BioVault project unveiled as a 'modern-day Noah's Ark'

Colossal Biosciences and the United Arab Emirates announced plans for a Dubai World Preservation Lab that will include a BioVault to store frozen tissue from 100 species, and the company says it aims to expand holdings to over one million samples covering more than 10,000 species.

Colossal Biosciences announced a partnership with the United Arab Emirates to build a World Preservation Lab in Dubai that will house a BioVault intended to store tissue samples from selected species. The company said the vault will use cryogenic preservation and be managed with advanced robotics and artificial intelligence to monitor and safeguard genetic material. Colossal has previously announced a de‑extinction effort for the dire wolf and presented the BioVault as part of a broader strategy to preserve and potentially restore biodiversity. Key facts: - Colossal and the UAE announced plans for a BioVault in Dubai to store tissue samples from 100 species under criteria set with conservation partners such as the IUCN. - The company says it aims to ultimately store over one million samples representing more than 10,000 species and that the facility will use cryogenic storage and automated monitoring systems. - The announced partnership is backed by large-scale funding, including a reported $60 billion UAE commitment that Colossal says brings its total funding to $615 million. Summary: Officials describe the BioVault as a long-term repository to help preserve genetic diversity and support conservation and potential restoration work. Undetermined at this time.