A company called Colossal Biosciences has announced a breakthrough in its efforts to de-extinct woolly mammoths and other animals. The company has successfully created gene-edited ‘woolly mice’ that harbor a mix of mutations modeled on those of woolly mammoths. While some specialists question the significance of this achievement, others see it as a crucial step towards engineering Asian elephants with mammoth traits.
Forecast for 6 months: Expect increased investment in gene-editing technologies and a growing interest in de-extinction efforts. Colossal Biosciences may announce further breakthroughs in its research, potentially leading to a surge in public interest and debate.
Forecast for 1 year: Within the next year, we may see the establishment of a dedicated de-extinction research center or facility, potentially backed by governments or private investors. This could lead to a significant increase in funding for de-extinction research and a growing number of scientists working on related projects.
Forecast for 5 years: In the next five years, we can expect to see the development of more sophisticated gene-editing technologies and a greater understanding of the genetic factors that contribute to key mammoth traits. This could lead to the creation of more complex organisms, such as gene-edited elephants or even mammoths, and potentially raise new ethical and regulatory challenges.
Forecast for 10 years: Within the next decade, de-extinction efforts may lead to the creation of a new industry focused on genetic engineering and conservation. This could involve the development of new technologies and business models, as well as a growing recognition of the importance of genetic diversity in preserving ecosystems and preventing extinctions.
