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There has been a lot of talk in the scientific community and the media recently about the idea of "de-extinction;" that is bringing extinct animals back to life through the use of preserved DNA of the species. Some scientists are exploring the idea of bringing back the woolly mammoth, the passenger pigeon and the gastric brooding frog among others.

It's amazing to think of the advances in genetic science and technology made during our lifetime. But when it comes to the idea of resurrecting a woolly mammoth via genetic wizardry in a laboratory, just because we can, does that mean that we should? More importantly, do we agree on why?

I was privileged to join a conference of lawyers, philosophers, ethicists and conservation biologists at Stanford University Law School recently to explore this idea further and share thoughts and the latest science on this issue.

At first glance, the idea seems pretty enticing -- having the power to bring back animals that we have lost to extinction, giving them and us a second chance. What's to be against? Is this...