Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery by reconstructing the genetic code of a woolly mammoth named Chris Waddle, after finding fossilized chromosomes in the skin of a 52,000-year-old carcass preserved in Siberian permafrost. This discovery has provided researchers with unprecedented insight into the genetic makeup of these ancient creatures, shedding light on their biology and evolution.
The mammoth’s impressive mane caught the attention of scientists, leading to its unique nickname. It was freeze-dried after death, preserving the 3D structure of its chromosomes in the skin. This allowed scientists to assemble the mammoth genome, revealing that it had 28 pairs of chromosomes and providing details about which genes were activated or deactivated.
The discovery of fossil chromosomes in the mammoth’s skin has been described as a “gamechanger” by researchers, as it opens up new possibilities for studying extinct species. This new type of fossil has preserved biomolecules for vast periods of time, containing far more information than previously studied fossils. The shape of the mammoth’s chromosomes enabled scientists to reconstruct the entire DNA sequence of the creature, offering valuable insights into its biology.
The international team of researchers spent five years testing samples before finding the piece of skin that contained intact chromosomes. This discovery has paved the way for studying other extinct animals and even ancient Egyptian mummies, potentially unlocking secrets about their biology and evolution.
The research has implications beyond understanding the woolly mammoth. Scientists hope to use this information to potentially bring back the mammoth by rewriting the genome of an Asian elephant to match that of the mammoth. While this is a significant step forward in de-extinction efforts, there is still much work to be done before this becomes a reality.
The preservation of intact chromosomes in the mammoth carcass has opened up new possibilities for exploring the biology of extinct species. This exceptional level of preservation may extend to fossils much older than the mammoth, allowing researchers to investigate the biology of species dating back millions of years.
Overall, this discovery represents a major advancement in ancient DNA research and has the potential to reshape our understanding of extinct species and their relationships to living relatives. The study’s findings provide a glimpse into the genetic code of a mulleted mammoth, offering invaluable insights into its biology and evolutionary history.
