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

Read another version of this article at Science News Explores

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.