– De-extinction of dire wolves
– Colossal Biosciences’ genetic breakthroughWikipedia
– Revival of extinct species through CRISPR technology
Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech firm, has achieved a groundbreaking feat in de-extinction by successfully bringing back the dire wolf, a species extinct for over 10,000 years. Three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—were born through advanced genetic engineering.
Using DNA extracted from ancient remains, including a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull, scientists identified 20 crucial genetic differences between dire wolves and gray wolves. These traits were edited into gray wolf DNA via CRISPR and implanted into domestic dog surrogates.
CEO Ben Lamm called it a “massive milestone” for de-extinction science, while Chief Science Officer Dr. Beth Shapiro noted it sets a new benchmark for paleogenome reconstruction. The breakthrough raises hopes for reviving other extinct species and restoring ecological balance.
