Scientists Achieve Woolly Mammoth Genome Breakthrough

An international team of researchers has achieved a groundbreaking feat by reconstructing the genome and 3D chromosomal structures of a 52,000-year-old woolly mammoth, marking the first time such a comprehensive analysis has been done on ancient DNA. The mammoth, discovered in Siberia and preserved through freeze-drying, retained its genetic material in a glass-like state, allowing scientists to compare its DNA to that of modern elephants. This discovery not only provides unprecedented insight into the genetic makeup and evolutionary history of the woolly mammoth but also opens new avenues for understanding gene activation patterns and biological adaptations in extinct species. The research highlights the potential for similar studies on other ancient DNA samples, which could significantly impact conservation biology and the study of evolutionary processes. The findings were published in the journal Cell.