woolly mammoth
Coverage of woolly mammoth in the Nexus archive.
- Scientists hung onto woolly mammoth fossils for 70 years — then discovered a huge mistake: ‘Something was amiss’
Scientists kept woolly mammoth fossils for 70 years before realizing they were actually whale bones, highlighting a significant misidentification. The error was discovered when researchers noticed discrepancies in the fossils' characteristics.
- The ambitious plan to 'de-extinct' the bluebuck: Company attempting to bring back the woolly mammoth sets its sights on a species of antelope that died out 230 years ago
A company working on de-extincting the woolly mammoth is now targeting the bluebuck, a species of antelope that became extinct 230 years ago. The effort highlights advancements in genetic technology aimed at reviving extinct species.
- Colossal Biosciences reveals new species for "de-extinction": the bluebuck
Colossal Biosciences aims to de-extinct the bluebuck, a South African antelope extinct since the 18th century, as part of its sixth de-extinction project. The company claims to have mapped bluebuck DNA and is in the final genomic editing phase, targeting a 2028 birth via surrogate. Critics question the ecological risks and authenticity of past projects like dire wolves.
- Is this ‘de-extinction’ project actually onto something?
Dallas-based biotech startup Colossal, backed by venture capitalists, the CIA, and Peter Thiel, is pursuing de-extinction projects for animals like the woolly mammoth and dire wolf. However, the company uses genetic modifications in existing species rather than ancient DNA, as seen in their 2025 'dire wolves' created by splicing gray wolves with specific traits.