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Colossal Biosciences' Mammoth Revival Faces Conservation Critique

5/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Colossal Biosciences is on a bold mission to bring back the woolly mammoth and dire wolf through genetic engineering. Yet, Nic Rawlence from the University of Otago warns that this isn’t genuine de-extinction, as ecosystems have evolved. He advocates for focusing this technology on conserving existing species and fostering genetically robust populations.

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Story summary

Colossal Biosciences is on a bold mission to bring back the woolly mammoth and dire wolf through genetic engineering. Yet, Nic Rawlence from the University of Otago warns that this isn’t genuine de-extinction, as ecosystems have evolved. He advocates for focusing this technology on conserving existing species and fostering genetically robust populations.