Scientists bred a "woolly mouse" in an attempt to revive a mammoth (3 photos + 1 video)
By the end of 2028, they plan to get a baby woolly mammoth 
American startup Colossal Biosciences, which is trying to revive the prehistoric mammoth, announced that it has taken the first step and bred a "woolly mouse".
Scientists modified 38 mice so that they had longer hair and the ability to tolerate low subzero temperatures. To do this, they used DNA and genomics technologies, but did not introduce the mammoth gene into the rodents. The modified mice will live as long as normal ones. There are no plans to reproduce or sell them.
"We've proven our ability to recreate complex genetic combinations that nature has spent millions of years developing," said startup CEO Ben Lamm.
Scientists have called the breeding of "woolly mice" the first step toward reviving the mammoth. The startup plans to use the remains found in the tundra to edit genes in the cells of the Asian elephant, the closest modern relative of the mammoth. The company's representatives expect that by the end of 2028, the surrogate elephant mother will give birth to a baby prehistoric animal.
