The Download: woolly mice, and data centers in space

They’re small, fluffy and kind of cute, but these mice represent a milestone in de-extinction efforts, according to their creators. The animals have undergone a series of genetic tweaks that give them woolly mammoth-like features—and their creation may bring scientists a step closer to resurrecting the ancient, giant animals that roamed the tundra thousands of years ago. Scientists at Colossal have been working to “de-extinct” the woolly mammoth, since the company was launched four years ago. Now, her team has shown that they can create healthy animals that look the way the team wants them to look—and pave the way towards recreating a woolly mammoth-like elephant. Read the full story. —Jessica Hamzelou Should we be moving data centers to space? Last week, the Florida-based company Lonestar Data Holdings launched a shoebox-size device carrying data from internet pioneer Vint Cerf and the government of Florida, among others, on board Intuitive Machines’ Athena lander. When its d ... Read full article.