What is the significance of the ancient woolly mammoth RNA discovered?

The discovery of the oldest RNA ever recovered from the extinct woolly mammoth, preserved in Siberian permafrost for nearly 40,000 years, could provide crucial insights to help revive the species and other lost megafauna through "de-extinction" efforts.

How old are the woolly mammoth RNA samples that were analyzed?

The researchers were able to successfully isolate and sequence RNA molecules from woolly mammoth tissue that had been preserved in the Siberian permafrost for nearly 40,000 years, making them the oldest RNA sequences ever recovered.

What other extinct species could benefit from the findings on woolly mammoth RNA?

In addition to the woolly mammoth, the researchers believe their methods and results could help inform efforts to "de-extinct" other renowned lost species like the dodo and the Tasmanian tiger.

Home / Science / Oldest Woolly Mammoth RNA Extracted from 40,000-Year-Old Siberian Remains

Oldest Woolly Mammoth RNA Extracted from 40,000-Year-Old Siberian Remains

14 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Researchers extracted and sequenced the oldest RNA ever recovered, from extinct woolly mammoths
The RNA came from mammoth tissue preserved in Siberian permafrost for nearly 40,000 years
The findings could help efforts to "de-extinct" the woolly mammoth and other lost species

Oldest Woolly Mammoth RNA Extracted from 40,000-Year-Old Siberian Remains

In a remarkable scientific breakthrough, researchers have extracted and sequenced the oldest RNA ever recovered - from the remains of extinct woolly mammoths preserved in the Siberian permafrost for nearly 40,000 years. The team, led by scientists in Sweden and Denmark, were able to successfully isolate and analyze RNA molecules from the massive Ice Age beasts, providing unprecedented insights into their biology and potential for "de-extinction."