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Why isn't there a DNA archive for endangered species anywhere in the world? (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 years ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.world
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Okay, so today I am at the zoo getting drunk and ogling animals, and after a long chat with one of the zookeepers, I am now forced to ask this question.

Like, climate collapse is a real thing that will render most species extinct, and most conservation efforts are focused on, well, conserving what we have. But I don't know of any effort to preserve samples of animal DNA, be it blood, gametes or whatever, so that if a species does go extinct, it could in the future, in principle, be revived.

So are there any zookeepers, biologists or other knowledgeable people in the house who could explain this? It seems like a serious overlooked gap in species preservation that needs to be closed sooner rather than later.

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[–] 21 points 3 years ago (1 child)

Based on a quick google search there is: https://www.frozenark.org

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    • [–] 15 points 3 years ago (2 children)

    because just having the DNA isn't enough, you need a viable suitable fertilized cell of that animal, and then would need a compatible womb able to accept and nurture it until viable. then that creature would need to be raised in a manner that allows it to live to maturity and then partnered with a suitor. it of course needs the right food and area. so like it needs a zoo, and vets, and animal husbandry experts. and its got to be cute or interesting enough to be worth paying to visit.

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  • [–] [S] 4 points 3 years ago (1 child)

    Fair points. Aren't they getting ready to bring back mammoths using regular elephants though? Like, surrogates can be things

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    • [–] 11 points 3 years ago

    NCBI's GenBank has some and they're trying to get more.

    Here's an article about why it's hard. Spoiler alert, it's poverty.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8795520/

    Also I suggest checking out GenBank and BLAST, whether you're working in biology or not they're fun to play around with.

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    [–] 7 points 3 years ago

    Did you not watch Jurassic Park??

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