It’s been over 4,000 years since the mighty woolly mammoth roamed the Earth. Towering at around 12 feet tall and weighing nearly 8 tons, it was an unforgettable creature. When the world said goodbye to this magnificent giant, it was believed to be forever. But thanks to cutting-edge science, we may be able to witness the next best thing.

Scientists at Colossal Biosciences, a pioneering biotech company, are working to bring certain extinct species back to life. Their focus is on genetically engineering living animals with traits that resemble those of long-gone creatures, like the woolly mammoth.

Introducing the "woolly mouse" — a creature with shaggy fur and cold-adapted traits similar to those of its mammoth ancestors. Through advanced gene-editing technology, these mice now feature the ability to store and burn fat like the woolly mammoth, an adaptation for survival in cold climates. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the quest to revive the mammoth itself, a project that Colossal hopes to be successful with by 2028. Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, the scientists have successfully altered mice genetics. They sequenced ancient mammoth DNA from preserved skin, bone, and hair, allowing them to identify the genes responsible for traits like coat color and cold tolerance.

At Liberty Science Center, we’re thrilled to honor Jennifer Doudna, the American biochemist and Nobel Laureate who helped pave the way for breakthroughs like the woolly mouse. For her work in revolutionizing gene editing, she is one of four “Geniuses” being celebrated at our 13th Annual Genius Gala. Her discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 in 2012 provided a more efficient, precise way to alter DNA sequences. This innovation has been instrumental in a wide range of scientific advancements, including the development of gene therapies and, now, the potential resurrection of extinct species. Doudna, alongside Emmanuelle Charpentier, was awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their pioneering work in gene editing.

The next time you visit LSC discover more about this mind-blowing, groundbreaking science on the LSC’s Making Mammoths exhibit located on the third floor in Microbes Rule!. Explore the effort to bring back mammoths, led by Harvard geneticist George Church, a prior recipient of LSC’s Genius Award. At the center of the exhibit is a woolly mammoth replica with each crafted hair individually positioned. Learn even more about the CRISPR gene-editing technology that Church is using in efforts to transform modern Asian elephants—which are going extinct—into cold-loving “mammophants,” an effort that, theoretically, could help reduce global warming. Making Mammoths is included in general admission.