Innovative Approaches to De-extinction and Space Data Centers
De-extinction Efforts: Bringing Back the Woolly Mammoth
In a remarkable leap forward for de-extinction science, researchers at Colossal have successfully engineered mice with traits reminiscent of the woolly mammoth. This development is seen as a significant step in the long-term goal of resurrecting these ancient creatures, which once roamed the Earth in vast tundra environments.
The team at Colossal has dedicated the last four years to the ambitious project of bringing the woolly mammoth back to life. Their recent success in creating genetically modified mice that exhibit targeted features opens new avenues in the quest to engineer a woolly mammoth-like elephant.
The achievement of producing healthy animals with specific desired characteristics underscores the potential of genetic engineering in restoring extinct species. This groundbreaking work may ultimately pave the way for one of biology’s most fascinating challenges: the resurrection of the woolly mammoth itself.
Source: Jessica Hamzelou
Space: The Next Frontier for Data Centers?
Recent developments in technology have prompted discussions about relocating data centers to outer space. Lonestar Data Holdings, a Florida-based company, has taken a significant step by launching a compact device that carries digital data from notable figures, including internet pioneer Vint Cerf, aboard Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander. This device is set to land on the moon, marking a pioneering attempt to evaluate the feasibility of off-planet data storage.
The growing number of energy-intensive data centers on Earth presents numerous environmental concerns. Issues such as land consumption, power grid pressure, water usage, and noise pollution have fueled the idea of building data facilities in space or on the moon, potentially reducing their ecological footprint.
For these extraterrestrial data centers to be effective, several challenges must be addressed, including endurance against space’s harsh conditions, the ability to harness sufficient solar energy for operations, and overall economic viability.
Source: Tereza Pultarova
