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Bits of Tassie Tiger Brought Back from Extinction

Posted by timothy on from the not-much-to-look-at-yet dept.

zerobeat writes "Scientists from Melbourne, Australia have managed to resurrect the gene responsible for the development of cartilage and bone from the now extinct Tasmanian Tiger. The gene was expressed in a mouse embryo so the full reincarnation of a full Tassie Tiger is a long way off. You can listen to an MP3 of ABC Australia's Robyn Williams discussing the results with the lead scientists. This is the first time DNA from an extinct species has been made to live again in a live animal."

2 of 197 comments (clear)

  1. Brings to mind Jurassic Park by CRCulver · · Score: 4, Interesting

    In Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park , the dinosaur DNA extracted from the stomachs of mosquitos trapped in amber is incomplete as well, but by combining it with the DNA of modern reptiles, a decent simalcrum of a dinosaur could be had. Does this Tasmanian tiger development vindicate (at least the less out there elements of) Crichton's plot?

  2. Re:Why are we even defending large predators? by ChrisMaple · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Because its time for a little bit of thinning of the heard.
    Politicians, actors, newscasters and talk show hosts are the most heard. Splendid idea.
    --
    Contribute to civilization: ari.aynrand.org/donate