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Oldest RNA found in woolly mammoth from Siberian permafrost — Level A1 — a couple of animals that are sitting on some rocks

Oldest RNA found in woolly mammoth from Siberian permafrostCEFR A1

1 Dec 2025

LevelA1A2B1B2

Adapted from U. Copenhagen, Futurity • CC BY 4.0

Photo by Jenish Ghaadiya, Unsplash

Level A1 – Beginner
2 min
77 words
  • Scientists have found RNA in woolly mammoth remains.
  • The tissue came from Siberian permafrost and stayed frozen.
  • The sample belonged to Yuka, a young mammoth.
  • The RNA is nearly 40,000 years old.
  • Researchers sequenced the RNA molecules from the muscles.
  • RNA shows genes active near death.
  • Emilio Mármol led the research in Copenhagen.
  • Scientists hope to use RNA with DNA and proteins.
  • The University of Copenhagen reported the study.
  • The discovery may teach us about extinct animals.

Difficult words

  • mammoth — A very large ancient elephant-like animal
  • permafrost — Soil or ground that stays frozen all year
  • tissue — Material in a living animal or plant
  • sequenced — To find the order of parts in something
  • genes — A part of a cell that gives information
  • extinct — No longer living on Earth
  • muscles — A body tissue that helps move parts

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Have you seen an animal skeleton in a museum?
  • Do you want to learn about extinct animals?
  • Do you know the name of any extinct animal?

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