Colossal Biosciences has genetically engineered three wolf pups to resemble extinct dire wolves in an undisclosed location in the U.S. The pups are three to six months old, weighing 80 pounds and are expected to reach 140 pounds at maturity. The project aims to bring back lost species, such as the dire wolf, which went extinct over 10,000 years ago.
Using ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils, researchers at Colossal genetically modified cells from living gray wolves to create the engineered pups to resemble the extinct species. Although the pups physically resemble dire wolves, they may not learn crucial survival skills such as hunting due to being raised in captivity. Colossal has also successfully cloned four red wolves from wild wolf blood, aiming to increase genetic diversity in the endangered red wolf population.
While the technology may have broader conservation applications, experts have noted limitations to restoring extinct species. Scientists outside of the project have mentioned that these recreated species may not be able to perform their original ecological functions in today’s landscapes. Despite this, the U.S. Interior Department has praised the project, seeing it as a new era of scientific advancement.
Overall, the genetic engineering of the wolf pups and cloning of red wolves by Colossal Biosciences represent a groundbreaking effort to bring back extinct species, though there are questions about the practicality and ecological impact of such endeavors.
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