Connect with us

Published

10 months ago

on

In recent years, advancements in genetic science have brought us startlingly close to the possibility of reviving extinct species such as the woolly mammoth. While this notion sparks the imagination, it also raises significant ethical, ecological, and technological concerns. In 2003, scientists achieved a fleeting success in “de-extinction” by cloning a Pyrenean ibex, a species that had gone extinct. Although the clone survived only briefly due to a lung defect, this event marked the beginning of serious scientific interest in bringing extinct species back to life. Today, the technology has evolved to a point where recreating species that disappeared long ago is becoming a realistic possibility.

The Role of Colossal Biosciences in De-Extinction

A leading player in this scientific endeavour is Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based company that has set its sights on reviving several iconic species, including the woolly mammoth, the dodo, and the Tasmanian tiger. The company’s strategy involves integrating the genetic material of these extinct species into the genomes of their closest living relatives, with the goal of recreating animals that can play significant roles in their ecosystems.

Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, has indicated that the company could produce a mammoth-like calf as early as 2028. The process involves inserting genes associated with the woolly mammoth’s distinctive traits, such as its thick fur and large tusks, into the genome of the Asian elephant, a close relative. The resultant embryos would then be implanted into a surrogate elephant, or possibly an artificial womb, to grow the hybrid creature.

Ecological Considerations: Restoration or Risk?

The idea behind these de-extinction efforts is not merely to revive ancient species for their own sake but to restore lost ecological functions. For example, woolly mammoths once played a crucial role in maintaining the Arctic grasslands, which are now being lost to shrublands and forests. By reintroducing mammoths, scientists hope to recreate these ecosystems, which could help in carbon storage and combat climate change.

However, the potential risks are significant. Critics argue that ecosystems have adapted to the absence of these species, and reintroducing them could lead to unforeseen and possibly disastrous consequences. There are also concerns about the ethical implications of using endangered species like the Asian elephant as surrogates, which could further threaten their populations.
The Broader Implications and Ethical Debates

The broader implications of de-extinction go beyond the ecological. Some experts caution against the hubris of assuming humans can control such powerful technologies. The possibility of unforeseen consequences is real, and the creation of de-extinct animals could have impacts that we cannot fully predict or manage.

Moreover, the focus on de-extinction has drawn criticism from conservationists who argue that resources would be better spent on protecting the species that are currently endangered. The financial and scientific resources dedicated to reviving extinct species could potentially save hundreds of species that are on the brink of extinction today.

Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of De-Extinction

While the idea of seeing a woolly mammoth walk the Earth again is undoubtedly fascinating, it comes with a host of ethical, ecological, and technological challenges that society must carefully consider. The future of de-extinction is still uncertain, and the potential benefits of these scientific advances are still uncertain compared to the possible risks.

Colossal Biosciences and similar companies may be on the cusp of a groundbreaking achievement, but the full implications of bringing back extinct species are yet to be understood. Whether this scientific pursuit will contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem resilience or create new problems is a question that only time can answer.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

Science

SpaceX Launches 26 New Starlink Satellites, Expands Global Internet Network

Published

12 hours ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

SpaceX Launches 26 New Starlink Satellites, Expands Global Internet Network

SpaceX just aced another launch of its Starlink internet satellites. On Thursday night (June 12), the company launched 26 new Starlink spacecraft to join its ever-growing internet megaconstellation in orbit. Flying from Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, the launch occurred at 9:54 p.m. EDT (6:54 p.m. PDT or 0154 GMT) on June 13. The satellites are planned to be deployed into orbit from the second stage about one hour and one minute after liftoff. This accomplishment brings to more than 7,600 the number of active satellites for SpaceX’s Starlink.

As per SpaceX’s official update for its 15-6 mission, the rocket’s first-stage booster, known as B1081, flew for the 15th time after 14 prior flights. It successfully touched down on the droneship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of southern California, yet again. The company’s current record for reflight of Falcon 9 boosters is 28 flights, proving itself at the same time to be the best at orbital launch efficiency.

Thursday’s mission marks the 72nd Falcon 9 launch, with 53 of those dedicated to the Starlink network. The system aims to provide high-speed internet access around the world, and an increasing number of satellites provide direct-to-cell services for texting and a limited data connection on certain kinds of smartphones and through certain carriers.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX continues to add satellites to the Starlink constellation to increase redundancy and coverage, particularly in remote areas. The current constellation has wide coverage of the Earth, allowing small satellite dishes and mobile phones to connect to the internet in real time in dozens of countries.

SpaceX is simultaneously expanding the reach of Starlink and laying the groundwork for next-generation applications like in-flight connectivity and emergency response communications. With more than 7,600 satellites now orbiting Earth and as many as dozens of additional launches on the docket, Starlink is rapidly redefining how global internet coverage can work in the modern era.

Continue Reading

Science

Aurora Alert! Northern Lights May Be Visible as Far South as New York on June 14

Published

12 hours ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

Aurora Alert! Northern Lights May Be Visible as Far South as New York on June 14

A rare display in the night sky could be visible to skywatchers in the U.S., as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a geomagnetic storm watch for the night of June 14. The moderate G2-level event, fuelled by disturbances in solar wind, might produce auroras visible as far south as New York and Idaho, providing a spectacular light show far beyond the usual polar zones. While it’s welcome news for aurora enthusiasts, experts caution that extended daylight hours due to the approaching summer solstice could limit ideal viewing windows.

Coronal Hole Sparks Geomagnetic Storm; Auroras May Glow as Far South as New York June 14

As per the statement from NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Centre (SWPC), this increase in geomagnetic activity is associated to a greater degree with a co-rotating interaction region (CIR), a turbulent region where high-speed streams of solar wind collide with slower-moving wind. While these CIRs may not be as dramatic as CMEs, they can still lead to shock waves that rattle the Earth’s magnetic field. The latest CIR was formed around a large coronal hole – a particularly dark region in the Sun’s outermost atmosphere – that is currently facing Earth and spewing high-speed solar wind directly into space.

Coronal holes are allowed to expand and develop into space weather due to reduced density and lower temperature solar wind pressing outward. Forecasts suggest a Kp index of 5.67 on 14 June, so there is another chance for auroras at lower latitudes.

To catch the northern lights, search for dark, clear skies in the hours before dawn, and check in with NOAA’s 3-day space weather forecast, as well as real-time resources like the “My Aurora Forecast & Alerts” app.

The aurora is weather and atmospheric conditions permitting, and should be visible for those based outside of the Arctic Circle viewing it during an approaching storm.

Continue Reading

Science

New Island Forms in Caspian Sea as Water Levels Drop, Russian Scientists Confirm

Published

12 hours ago

on

June 13, 2025

By

New Island Forms in Caspian Sea as Water Levels Drop, Russian Scientists Confirm

Russian scientists have confirmed a brand-new island in the northern Caspian Sea. Satellite imagery from late 2024 first hinted at a sandbank breaking the surface, and a field expedition in mid 2025 verified it. The feature lies about 30 km southwest of Maly Zhemchuzhny Island, on the Europe-Asia boundary of the world’s largest inland sea. It barely rises above the water, and it appeared as the Caspian’s level reached unusually low values. Scientists note the sea has fallen in recent decades (linked to higher evaporation in a warming climate and regional tectonic shifts) and has been dropping again since the 2010.

Confirming the Island’s Emergence

According to a translated statement , in November 2024, satellite images showed a pile of sand and sediment poking above the sea surface. When a Russian research vessel reached the location, scientists saw a flat, sandy patch just above the water. Its surface was damp and crisscrossed by small ridges of sand, but only a few inches higher than the surrounding sea. Approaching by boat proved tricky: very shallow water and foul weather meant the team could not actually land on the new islet. Instead, researchers flew drones (quadcopters) to photograph the site from above. These aerial pictures confirmed the island’s outline and scale. In the field images, the new island appeared as a low, sandy plain with no vegetation.

Environmental Significance and Future Outlook

The island highlights the Caspian’s shifting waters and geology. Scientists have observed that long-term cycles of water rise and fall can expose underwater banks as temporary islands, as seen in the Kumani Bank mud volcano off Azerbaijan’s coast. The island, which could become a nesting ground for seabirds or a haul-out site for Caspian seals, could be influenced by climate-driven water loss and tectonic or volcanic activity. The island’s fate will help scientists understand the interaction between Caspian water levels, climate change, and Earth movements, and what new habitats may emerge when an inland sea shifts its shoreline.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Stellar Blade Becomes Sony’s Biggest Single-Player Steam Launch Ever a Day After PC Release



HP Omen Max 16 Review: A Good Omen for Gamers

Continue Reading

Trending