Scientists "Resurrected" the Dire Wolves Extinct Over 10,000 Years Ago

This achievement came as a result of unique genetic experiments, where ancient wolf DNA was used to modify the DNA of modern gray wolves. Currently, the startup has three dire wolf pups: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

How Did Scientists Resurrect the Dire Wolves?

The genome of the dire wolf was extracted from fossils of a wolf's tooth and skull that are up to 72,000 years old. Scientists at Colossal used this information to modify the DNA of ordinary gray wolves, making their genetic structure closer to that of ancient wolves. The edited egg cells were then implanted into a surrogate mother, resulting in the birth of dire wolf pups.

The Dire Wolf Pups: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi

Colossal showcased videos of the dire wolf pups — Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi. These are the first offspring of the "resurrected" species, and their names are inspired by ancient Roman mythology. The uniqueness of these pups lies in the fact that they represent direct descendants of a species that went extinct over 10,000 years ago.

“Once, the fearsome wolf roamed across the American range, stretching south to Venezuela and north to Canada, but none have been seen for over 10,000 years, when the species went extinct. However, many remains of the fearsome wolf have been discovered throughout America, and this gave the opportunity to Colossal Biosciences”

— Time.

"Resurrecting" Other Extinct Species

The dire wolf is not the only animal Colossal plans to "resurrect." The company's ambitious list also includes the woolly mammoth, dodo birds, and the Tasmanian tiger. These projects could change our understanding of extinct species and provide new opportunities for preserving biodiversity.

Conclusion

The achievement of the Colossal startup in "resurrecting" the dire wolves opens new horizons in genetic research and biotechnology. This "resurrection" not only demonstrates the power of scientific advancements but also could form the basis for preserving endangered species and restoring ecosystems.