Preserving Endangered Species: The Frozen Ark Initiative

London's Natural History Museum is evolving from a traditional repository to a pioneering DNA store, known as the Frozen Ark project. This initiative aims to preserve the genetic codes of endangered species, such as the scimitar-horned oryx and the Mekong River dolphin, which are at risk of extinction. The museum employs freeze-drying techniques to store tissue samples at -80°C, ensuring preservation for at least 30 years. The project aspires to create a global network of genetic banks, safeguarding the genetic records of thousands of species. The initiative highlights the critical need to protect biodiversity and prevent the irreversible loss of evolutionary history.

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