making it possible to obtain well-preserved DNA. Additionally, their genetic similarity to living elephant species makes it more feasible to create a viable embryo through cloning.
As of now, no Mammoths have been successfully cloned. Scientists have made progress in extracting and sequencing Mammoth DNA, but there are still many technical and ethical challenges to overcome before a viable Mammoth clone can be created.
Currently, there are a few different projects in various stages of research and development related to cloning Mammoths. Some are focused on extracting and sequencing DNA, while others are working on developing the technology and techniques necessary for cloning. However, there is no definitive timeline for when a Mammoth clone will be created.
If a Mammoth is successfully cloned, it could have significant implications for conservation and scientific research. The clone could potentially serve as a model for studying the effects of cloning and genetic engineering on a large, long-lived animal. Additionally, it could potentially help restore balance to ecosystems where Mammoths once roamed, and even potentially provide a source of genetic diversity for endangered elephant species.