Scientists in Siberia are planning to use the DNA of a 5,000-year-old Mammoth to produce meat for human consumption.
The team at the North-Eastern Federal University is hoping that by cultivating meat from the extinct animal, they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow down climate change.
The meat will be produced using a process known as cellular agriculture, which involves taking stem cells from the animal and growing them in a lab.
The team has already used this method to create a meatball made from Mammoth meat and they plan to develop more meat products in the future.
The cultivation of meat is seen as a solution to the environmental impact of traditional animal agriculture. It is estimated that the livestock industry accounts for 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
By producing meat in a lab, scientists can reduce the amount of land, water, and feed needed to raise livestock. They can also eliminate the need for antibiotics and reduce the risk of disease transmission.
The Mammoth meat project is not the first attempt to produce meat in a lab. Cultivated meat has been in development for several years, with companies such as Memphis Meats and Mosa Meat leading the way.
However, the Mammoth meat project has attracted attention because of the potential for using extinct animals to produce food.
The team at the North-Eastern Federal University hopes that their work will lead to the revival of other extinct species.
The project is not without its challenges. The team will need to find a way to extract DNA from the 5,000-year-old Mammoth, which has been preserved in permafrost.
They will also need to ensure that the meat is safe for human consumption and that it meets regulatory standards.
Despite the challenges, the Mammoth meat project has the potential to revolutionize the food industry. By producing meat in a lab, scientists can reduce the environmental impact of traditional agriculture and create a sustainable source of protein for the growing global population.