Oldest DNA ever sequenced is from a Mammoth

Scientists have sequenced DNA from the molar tooth of a mammoth that lived 1,200,000 years ago, the oldest DNA ever sequenced. The research reveals a previously unknown lineage of mammoths. Posting this 3D photogrammetry test of a vintage Woolly Mammoth toy to mark the occasion.

The DNA comes from mammoth molars found in the 1970s by Russian paleontologist Andrei Sher, and sequenced more recently by Tom van der Valk, Patricia Pečnerová, and a large team of scientists.

The possibility of reviving the extinct mammoth or genetically engineering a proxy species has captured the imagination of some scientists. The Woolly Mammoth genome was first sequenced 5 years ago. Progress has since been made in the areas of cloning mammals, artificial insemination, and gene editing. Projects aimed at re-creating the extinct proboscideans are ethically thorny and still at rudimentary stages, but are nonetheless awe-inspiring in terms of science and ambition. They include Harvard Woolly Mammoth Revival Team led by geneticist George Church’ and backed by the Long Now Foundation. Penn State University has the Mammoth Genome Project.

Woolly Mammoths mostly became extinct around 10,500 years ago. They were around the size of modern African elephants, but adapted to cold climates with thick layered fur, extra fat deposits, and small ears.

Photogrammetry collaboration between Wonder Science and Omar Cruz with Radiant Images @radiantimages @radiantimagesinc.2269

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