🦖 Genetic Engineers Want to Make Wallets and Bags from T-Rex Leather
Genetic engineers from the company Organoid, in collaboration with their partners, have proposed recreating Tyrannosaurus rex leather to produce luxury accessories without harming existing animals.
However, experts point out that this idea is still highly fantastical.
🦖 Does Humanity Have T. rex DNA?
Researchers aim to use preserved T. rex collagen found in fossils as a basis to recreate its skin with synthetic DNA.
Yet, experts are skeptical that the resulting material could truly be called T. rex leather. We currently do not have T. rex DNA. According to Professor of Synthetic Genetic Engineering Tom Ellis, we lack sufficient knowledge about the species' evolution to create a T. rex-specific collagen gene artificially.
At the same time, paleontologists have discovered skin samples from dinosaurs of other periods, which theoretically makes it possible to grow their tissues. However, from a marketing perspective, T. rex leather undoubtedly sounds more appealing than hadrosaur leather.
Moreover, collagen is a universal protein found in all vertebrates. Tom Ellis notes that even if "T. rex collagen" could be synthesized, its properties would likely not differ significantly from those of cow or chicken collagen. Any products made from it would feel similar to those made from alternative leathers. Still, the scientist says it would give the items a unique edge and justify a higher price tag.
🤩 The Organoid Company is far from the first to take an interest in reviving extinct species. Recently, the startup Colossal showcased "resurrected" dire wolves that went extinct 10,000 years ago, with their ultimate goal being the revival of the woolly mammoth. You can read more about the startup (and its criticisms) here.
Would you want a wallet made from T. rex leather?
😎 — Absolutely yes!
🔥 — I'm afraid the price will be too high
