Bringing the mammoth back with baby steps

American scientists have injected a mouse with mammoth DNA, resulting in the creation of a completely new species: the mammoth-mouse. This marks the first step toward resurrecting the mammoth. The goal of these scientists is to bring the first mammoth back to life on Earth by 2028.

Just as the ancient Greeks spoke of the Centaur – half man, half horse – this is no longer purely a myth in contemporary science. Crossbreeding species is not a new concept. For example, a mule is a hybrid between a horse and a donkey. In addition to the mammoth-mouse, scientists aim to use the same technique to bring back dodos and Tasmanian tigers.

Genetic modification for human benefit is not only applied to animals but also to humans. It is now possible to alter the DNA of human embryos. This gives humanity increasing control over nature – not only through modifications but also through developments.

Is bringing extinct species back to life a way to restore nature? Or is it part of our new nature? Are we talking about a mammoth 2.0, or just its return? That depends on the role we want technology to play. Technology can be an extension of humanity, but it can also be an extension of nature. Perhaps this mammoth-mouse is a beautiful example of how technology can be more than just polluting and human-centered.