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Baylor researchers discover DNA within mummified mammoth


Researchers associated with Baylor College of Medicine has discovered a full DNA genome within a mummified mammoth — this research helps connect how these beasts lived and died.

“I am in charge of preserving and protecting all of the fossils at Waco Mammoth National Monument,” Dr. Yann said. “They were studying skin from a mummified mammoth, and what they were able to do was to extract this almost glass-like preserved genome, so we’re talking about all of the chromosomes and we’re talking about all the little tiny bits and pieces that allow us to understand the gene expression and why wooly mammoths are wooly, and modern elephants have very little hair,” Dr. Yann said. “There is already a company, Colossal Biosciences, and they are working to bring back a mammoth-Asian Elephant hybrid," Dr. Yann said.

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