In 1936, thylacinus cynocephalus, commonly called the Tasmanian marsupial wolf (or tiger), was declared extinct. The Audobon Society reported in May 2002 that scientists were attempting to create a live one from a pickled thylacine taken from its mother's pouch 136 years ago, in 1866. Because formaldehyde has proven to be destructive to the DNA helix, the thylacine was preserved in alcohol.
Where does this project stand now? Has molecular biology succeeded in this quest? What are the ramifications if this project is fully successful?
This morning, I also found an article authored by Scott Wiedensaul for National Geographic, dated July 9, 2002. It stated that the Australians figure that funding will require tens of millions of dollars, take decades of work, and forms of molecular technology not yet invented.
It's really just Jurassic Park , isn't it? If you want an idea of how tough is would be, read the story of the cloning of Dolly. See how many attempts failed, and had to be killed. But at least the Dolly project began with an unlimited supply of good genetic material.
What they want to do is like trying to build a 747 using the stuff that happens to by lying around in your garage. Except you're using living things for your tinkering.
I'm opposed to using living animals for such blue-sky nonsense. It's cruel. They must be desperate for some research project, any research project, and picked a sensational one in a pathetic attempt to get media attention which they hope will result in funding. This type of behavior demeans all of scientific research.
Posts: 6788 | Location: British Columbia, Canada | Registered: 06-11-02
bab, I agree. It sounds like Jurassic Park. I remember following Dolly's cloning as it was progressing. When Dolly was still under a year old, she had aged to the age of three, because the genetic material used to clone Dolly was three years old. Scientists were caught off guard, as they did not expect this occurrance.
What biologists seldom divulge to the public is that cell damage occurs during cloning; An ABC news report disclosed thiis last week.
Media coverage of the thylacine is over sensationalized. The project leader guestimates a 15% success rate. How can science rate success when the molecular technological form required does not yet exist? As you said, bab, it is a pathetic attempt for funding.
Consider the Bermuda petrel,also known as the Cahow. This bird was extinct in 1620, because Europeans consumed them for food. In 1951, 331 years after they were thought to be extinct, a small colony was discovered in Bermuda. Some Australians believe that a few thylacines have survived, and are living in the hills of Australia. Scientists have not found any proof, such as tracks or droppings, to affirm this belief.
