Engineering the Woolly Mouse: How Colossal Validated Mammoth Traits in a Small Model

In this USA Today feature, Colossal Biosciences showcases its latest achievement: the woolly mouse. By targeting seven genes linked to mammoth-like traits—such as shaggy golden fur, elongated hair, and fat metabolism—the company successfully engineered mice that embody cold-adaptation characteristics. These woolly mice serve as a fast, scalable testbed for validating complex trait engineering without the ethical and logistical constraints of working with elephants. While behavioral testing for cold tolerance is still pending, scientists call this step a major leap: it demonstrates that ancient DNA insights can be functionally expressed in living models. The experiment opens the door to using similar techniques in larger species, marking a crucial early milestone toward mammoth de‑extinction and broader conservation innovation.

To Learn More Click Here