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These scientists are trying to revive woolly mammoths ... by modifying mice

NPR | By Rob Stein,

Regina G. Barber, Rebecca Ramirez

Published March 4, 2025 at 9:54 AM EST

Left, a regular mouse sits near a genetically modified mouse, seen to the right. The latter has been genetically modified to have the longer, golden hair and fat stores of a woolly mammoth.

You've heard of the woolly mammoth. But have you heard of woolly mice? These critters were genetically modified by the Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences to have the same "woolly" and fat appearance as the ancient mammoths. The mice are a key step in the longer journey to de-extinct the woolly mammoth. NPR's Rob Stein takes us to the lab where it all happened.

Interested in more biotech stories? Let us know by dropping a line to shortwave@npr.org.

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This episode was produced and edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Special thanks to Hannah Chinn. Tyler Jones checked the facts. Robert Rodriguez was the audio engineer.

Copyright 2025 NPR

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Rob Stein

Rob Stein is a correspondent and senior editor on NPR's science desk.

See stories by Rob Stein

Regina G. Barber

Regina G. Barber is Short Wave's Scientist in Residence. She contributes original reporting on STEM and guest hosts the show.

Rebecca Ramirez

Rebecca Ramirez (she/her) is the founding producer of NPR's daily science podcast, Short Wave. It's a meditation in how to be a Swiss Army Knife, in that it involves a little of everything — background research, finding and booking sources, interviewing guests, writing, cutting the tape, editing, scoring ... you get the idea.

See stories by Rebecca Ramirez

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