Marine biologists are attempting to duplicate the Malacosteus niger dragonfish's unique ability to see in the dark. If the research proves successful. Humans could be able to see in the dark before the decade is over.

What is the best way to rewrite these three clauses to make one compound-complex sentence?
A.
Marine biologists are attempting to duplicate the Malacosteus niger dragonfish's unique ability to see in the dark, and if the research proves successful; humans could be able to see in the dark before the decade is over.
B.
Marine biologists are attempting to duplicate the Malacosteus niger dragonfish's unique ability to see in the dark, and if the research proves successful humans could be able to see in the dark before the decade is over.
C.
Marine biologists are attempting to duplicate the Malacosteus niger dragonfish's unique ability to see in the dark, and if the research proves successful, humans could be able to see in the dark before the decade is over.
D.
Marine biologists are attempting to duplicate the Malacosteus niger dragonfish's unique ability to see in the dark if the research proves successful humans could be able to see in the dark before the decade is over.

C. Marine biologists are attempting to duplicate the Malacosteus niger dragonfish's unique ability to see in the dark, and if the research proves successful, humans could be able to see in the dark before the decade is over.