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Ancient Mammoth RNA Reveals Distress Before Death

11/22/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists recovered intact RNA from the woolly mammoth specimen named Yuka that lived nearly 40,000 years ago.
The RNA represents the oldest sequenced from an extinct vertebrate.
The findings suggest Yuka endured physical distress before death, possibly from a cave lion attack.
Researchers corrected Yuka's gender from female to male, a finding that informs de-extinction considerations and understanding of ancient RNA.

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Story summary

Scientists recovered intact RNA from the woolly mammoth specimen named Yuka that lived nearly 40,000 years ago.
The RNA represents the oldest sequenced from an extinct vertebrate.
The findings suggest Yuka endured physical distress before death, possibly from a cave lion attack.
Researchers corrected Yuka's gender from female to male, a finding that informs de-extinction considerations and understanding of ancient RNA.