Man On A Mission To Revive Extinct Woolly Mammoths—Predicts Their Return By 2028

How a team of 145 scientists plans to reverse extinction.

Imagine walking into your favorite café, ordering a latte, and casually discussing the weather when someone brings up dinosaurs. "Wouldn't it be wild if we could bring them back?" 

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It's the kind of thought that makes you chuckle—because, sure, we’ve all seen Jurassic Park, and we know how that went. But what if I told you that science is actually working on something equally as crazy? 

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We can’t deny we’re living in a time when technology is advancing faster than you can refresh your social media feed. AI can paint portraits, robots can dance, and the mysteries of genetics are being unraveled faster than ever before. 

Once upon a time, we marveled at the idea of cloning a sheep named Dolly. Fast forward a few years, and we’re now tinkering with the building blocks of life and editing genes like it’s a casual day in the lab. 

There’s even talk about curing diseases before they start and growing food from cells in a petri dish. But what’s next?

As it turns out, the latest frontier in scientific innovation might just involve a trip back in time—around 4,000 years, to be precise. And at the heart of this ambitious journey is one goal: bringing back the woolly mammoth.

Ben Lamm is on a mission to make history by reviving a prehistoric beast.

Ben Lamm is on a mission to make history by reviving a prehistoric beast.Colossal Biosciences
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The leader of this revolutionary comeback is none other than Ben Lamm. He’s the visionary behind Colossal Biosciences—a company aiming to reverse extinction itself. 

But Ben and his team aren’t satisfied with just saving endangered species—they’re working to bring the extinct back to life. Let’s dive into the fascinating science behind this seemingly impossible feat. 

It’s been four millennia since the last woolly mammoth roamed the Earth. While the exact reason for their extinction is still up for debate, Ben Lamm believes he has the key to reverse this ancient loss. 

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His team isn’t just cloning a mammoth from a block of ice. Instead, they're using cutting-edge biotechnology to blend mammoth DNA with that of its closest living relative—the Asian elephant.

The cherry on top? This project isn’t just a distant dream. In fact, Lamm says it’s “highly likely” that by 2028, the woolly mammoth will be making its grand return. 

Of course, not everyone is on board with this mammoth-sized plan. Critics have pointed out that our planet is currently experiencing record-breaking temperatures. 

They argue that today’s climate may be far too hot for woolly mammoths to survive. But Ben Lamm was quick to dismiss this concern as a misunderstanding.

Ethical Considerations in De-Extinction

While the prospect of bringing woolly mammoths back is fascinating, ethical considerations must also be addressed. Dr. Paul Bloom, a psychology professor at Yale University, warns against the potential consequences of playing with nature. He notes, "We must consider not only the ecological impact but also the moral implications of resurrecting species. What rights will these creatures have?" Bloom emphasizes the need for a robust ethical framework to guide such groundbreaking scientific endeavors.

As society embarks on this journey, engaging with ethicists and conservationists can ensure that the revival of extinct species aligns with ecological integrity and respect for all living beings.

Can woolly mammoths survive in our warming world? Lamm's vision challenges the skeptics.

Can woolly mammoths survive in our warming world? Lamm's vision challenges the skeptics.LEONELLO CALVETTI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/Getty Images

According to him, these ancient giants migrated vast distances and thrived in climates much more varied than we might imagine. 

Lamm's confidence in their ability to adapt is backed by a dedicated team of 145 scientists at Colossal Biosciences—17 of whom are focused exclusively on the creation of artificial wombs to help bring these extinct creatures back to life.

Lamm doesn’t plan on just reviving one or two mammoths, either. He’s thinking bigger—way bigger. His goal is to repopulate the Earth with entire herds of genetically diverse mammoths that can thrive and sustain themselves without human intervention. 

By 2028, Lamm plans to turn science fiction into science fact by resurrecting mammoths from their icy graves

By 2028, Lamm plans to turn science fiction into science fact by resurrecting mammoths from their icy gravesColossal Biosciences

Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned integrative medicine expert, advocates for the potential benefits of reviving extinct species like the woolly mammoth. He asserts, "Restoring such species can play a crucial role in ecological balance, potentially mitigating climate change effects." Weil emphasizes that the reintroduction of megafauna could help restore natural habitats and enhance biodiversity, which is essential for a resilient ecosystem. His insights underscore the importance of understanding the ecological roles of extinct species in guiding responsible de-extinction efforts.

For more insights, visit Dr. Andrew Weil's website, where he explores the intersections of health, biodiversity, and climate science.

After woolly mammoths, Lamm plans to move on to other extinct species like the dodo bird and the Tasmanian tiger. Why? In his words, we have a “moral obligation” to reverse the damage humans have done over centuries.

So, if you ever thought Jurassic Park was pure fiction, think again. We may not have dinosaurs running wild, but woolly mammoths, dodos, and Tasmanian tigers could soon be making their long-awaited comebacks. The future is about to get a lot more...prehistoric.

Psychological Framework & Solutions

The conversation around de-extinction, particularly with woolly mammoths, is not just a scientific endeavor but also a cultural and ethical one. Engaging experts like Dr. Daniel Goleman, an emotional intelligence expert, who states, "We must consider the emotional and ethical implications of our technological advancements," and Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a happiness researcher, who emphasizes that "reviving extinct species should be approached with a deep sense of responsibility," highlights the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility. Their insights remind us that technological advancements must be paired with ethical considerations to avoid unintended consequences.

Ultimately, as we look to revive extinct species, we must cultivate a dialogue that encompasses not only scientific aspirations but also the moral obligations we have towards the planet and its inhabitants.

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