Reviving Extinction: Scientists Unveil Plans to Bring the Tasmanian Tiger Back to Life Sooner Than Expected!

The Tasmanian tiger, or thylacine, is often remembered as a lost piece of history. This unique marsupial vanished due to hunting, habitat loss, and harsh government policies. The last known thylacine died in 1936 at a zoo in Hobart, marking its official extinction.

But now, scientists are making exciting progress. A team from the U.S. and Australia has successfully reconstructed 99.9% of the thylacine’s genome. This breakthrough opens up the possibility of bringing this fascinating species back.

Colossal Biosciences, a biotech company based in Texas, leads this effort. Known for trying to revive the woolly mammoth and the dodo, they combined advanced genetic techniques to recreate the thylacine’s DNA with remarkable accuracy.

One of the significant challenges in reviving extinct species is obtaining usable DNA. Over time, DNA deteriorates, making it difficult to study. Fortunately, researchers found a well-preserved specimen: a 108-year-old thylacine pup kept in alcohol at a Melbourne museum. This rare find allowed scientists to extract not just DNA but also RNA, giving them insight into how the thylacine lived.

According to Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief science officer, the samples from this ancient pup are among the best preserved ever analyzed. By studying the RNA, the team could learn about the thylacine’s taste, smell, vision, and brain functions. Professor Andrew Pask from the University of Melbourne emphasized the depth of understanding this information provides about the extinct predator.

However, sequencing the genome is just the first step. The next challenge is to bring the thylacine back to life. With no living thylacines available, scientists are using CRISPR technology to modify the DNA of a related species: the fat-tailed dunnart. While much smaller than a thylacine, the dunnart shares enough genetic similarities for this experiment.

So far, researchers have made over 300 modifications to dunnart cells, inserting thylacine genes where needed. But it’s not just about altering DNA; they also have to refine reproductive technologies specific to marsupials. This includes methods to induce ovulation in dunnarts and techniques similar to IVF to develop embryos outside the womb, essential for growing a viable thylacine.

Colossal Biosciences believes a thylacine-like creature could be born in the next decade if everything goes as planned. Yet, this project isn’t without its critics. Some experts argue that resources used for de-extinction could be better spent on protecting currently endangered species. Australia’s native mammals face serious threats, including the Tasmanian devil, which is battling a deadly tumor disease.

Others raise ethical concerns. After nearly a century away, would a thylacine truly thrive in today’s changed environment? Would it be able to hunt and behave naturally, or would it struggle as a creation of genetic engineering?

Some scientists remain doubtful, calling de-extinction a ‘fairy tale.’ However, supporters argue that even if we can’t fully bring back the thylacine, the research could lead to advancements in genetic science and conservation. These breakthroughs could help protect endangered species and bolster efforts to preserve biodiversity amidst climate change and habitat loss.