Scientists have discovered that the 52,000-year-old skin of a woolly mammoth still holds its ancient DNA structure. By using a special method called PaleoHi-C, they were able to map the mammoth’s genome, creating detailed pictures of its 28 chromosomes. These chromosomes showed the same features seen in modern animals, such as chromosome territories and inactive X chromosomes.

The mammoth’s DNA was compared to that of the Asian elephant, revealing that the mammoth's active and inactive DNA regions were more similar to the elephant's skin than to other tissues. The study also found unique differences in the mammoth’s genes that might explain how it adapted to its cold environment. For instance, certain genes related to hair and skin development were active in mammoths but not in elephants, suggesting these genes helped mammoths survive in freezing temperatures.

Remarkably, the DNA structures had been preserved due to a process similar to freeze-drying. This natural freeze-drying in Siberia's cold climate kept the DNA intact at a very small scale, even though the mammoth died thousands of years ago. This finding opens up new possibilities for studying ancient genomes and understanding how extinct species lived and evolved. It also shows that DNA can remain well-preserved for tens of thousands of years if the conditions are right.

This research not only provides insights into the woolly mammoth's biology but also suggests that similar preservation methods could be applied to other ancient samples, allowing scientists to unlock more secrets from the past.