Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of ancient genetics by extracting RNA from the remains of a 39,000-year-old mammoth. The finding challenges current understanding of RNA's stability and opens up new avenues for studying history through this previously unstable molecule.
Researchers at Stockholm University found the intact RNA preserved within the slow-twitch muscle fibers of Yuka, a male mammoth discovered in melting permafrost near the Arctic Ocean. This is an astonishing feat given that RNA was once believed to degrade rapidly after leaving its cell's confines.
The study sheds new light on the life and death of Yuka, offering insights into his physiological stress at the time of his demise. Stress genes were found active in the mammoth's RNA profile, suggesting a life marked by adversity.
Further investigation also revealed novel forms of microRNA in mammoths that don't exist in modern elephants, expanding our knowledge of gene expression and development.
This remarkable breakthrough may aid efforts to resurrect the woolly mammoth through genetic engineering, as well as provide new tools for understanding how viruses, including those causing diseases like Ebola, HIV, and influenza, have evolved over time.
The study highlights significant gaps in current understanding of what happens to molecules after death, raising fundamental questions about the persistence of biological information.
Researchers at Stockholm University found the intact RNA preserved within the slow-twitch muscle fibers of Yuka, a male mammoth discovered in melting permafrost near the Arctic Ocean. This is an astonishing feat given that RNA was once believed to degrade rapidly after leaving its cell's confines.
The study sheds new light on the life and death of Yuka, offering insights into his physiological stress at the time of his demise. Stress genes were found active in the mammoth's RNA profile, suggesting a life marked by adversity.
Further investigation also revealed novel forms of microRNA in mammoths that don't exist in modern elephants, expanding our knowledge of gene expression and development.
This remarkable breakthrough may aid efforts to resurrect the woolly mammoth through genetic engineering, as well as provide new tools for understanding how viruses, including those causing diseases like Ebola, HIV, and influenza, have evolved over time.
The study highlights significant gaps in current understanding of what happens to molecules after death, raising fundamental questions about the persistence of biological information.
, can you believe this?! Scientists have literally managed to pull RNA outta 39k yr old mammoth remains lol. I mean, we thought that stuff wouldve degraded ages ago 
. This study is like, whoa! They found intact RNA in the muscles of Yuka, the ancient dude 
. It's crazy 'cause it shows he was super stressed when he died 
. And now they've discovered new microRNA forms in mammoths that dont exist in modern elephants 
. This is def gonna help with cloning mammoths and understanding how viruses evolve 
. But its also making us question what happens to biological info after we're gone 
. Mind blown, right? 
... I'm getting chills thinking about all the secrets those ancient molecules could be telling us. And to think, this is making it possible for us to learn more about how viruses have evolved over time? That's mind-blowing, fam! 
... We're basically getting a glimpse into the past through these tiny molecules 
... What an incredible feeling knowing that science is still pushing boundaries like this 
.
. This study is giving me so much food for thought... what does it say about the stability of molecules post-death? Is there some sort of biological info preservation thing going on? 
. Now we're talking about stress genes, microRNA, and even potential resurrection through genetic engineering 
. Mind blown, fam 
. Can you imagine what other secrets are locked away in ancient DNA just waiting to be uncovered? 
and have you ever tried to eat a meatball while walking? 
i swear my stomach was doing flips
besides this tech is like, totally gonna get hijacked by big corps for profit 
This is wild! I mean, 39k years old is crazy. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, like, how does RNA last that long? 
This discovery is EVERYTHING! I mean can you even believe they were able to extract RNA from a 39k YEAR OLD mammoth?! It's like, the ultimate proof that life never really dies, right? 
And the fact that it challenges current understanding of RNA stability is just mind-blowing 
I need to learn more! But seriously, this study has so many potential applications, like reviving the woolly mammoth through genetic engineering...can you imagine seeing those majestic creatures roaming free again?! 
I mean, can you imagine being able to learn more about our ancestors and how they lived through this RNA? It's like a window into the past! And the potential for genetic engineering to bring back the woolly mammoth? That would be epic 
But seriously, it's also making me think about how we can apply this knowledge to help us understand viruses better. Like, could this discovery lead to new treatments or cures for diseases like Ebola and HIV? The possibilities are endless 
I mean, who knows what other secrets are hiding in ancient DNA? 
This study is like a time machine, giving us a glimpse into the past and helping us understand how life evolved over time. So cool! 
This study is a game-changer for genetic engineering and understanding viruses too. It's like we're unlocking a whole new chapter in the history of life on Earth!