These scientists are trying to revive woolly mammoths … by modifying mice

Enlarge this image Left, a regular mouse sits near a genetically modified mouse, seen to the right. The latter has been genetically modified to have the longer, golden hair and fat stores of a woolly mammoth. Colossal Biosciences hide caption toggle caption Colossal Biosciences Left, a regular mouse sits near a genetically modified mouse, seen to the right. The latter has been genetically modified to have the longer, golden hair and fat stores of a woolly mammoth. Colossal Biosciences You’ve heard of the woolly mammoth. But have you heard of woolly mice? These critters were genetically modified by the Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences to have the same “woolly” and fat appearance as the ancient mammoths. The mice are a key step in the longer journey to de-extinct the woolly mammoth. NPR’s Rob Stein takes us to the lab where it all happened. Interested in more biotech stories? Let us know by dropping a line to [email protected]. Listen to Short Wave on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave. Sponsor Message This episode was produced and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Special thanks to Hannah Chinn. Tyler Jones checked the facts. Robert Rodriguez was the audio engineer.