article_snippet: exact copies of 14 of the extinct animal’s genes were then integrated by experts at Harvard University in Massachusetts into an elephant genome - and functioned as normal DNA.
article_snippet: A new method known as 'Crispr' - helping scientists make accurate changes to DNA - was used by genetics professor George Church, who replaced parts of elephant DNA with the mammoth genes.
article_snippet: ‘We prioritised genes associated with cold resistance including hairiness, ear size, subcutaneous fat and, especially, haemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen around the body).
article_snippet: ‘De-extinction’ enthusiast Mr Church, who was speaking to The Sunday Times science editor Jonathan Leake, added:
article_snippet: We now have functioning elephant cells with mammoth DNA in De-extinction’ enthusiast Mr Church, who was speaking to The Sunday Times science editor Jonathan Leake.
article_snippet: But ancient DNA expert Professor Alex Greenwood said: ‘Money would be better spent focusing on conserving what we do have - than spending it on an animal that has been extinct for thousands of years.
highlights_snippet: Exact copies of 14 of animal's genes integrated into elephant genome .
  
highlights_snippet: New method 'Crispr' helps researchers make accurate changes to DNA .