Call it “Jurassic Bark”: scientists just brought an ancient wolf back to life.
Driving the news: Biotech startup Colossal Biosciences claims it was able to successfully “de-extinct” the dire wolf, an ancient wolf that roamed the Americas before dying out over 12,500 years ago. The startup now has grand designs to eventually reintroduce the species to the wild.
- The three pups — Remus and Romulus, and Khaleesi — were born back in October and January, respectively, and are growing up in an undisclosed nature reserve.
How it works: Researchers analyzed DNA extracted from a fossilized dire wolf tooth and skull fragment, and compared it to the DNA of the grey wolf, the species’ closest living relative. They then identified 20 gene differences between the two.
- Using gene-editing technology, the team edited cell nuclei taken from grey wolf blood to match dire wolf DNA. Each nucleus was then put in an egg for surrogate carrying.
- In total, 45 eggs were prepared and carried by two large dogs. Most of the embryos failed, but the mothers were able to birth four pups, one of which died 10 days later.
Why it matters: Colossal wants to use its process to resurrect multiple extinct species to increase Earth’s dwindling biodiversity. It also wants to play a role in saving critically endangered species.
- Colossal used the same technique to birth new red wolves, with hopes it can revive a species whose numbers have dropped to just 20 animals.
Yes, but: Some scientists are pointing out that Colossal didn’t de-extinct anything; it simply modified a grey wolf into something that may or may not resemble a dire wolf.
- One paleogeneticist pointed out to BBC News that DNA extracted from the fossils would have been too degraded to produce clones reliably. Many ethicists also just find the whole thing problematic.
Who’s next? The big ol’ woolly mammoth is next on deck. Colossal wants to edit the genes of Asian elephants to create a new mammoth, with births projected for 2028.—QH