Bringing Back Woolly Mammoths: The Potential Impact on Climate Change and Cancer Research

Friday - March 15 2024, 13:19 UTC - 8 months ago

Bringing back Woolly Mammoths, and other extinct species, could have a real impact on slowing climate change and advancing cancer research. Their large size and weight would potentially prevent the release of millions of tons of CO2 each year, and studying their unique qualities could lead to improved cancer treatments. However, there are also ethical considerations and potential risks to consider in this field of science.

As the effects of climate change become more apparent, scientists and researchers have been exploring different ways to combat it. One particular avenue of interest is the idea of bringing back extinct species, such as the Woolly Mammoth, to their former habitats. But could these creatures actually have a tangible effect on slowing climate change? .

Woolly Mammoths were large, elephant-like creatures that roamed the frozen areas of the world during the last ice age. One of their unique qualities was their size and weight, which would have had a significant impact on the Permafrost. The Permafrost, or permanently frozen ground, covers about a quarter of the Northern Hemisphere and contains vast amounts of organic material that has been frozen for thousands of years. As the climate warms, the Permafrost starts to melt, releasing this material, including CO2, into the atmosphere. However, if Woolly Mammoths were still around, their stomping and crushing of the Permafrost would slow this process and potentially prevent the release of around 600 million tons of CO2 each year.

Another fascinating aspect of bringing back extinct species is the potential impact on cancer research. Elephants are known for their resistance to cancer, making their DNA and stem cells valuable for research. It is believed that by studying and harnessing the unique qualities of elephant stem cells, cures for cancer could be greatly improved. In fact, Harvard researcher George Church has co-founded Colossal Biosciences, a company that is raising millions of dollars to bring back Woolly Mammoths and other extinct species. By using elephant stem cells, Colossal Biosciences hopes to not only unlock secrets for improved cancer treatments, but also potentially revive other lost species as well.

In conclusion, the idea of bringing back Woolly Mammoths and other extinct species may seem far-fetched, but there are both potential benefits and challenges to consider. On one hand, these creatures could slow the effects of climate change and lead to groundbreaking advances in cancer research. On the other hand, there are ethical considerations and potential risks involved. It will be interesting to see how this field of science develops in the coming years and what impact it could have on our world. One thing is for sure, the possibility of reviving lost species like the Woolly Mammoth opens up a whole new realm of possibilities and raises important discussions about our relationship with nature.