Researchers at Colossal Biosciences have genetically engineered three wolf pups that resemble extinct dire wolves, which went extinct over 10,000 years ago. The pups have long white hair, muscular jaws, and are expected to weigh around 140 pounds at maturity. The scientists learned about the traits of dire wolves by studying ancient DNA from fossils.
Using CRISPR technology, the researchers genetically modified blood cells from a living gray wolf and transferred them to an egg cell from a domestic dog. After being born 62 days later, the genetically engineered wolf pups have characteristics similar to young dire wolves. However, they may not be able to learn how to hunt like wild dire wolves due to the absence of parental guidance.
In addition to the dire wolf project, Colossal Biosciences has also successfully cloned four red wolves using blood drawn from the critically endangered red wolf population in the southeastern U.S. This technology could have broader applications for conservation efforts of other species, as it is less invasive than other cloning techniques.
While the project has been praised by some, there are limitations to bringing back extinct species. Outside scientists have noted that the ecological functions served by dire wolves in the past may not be relevant to existing landscapes. Despite the challenges, the research conducted by Colossal Biosciences represents a new era of scientific wonder and potential for conservation efforts.
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