A perfectly preserved mammoth has been discovered in a prehistoric ice sinkhole in Siberia.

msngan | Archeaology

October 16, 2024

Russian scientists have recovered the almost complete remains of a woolly mammoth in Russia. The remains of the Siberian mammoth are so well preserved that they still have flesh and hair. These remains are up to 10,000 years old and could play an important role in the international race to recreate prehistoric animals in laboratories. The remains of a prehistoric creature were found not far from the village of Seyakha.

The find was first discovered by members of a local indigenous community at Lake Pechenelava on the Yamal Peninsula. Siberia has been unusually warm this summer with massive wildfires raging in many areas of this remote and vast region. However, the warm weather also allowed the Siberian mammoth remains to be released from the permafrost.

The remains of a 10,000-year-old Siberian mammoth are almost perfect

Experts from the Arctic Scientific Centre for Studies arrived at the site where the mammoth remains were found and began an investigation. They managed to recover 90% of the mammoth’s remains, making it a spectacular discovery. The Daily Mail reports that the animal will be named “Tadibe after its finder Konstantin Tadibe, a reindeer herder who lives near the lake where the mammoth was found.”

Initial investigations have revealed that the mammoth was a 10-foot-tall male adolescent that died around 10,000 years ago. Evgenia Khozyainova, who took part in the study, said: “We have a well-preserved front and back leg, with tendons, soft tissue and pieces of skin,” according to the Daily Mail. The creature’s sacrum, some vertebrae and most of its tail, complete with pieces of skin and muscle, were also found. Archaeologist Andrey Gusev told The Siberian Times: “We managed to extract part of the skeleton, another part is still under water and is clay.”

Evidence suggests the mammoth died of natural causes

The mammoth remains removed from the watery shore of the lake were safely stored in a special refrigeration unit. Unfortunately, the animal’s brain was not preserved, which was a disappointment. The Siberian Times states that “only one brain found in 2014 in Yakutia in a woolly mammoth named Yuka has been preserved so far.” Furthermore, no tusks were recovered from the recent find. They could have been taken by humans or simply fallen off.

There is no evidence to suggest that the mammoth was killed by prehistoric hunters. Although marks on the bones indicate that at some point the remains of the prehistoric creature were scavenged. Dr Pavel Kosintsev speculates that “the mammoth may have become trapped in an ice crevasse and been unable to escape,” the Daily Mail reports.

The soft tissues of this ancient mammoth are perfect for cloning

It is extremely rare to find so many bones from one animal. A fossilised dung, known as coprolite, was also found. The Daily Mail quotes Dmitry Frolov of the Arctic Research Centre as saying that “the coprolite was left by this very mammoth.” This discovery may provide scientists with considerable details about the extinct mammoth’s feeding habits.

However, this astonishing find is particularly important because it provides superbly preserved dead mammoth DNA that can be used in cloning experiments. Teams from Russia, the United States, Japan and South Korea are desperately trying to clone ancient animals in test tubes. The soft tissue found at Tadibe could provide the DNA key for researchers to bring woolly mammoths back to life, just like in the movie Jurassic Park . The Russian federal government has funded a laboratory in Siberia to help them win the race to clone a mammoth, which has become a matter of national prestige.

Mammoth Graveyard

Mammoths once roamed much of Eurasia. They are closely related to modern elephants, but were twice the size. They had remarkable tusks and trunks that could pick up even small objects. These creatures had long woolly coats that allowed them to survive in the Arctic and were herbivores. Mammoths were hunted by humans and it is thought that overhunting along with climate change contributed to the extinction of these tundra giants, around 4,000 years ago.

The world’s most complete and best-preserved mammoth, nicknamed Lyuba, was also discovered on the Yamal Peninsula in 2007. Experts hope the lake and its surroundings will reveal many more ancient remains. They believe that, like Tadibe, other woolly elephants died here and were forever preserved in the permafrost. There could be a mammoth graveyard hidden in the silt and water, waiting to be found.

Review: Top 10 Healthcare Services in the USA

The U.S. healthcare industry is a complex ecosystem of providers, insurers, and technology-driven services, delivering critical care to millions. In 2025, the sector is shaped by rising costs (projected at $4.9 trillion in 2023), technological innovation, and a focus on patient-centric care. Below is a detailed review of the top 10 healthcare services in the USA, based on market presence, patient outcomes, and industry impact.

1. HCA Healthcare

HCA Healthcare, based in Nashville, Tennessee, is the largest health system, operating 220 hospitals and over 40,000 staffed beds across 20 states. Known for comprehensive services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialty treatments, it generates significant net patient revenue. Its scale and advanced technology adoption ensure high-quality care, though accessibility varies by region.

2. Universal Health Services (UHS)

UHS manages 183 hospitals across 40 states, with over 21,000 beds, focusing on acute care and behavioral health. Its facilities in Texas, Florida, and California provide diverse services, from trauma care to psychiatric treatment. UHS’s emphasis on mental health integration aligns with 2025 trends, though high costs can be a barrier.

3. Encompass Health Corporation

With 164 hospitals, Encompass is the largest operator of rehabilitation hospitals, offering specialized post-acute care for stroke, brain injury, and spinal cord injury patients. Based in Birmingham, Alabama, it operates in 37 states, delivering measurable outcomes through therapy-focused programs. Its niche focus limits broader service scope.

4. CommonSpirit Health

A Catholic-affiliated system with 142 hospitals, CommonSpirit provides acute care, outpatient services, and telehealth across 21 states. It excels in community health programs and equitable access, serving underserved populations. Its integration of AI for diagnostics enhances efficiency, but merger-related challenges can affect consistency.

5. Ascension Health

Ascension operates 139 hospitals, focusing on primary care, oncology, and cardiology. With a mission-driven approach, it serves low-income communities through charity care programs. Its adoption of value-based care (VBC) models, projected to cover 90 million lives by 2027, improves outcomes but faces staffing shortages.

6. Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a leading integrated healthcare provider, combining insurance and care delivery for 12.5 million members. Its ACA marketplace plans are top-rated for affordability and quality, with low deductibles and strong preventive care. Operating in eight states, its HMO model ensures coordinated care but limits patient choice.

7. Aetna (CVS Health)

Aetna, under CVS Health, provides health insurance and healthcare services, covering 39 million lives. Its ACA plans offer competitive premiums and broad networks, with telehealth and pharmacy integration via CVS. Aetna’s focus on chronic disease management and AI-driven care navigation boosts outcomes, though rural access is limited.

8. Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic, based in Rochester, Minnesota, is renowned for specialized care in oncology, cardiology, and neurology. With 70,000 staff and three major campuses, it serves 1.3 million patients annually. Its research-driven approach and high patient satisfaction earn it top rankings, but costs and geographic reach are drawbacks.

9. Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, with 23 hospitals, is a leader in cardiac care and medical innovation, serving patients across Ohio, Florida, and Nevada. Its adoption of cloud computing and AI for diagnostics enhances precision medicine. High costs and limited national presence restrict accessibility for some.

10. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)

BCBS, a federation of 34 independent companies, insures 115 million Americans, offering PPO, HMO, and EPO plans. Its ACA marketplace plans are widely available, with strong provider networks and wellness programs. BCBS’s focus on digital health tools and equitable access is notable, though premiums vary by state.

Choosing the Right Service

Selecting a healthcare service depends on location, medical needs, and budget. HCA and UHS offer broad hospital-based care, while Kaiser and Aetna excel in integrated insurance and delivery. Mayo and Cleveland Clinic are ideal for specialized treatments, and BCBS provides flexible insurance options. Compare costs (e.g., average ACA premium: $635/month), provider networks, and patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades or U.S. News. With 26 million uninsured Americans and rising costs, prioritize services with telehealth, preventive care, and VBC to maximize value.