Many of us will have undoubtedly seen films such as Jurassic Park, where we are presented with the idea of genetically resurrecting an extinct species. But is this scientific concept plausible or even possible? A recent article in New Scientist proposes that this may indeed be the case. The article entitled 'Ten extinct beasts that could walk the earth again' speculates that with the complete DNA sequence of an extinct species it may be possible to utilise the genetic information obtained to bring the dead back to life. The article firstly speculates the possibility of using a near-complete genome of the mammoth to put this theory into action and resurrect the mighty woolly mammoth. However, certain difficulties are still to be overcome. Obtaining the required DNA sequence may prove difficult due to the conditions in which the DNA is preserved, such as the period of time the specimen lived as well as the environment in which it died. Other extinct species such as the sabre-toothed tiger, the dodo, the short-faced bear, the Tasmanian tiger as well as many others are mentioned in the article that may be brought to life using similar methods. The article provides a 'Rivival Recipe' that includes all the necessary components to actualise such a theory. For it to be possible to attempt this, it would require well-preserved DNA, several DNA building blocks and a genetically viable surrogate species to allow for the development of the growing species. Aside from this, it would be next to impossible to recreate an extinct species without the assistance of highly advanced technology.
External Links:
- http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126905.000-ten-extinct-beasts-that-could-walk-the-earth-again.html?page=1
- http://rw.mammoth.psu.edu/
References:
- New Scientist, 2009, 'Ten extinct beasts that could walk the Earth again', <http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126905.000-ten-extinct-beasts-that-could-walk-the-earth-again.html?page=1>
- Valence, 2008, <http://valenced.wordpress.com/2008/12/23/science-2008-part-1/?referer=sphere_search> (Image)
