Scientists revive the Tasmanian wolf
Scientists have announced new breakthroughs, bringing closer the moment of revival of the extinct marsupial wolf Thylacine.
Scientists from the University of Melbourne and specialists from the American biotechnology company Colossal are working on this.
The thylacine was Australia’s only marsupial predator. Most of these animals were exterminated by humans.
The last known representative of this species died in captivity in 1936.
According to the researchers, they managed to completely reconstruct the thylacine gene, making it the most complete ancient genome among all species to date.
The accuracy of reproducing the marsupial wolf’s genetic material is estimated at 99.9%.
The team also successfully edited more than 300 genetic markers in the cells of the thick-tailed marsupial shrew, the closest relative of the now living thylacine.
In addition, the scientists discovered an approach to induce ovulation in female marsupial animals and fertilized embryos in an “artificial womb” device.
The specialists emphasized that their achievements will not only bring back the Thylacine, but will also help to conserve other marsupial species.