Posted on 04/07/2025 3:50:10 PM PDT by hardspunned
The genome was reconstructed by Colossal from ancient DNA found in fossils
The fossils date back 11,500 and 72,000 years
Colossal Biosciences said: "This moment marks not only a milestone for us as a company but also a leap forward for science, conservation, and humanity. From the beginning, our goal has been clear:
To revolutionize history and be the first company to use CRISPR technology successfully in the de-extinction of previously lost species.
By achieving this, we continue to push forward our broader mission on—accepting humanity’s duty to restore Earth to a healthier state."
(Excerpt) Read more at x.com ...
From Grok: Yes, there is evidence that scientists at Colossal Biosciences have created wolf pups with genetic traits resembling those of the extinct dire wolf, using ancient DNA and gene-editing techniques. According to reports from reputable sources like *The New York Times*, *TIME*, and *Live Science*, the company announced on April 7, 2025, that three pups—named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—were born, with the first two arriving on October 1, 2024, and the third later in early 2025. These pups were developed by editing the DNA of gray wolves, the dire wolf’s closest living relative, to express certain dire wolf characteristics, such as larger size and a light coat, based on ancient DNA extracted from fossils dating back 13,000 and 72,000 years.
However, there’s debate about whether this truly constitutes "bringing back" the dire wolf. Colossal Biosciences claims this as the "world’s first de-extinction," describing it as a "functional de-extinction" where the pups mimic key traits of the extinct species. They edited 20 specific genetic variants across 14 genes in gray wolf cells, using CRISPR technology, and implanted the resulting embryos into surrogate dogs. The pups, now living in a private facility in the northern United States, exhibit physical traits like those inferred from dire wolf fossils.
Critics, including some scientists, argue these are not pure dire wolves but rather genetically modified gray wolves designed to resemble their extinct cousins. A 2021 study showed dire wolves diverged from gray wolves about 5.7 million years ago, sharing only 99.5% of their DNA—still leaving millions of genetic differences. Colossal’s edits account for a tiny fraction of these differences, leading skeptics like Dr. Julie Meachen to call them "mostly gray wolves that look like dire wolves" rather than a full resurrection.
So, while it’s true that pups with dire wolf-like traits were born on October 1, 2024, using ancient DNA as a guide, whether this is a genuine return of the species or a sophisticated approximation remains a matter of interpretation. The science is real, but the label "brought back" might stretch the definition of de-extinction.
Have these idiots not watched the Jurassic Park movies????
What could go wrong?
Just what we need -— giant wolves.
Should help out with the feral cats in the neighborhood.
Their time came....and went. So they accomplished what?? It’s all about GRANT MONEY.
Global Warming — now available with Dire Wolves.
In a related story, the American Bar Association has filed a class action suit on behalf of the wolves, against all of the entities involved in the extinction. Monumental reparations, and penthouse accommodations are only a few of the lawsuits goals.
There are lots of other problems. The dire wolf may have gone extinct because some of the traits that the boffins tried to re-edit back in to the gray wolf DNA were detrimental to the dire wolves. Did the editing back in cause a frame shift in the DNA.?..that could lead to all sorts of protein synthesis problems. Did the size of the DNA change...possibly leading structural DNA problems or epigenetic control issues?
Time will tell if the edited wolf babies survive and can make with other edited wolves.
The situation could become dire
That must be the primary reason: grant money.
I can think of no other logical reason for this.
Who knows what kind of cellular memory these pups will manifest.
Yeah, not sure this was a good idea.
These guys are so focused on whether they could do this, and never consider whether they should do this.
“can MATE”....not “can MAKE”
I’m no geneticist, but from what I understand your view of “resurrection” is correct. That said, I understand domesticated dogs are descended from dire wolves and, whatever its exact genetic status, I don’t think a reunion between my Retriever, Rhett, and this long-lost cousin is a good idea
Maybe we can train them to fight on humanity’s side, against the ‘Skynet Terminator type things’ that the scientists are also madly trying to create.
Cross breed them with rock bands.
Dire Straight Wolves
How about building a park where people can come see them?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.