Woolly Mammoth Resurrection Possible In Next Two Years, Harvard University Scientists Say

It's been thousands of years since the woolly mammoths were wiped out from the earth. Scientists from Harvard University say that they may bring the prehistoric animal back from extinction within the next two years via genetic engineering.

The Harvard University scientific team is focusing their efforts in making a hybrid embryo which infuses traits of the woolly mammoth in an elephant. Professor George Church clarified that the animal which they hope to bring back will actually be an elephant that has a number of woolly mammoth characteristics also referred to as a "mammophant."

The Harvard University scientist spoke at the annual American Association for the Advancement of Science meeting and explained that they will be using the genetic tool Crispr. The "mammophant" will be an elephant with the notable woolly mammoth hair, smaller ears and subcutaneous fat that can withstand cold temperatures, The Guardian reports.

The Harvard University scientists are hard at work in the past couple of years with recreating animal. Telegraph reports that they are using the leftover DNA of the woolly mammoth from preserved remains. They believe that the "mammophant" hybrid can be achieved by inserting the genes of the woolly mammoth inside an elephant embryo. The scientists opt for Asian elephants as they are their closest relative instead of the African variety.

In prior tests, the Harvard University scientists have learned that the woolly mammoth and elephant DNA are compatible and can function together. Instead of using an elephant surrogate to foster the embryo, the team will use an artificial uterus to grow the "mammophant."

The Crispr gene editing technique was first discovered from the "immune" system of a certain bacteria. Apart from bringing back extinct prehistoric animals like the woolly mammoth, it can be used to preserve rapidly declining species.

Do you think the Harvard University team's hope of resurrecting the woolly mammoth will come to fruition in the next two years? Tell us your opinion in the comment section below.