A company called Colossal Biosciences has genetically engineered three wolf pups that closely resemble the extinct dire wolves. These pups have long white hair, muscular jaws, and are on track to reach 140 pounds at maturity. The researchers at Colossal studied ancient DNA from fossils to learn about the specific traits of dire wolves and used CRISPR to genetically modify cells from a living gray wolf to create the pups.
While the genetically engineered pups may physically resemble dire wolves, they may not learn the necessary survival skills from wild dire wolf parents as they are being raised in a secure location. Colossal also reported that they have successfully cloned four red wolves using blood drawn from wild wolves to help save the critically endangered red wolf population.
The technology developed by Colossal may have broader applications for conservation efforts of other species, as cloning animals using blood samples is less invasive than other techniques. Colossal CEO Ben Lamm mentioned meeting with officials from the U.S. Interior Department in March to discuss the project. However, some scientists believe that restoring extinct species has limitations and that the ecological functions these extinct animals once performed may no longer be relevant in today’s landscapes. Despite the limitations, the work done by Colossal Biosciences has been praised as a thrilling new era of scientific wonder.
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