Woolly Mouse Buzz: How Colossal’s Viral Rodent Captivated Celebrities

In this Newsweek feature, the focus is on Colossal Biosciences’ woolly mouse—engineered with golden fur and cold-adapted traits inspired by extinct mammoths—and its surprising journey from lab novelty to pop culture phenomenon. The article reveals how celebrities like Paris Hilton and Tom Brady shared and engaged with the viral images, highlighting the project’s unexpected reach beyond scientific circles. Created using CRISPR edits—seven mammoth-related genes in mouse embryos—the woolly mouse serves as proof of concept for applying ancient DNA insights to living models. While the experiment is primarily a scientific milestone, its celebrity buzz has helped spark broader public interest in de-extinction technology and conservation innovation. The piece underscores how combining cutting-edge biotech with a compelling visual can amplify awareness of genetic science.

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