Scientists Explore Cloning Neanderthals from Ancient DNA

Research into the possibility of cloning Neanderthals has gained traction, with scientists suggesting that DNA extracted from 40,000-year-old skeletal remains could pave the way for creating modern-day Neanderthals. By obtaining a complete genome from ancient bone fragments, researchers propose the potential to combine this genetic material with human stem cells, leading to the birth of a Neanderthal child through a human surrogate.

The notion of resurrecting extinct species is not new. Earlier this year, Colossal Biosciences Inc. successfully cloned the dire wolf, an animal that vanished over 12,000 years ago. Utilizing DNA from a 72,000-year-old skull discovered in Idaho and a tooth found in Ohio, the company created three pups—two male siblings named Romulus and Remus, alongside a female named Khaleesi. This achievement marked a significant milestone in what some scientists refer to as “de-extinction.”

The exploration of bringing Neanderthals back to life has raised both excitement and ethical concerns within the scientific community. While some experts advocate for the endeavor, arguing that it could yield valuable insights into our evolutionary past, others caution against the implications of introducing a Neanderthal into contemporary society.

Interbreeding between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals occurred approximately 40,000 to 55,000 years ago, with modern humans possessing between 1% and 4% Neanderthal DNA. This genetic connection provides a foundation for the current research. Scientists at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, have tested over 70 Neanderthal specimens. Only one, a 38,000-year-old bone fragment from a cave in Croatia, yielded sufficient DNA for analysis. Notably, this research revealed a mere 0.5% difference in DNA between Neanderthals and modern humans, highlighting our close genetic relationship.

Svante Pääbo, a leading figure in this field and a Nobel Prize laureate in 2022, was instrumental in reconstructing the Neanderthal genome back in 2009. He expressed curiosity about how the survival of Neanderthals might have altered human history, contemplating societal dynamics and potential discrimination. Despite his scientific interest, Pääbo emphasized that ethical considerations would prevent him from pursuing the cloning of a Neanderthal, stating that moral concerns would preclude such an experiment.

Conversely, some scientists, like anthropologist Bruce Taylor, support the idea of cloning a Neanderthal. Taylor believes that if provided with the same educational opportunities as modern children, a cloned Neanderthal would likely exhibit behavior similar to contemporary humans rather than instinctively reverting to primitive actions. He acknowledged the need for a robust support system to facilitate the successful integration of a Neanderthal into society.

The call for exploration into cloning Neanderthals has also been echoed by Ronald Green, an American theologian, who argues for the moral imperative of resurrecting a species that was once marginalized in history. He posits that understanding the Neanderthal experience could reshape our perceptions of human evolution.

Geneticist George Church has outlined a potential pathway for cloning a Neanderthal. He suggests that sequencing the Neanderthal genome, which has already been accomplished, is merely the first step. Following that, the genome could be divided into segments and synthesized. These segments could then be integrated into human stem cells, eventually leading to the creation of a Neanderthal clone.

As this research continues to unfold, the implications of such scientific advancements are profound. The intersection of genetics, ethics, and anthropology presents a complex landscape for scientists and society alike. The journey toward understanding our extinct relatives may soon lead to questions surrounding the responsibilities and ramifications of resurrecting a species long lost to history.