Scientists aiming to bring back woolly mammoth create woolly mice

Changes introduced by the researchers were designed to make mouse genes more like a mammoth’s. Photograph: handout

A plan to revive the mammoth is on track, scientists have said after creating a new species: the woolly mouse.

Scientists at the US biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences plan to “de-extinct” the prehistoric pachyderms by genetically modifying Asian elephants to give them woolly mammoth traits. They hope the first calf will be born by the end of 2028.