The Science Of De-Extinction Is Providing Hope For Nature's Future
Younger audiences are becoming increasingly tired with the rhetoric on the horrors of climate change, with research showing that Gen-Z feel that their climate-related concerns are often dismissed by older generations.
Enter: Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech and genetic engineering company working tirelessly to de-extinct several animals and bring hope to the future of nature.
Co-founded by entrepreneur Ben Lamm and Harvard geneticist George Church, Colossal Biosciences is tapping into the cultural zeitgeist by not only making bold scientific promises, but by embracing a storytelling approach that resonates with Gen Z. High school students write in asking how they can get involved; college students express inspiration to pursue science because of Colossal Biosciences' work. Their excitement is less about nostalgia and more about agency—about changing the narrative of inevitable loss.
'If history teaches us anything, it's that we shouldn't argue with youth,' Colossal Biosciences CEO Lamm said. 'Progress often begins with what youth culture believes in,' Citing historical youth-led movements, Lamm believes the younger generation is rallying around biotech and conservation innovation.
Not only does the company have the backing of Gen-Z, but it has also garnered support from Hollywood's greatest. Peter Jackson, Tom Brady, Tiger Woods, Sophie Turner and George R.R. Martin have all endorsed or invested in Colossal Biosciences.
The company is focused on creating a de-extinction toolkit that can act as a fail-safe if the government, conservationists, environmentalists and citizens fail to do what is necessary to protect animal species.
By 2050, nearly half of all animal species could be threatened with extinction, which could pose significant impact on the global economy. Colossal Biosciences' mission is to stop or even reverse extinction and, to date, they have announced ambitious projects related to the woolly mammoth, thylacine, dodo and dire wolf.
The species selection is driven by an elaborate plan to assist conservationists, environmentalists, governments and organizations all over the world to biobank genetic materials, create resilience in faltering species lines and, if absolutely necessary, recover full species from extinction.
'It goes back to the apathy point in your research that is making everyone feel so hopeless. We need to all be advocating for genetic rescue science to be used and for lots of advancements to be made in order to save species. But, do you know how hard it is to get people to care about progress or the need for progress in genetic science?' Lamm noted. 'Almost impossible. Do you know how easy it is to get people talking about bringing back their favorite ancient pachyderm? Substantially easier,'
Lamm explained that he doesn't believe the company's mission can succeed without public support and an interest in and understanding of the new technologies his company is inventing.
In early 2025, the company made a breakthrough with the colossal woolly mouse, sharing parts of the woolly mammoth's DNA and proving the scientists' ability to recreate complex genetic combinations that took nature millions of years to create.
'We need to get people excited about saving the planet, so that we have a shot at being able to actually save it. Part of the reason we are working to bring back the woolly mammoth is so that we could get the public to pay attention to genetic science; it's one part: holy s—t how amazing. And one part: you're doing what now?' Lamm explained. 'That combination has allowed us to talk to a lot of people about what we are working on, why it's important for conservation and how they can get involved,'
'It is going to be their planet to care for,' he added. 'We see it as our job to make sure there is something left for them to take care of.'
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