Scientists Explore Cloning a Neanderthal from Ancient DNA

Recent advances in genetic research have sparked discussions about the possibility of bringing back Neanderthals, long extinct for over 40,000 years. Scientists believe that by extracting a complete Neanderthal genome from ancient bone fragments, they could potentially create a modern-day Neanderthal. This ambitious project would involve combining the Neanderthal genome with human stem cells, which would then be implanted into a human surrogate to give birth to a Neanderthal child.

This exploration of cloning was brought into the spotlight following the successful cloning of a dire wolf by Colossal Biosciences Inc. This effort resulted in the birth of three wolf pups, the first successful instance of what can be termed ‘de-extinction.’ The pups were created using DNA from a 72,000-year-old dire wolf skull discovered in Idaho, alongside a tooth found in Ohio. The prospect of reviving Neanderthals has intrigued scientists and raised ethical considerations regarding the implications of such an experiment.

The genetic connection between Neanderthals and modern humans is noteworthy. Research indicates that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals interbred between 40,000 and 55,000 years ago, with contemporary humans possessing between 1% and 4% Neanderthal DNA. This genetic overlap suggests that isolating the complete Neanderthal genome may lead to the potential for cloning.

At the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, scientists have been studying Neanderthal remains, testing over 70 specimens. Only one fragment, dating back 38,000 years and discovered in Croatia, yielded sufficient DNA for analysis. Remarkably, there is only a 0.5% difference in DNA between modern humans and Neanderthals, indicating a high degree of genetic similarity. For context, chimpanzees share 98.8% of their DNA with humans.

Svante Pääbo, a prominent figure in this field and the first to reconstruct the full Neanderthal genome in 2009, has expressed his thoughts on the implications of a Neanderthal revival. He speculated on how ongoing societal dynamics might change if Neanderthals had survived into the present day. Pääbo raised important questions about potential societal attitudes towards a living Neanderthal, emphasizing that ethical concerns would ultimately prevent him from pursuing a cloning experiment.

In contrast, some researchers advocate for the cloning of a Neanderthal. Anthropologist Bruce Taylor believes that with adequate support and resources, a Neanderthal could thrive in today’s world. He suggested that, given a standard modern education, a Neanderthal would likely not differ significantly from contemporary humans, challenging the notion that such a being would revert to primitive behaviors.

The notion of resurrecting a species raises moral questions, as noted by theologian Ronald Green. He argues that if evidence suggests Neanderthals were unjustly removed from history, there may be a moral imperative to bring them back. Geneticist George Church outlined the technical steps necessary for cloning, emphasizing the need to sequence and synthesize the Neanderthal genome before introducing it into human stem cells.

While the scientific community remains divided on the ethical implications of cloning a Neanderthal, the advancements in genetic research continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. The potential to revive a species that shared the Earth with early humans invites profound questions about identity, ethics, and the future of genetic engineering.

As discussions about this extraordinary possibility unfold, it remains clear that the intersection of science and ethics will play a critical role in determining whether these ancient beings will ever re-enter the world they once inhabited.