For the first time ever, woolly mammoth DNA has been integrated with the genetic code of modern elephants to bring the extinct elephant from extinction and even combat climate change.

Researchers from Harvard University spliced the genetic code from the extinct prehistoric woolly mammoth into 14 different sections of DNA that belonged to modern elephants. The mutated DNA codes will now develop mammoth features on modern elephants such as thick fur, extra body fat, smaller ears and a strong tolerance for colder conditions.

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Mammoths became extinct some 3,000 years ago but well preserved DNA was obtained from their frozen carcasses in ice.

The closest relative of the woolly mammoth is the Asian elephant, which is now in danger of extinction due to increasing pressure from human interaction. This study was carried out in an effort to protect the species by allowing them to flourish in colder climates, far away from human populations.

According to George Church, a professor of genetics from Harvard University, elephants are currently in danger since they also overlap human habitats. If the elephants can be relocated and readapted where there is low human density, their chances of survival will definitely be higher.

Due to the Harvard Woolly Mammoth Revival study, scientists hope to develop new kinds of Asian elephants to repopulate the frozen tundras in Asia and even North America.

Researchers believe that the reintroduction of these large mammals into the tundra can even help offset the effects of climate change. Mammoths once roamed Asian grasslands along with other animals such as deer, antelope and horses.

They disappeared during the end of the Pleistocene epoch. When the animals disappeared, the grasslands transformed into tundras.

Researchers said that without grasslands to protect and insulate them, the tundra's permafrost is now melting, releasing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere that were trapped for more than 100,000 years. When permafrost melts, it's like burning all the world's forests two and a half times, said scientists.

If grasslands were to protect this permafrost from melting, their presence can not only slow the melting of permafrost but also isolate carbon emissions from vehicles and factories. This is also a very good sign for biodiversity to increase in these regions since new elephants will roam, new plants and animals can also take advantage of this new habitat.

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