Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Scientists Map DNA of Woolly Mammoth

Neanderthals, early humans could be next

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Nov 19, 2008 6:42 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – Scientists have pieced together the nearly complete genome of the woolly mammoth from a hair strand found in Siberia, National Geographic reports. It's the first time scientists have decoded the nuclear DNA of an extinct species. The development makes it theoretically possible for the mammoths to roam the earth again after a 10,000-year rest, though current technical hurdles make that a nearly impossible goal.

In the meantime, scientists might now be able to use the same technique to decode the DNA of Neanderthals and early humans to gain valuable new knowledge about evolution. (No such luck for dinosaurs, however, whose DNA is too old to salvage.) The success will likely rekindle interest in museum collections, where old samples of fur might have new tales to tell.

The frozen remains of two woolly mammoths are seen on display in a refrigerated viewing in Taiwan.
The frozen remains of two woolly mammoths are seen on display in a refrigerated viewing in Taiwan.   (AP Photo/Wally Santana)
A computer image shows a woolly mammoth emerging from an ice block. A DNA molecule extending from hair symbolizes the fact that genetic analysis can be carried out from long extinct species.
A computer image shows a woolly mammoth emerging from an ice block. A DNA molecule extending from hair symbolizes the fact that genetic analysis can be carried out from long extinct species.   (AP Photo/Mammoth Genome Project, Steven W. Marcus)
The tusks of what is believed to be a 23,000 year old woolly mammoth are carried on a reindeer sled in this picture made in early October 1999.
The tusks of what is believed to be a 23,000 year old woolly mammoth are carried on a reindeer sled in this picture made in early October 1999.   (AP Photo/Francis Latreille/Nova Productions)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Guest
Nov 21, 2008 10:53 PM CST
Create them a few woolly mammoths to hunt and kill.Exercise and food all in one.Brilliant
Guest
Nov 20, 2008 4:41 AM CST
How about Nat Geo. Spend some money on how to Feed all the starving people they have made $ taking their pictures.
Guest
Nov 20, 2008 12:17 AM CST
More amazing stuff.

Cost of resurrecting a living mammoth? Probably about $10 million
New York Times

We should learn more about elephants, too
Washington Post

Recreated mammoth would come one change at a time
Guardian (UK)

Earlier plans for a mammoth resurrection
National Geographic

 
science • DNA • natural history • genome • woolly mammoth • scientific breakthroughs

More Newser Stories

For Just $1K, You'll Soon Be Able to Map Your Genes

Video Gamers Unlock AIDS Molecule Puzzle

Scientists Crack Code of Kangaroo's DNA

We're All Mutant X-Men

Scientist to Map Ozzy's DNA
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne