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Genetically Engineered Wolf Pups Resembling Dire Wolves Created by Colossal Biosciences
In a groundbreaking endeavor, Colossal Biosciences, a company focused on species revival, has announced the creation of three genetically engineered wolf pups. These canines, exhibiting traits reminiscent of the extinct dire wolf, are currently housed in a secure, undisclosed location within the United States.
Wolf Pups Exhibit Dire Wolf-like Characteristics
The wolf pups, aged between three and six months, display notable physical attributes. They possess long, white fur, powerful jaws, and already weigh approximately 80 pounds. Colossal Biosciences researchers project they will reach an estimated 140 pounds upon reaching full maturity. These characteristics are comparable to those of the extinct dire wolf.
Dire Wolves: Larger Relatives of Modern Wolves
Dire wolves, an extinct species that disappeared over 10,000 years ago, were significantly larger than gray wolves, their closest living counterparts. This size difference is a key characteristic Colossal Biosciences aims to replicate in their engineered canines.
Skepticism Remains Among Independent Scientists
Despite this innovative project, independent scientists caution that these efforts do not signify an imminent return of true dire wolves to North American ecosystems. Experts emphasize the distinction between creating an animal with a superficial resemblance and fully resurrecting an extinct species.
Limitations of Genetic Revival
Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University at Buffalo, who is not affiliated with Colossal Biosciences, stated that current technology allows for creating organisms that “look superficially like something else” but cannot fully revive extinct species.
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Utilizing Ancient DNA to Guide Genetic Engineering
Colossal Biosciences scientists studied ancient DNA extracted from fossils to understand specific dire wolf traits. Their research included analyzing a 13,000-year-old dire wolf tooth discovered in Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull fragment unearthed in Idaho. These specimens are part of natural history museum collections and provided crucial genetic information.
CRISPR Technology and Surrogate Dogs Employed in Creation Process
The scientists utilized CRISPR gene-editing technology to genetically modify blood cells from a living gray wolf at 20 distinct locations, according to Beth Shapiro, Colossal’s chief scientist. This modified genetic material was then transferred into an egg cell from a domestic dog. Resulting embryos were implanted into domestic dog surrogates, leading to the birth of the genetically engineered pups after a gestation period of 62 days.
Colossal Biosciences’ Broader De-extinction Initiatives
Colossal Biosciences has previously announced similar ambitious projects focused on genetically altering cells from extant species to generate animals resembling other extinct creatures, including woolly mammoths and dodos. The current wolf project is part of this wider initiative to explore de-extinction possibilities.
Behavioral Differences Anticipated in Engineered Wolves
While the pups may share physical similarities with juvenile dire wolves, Matt James, Colossal’s chief animal care expert, noted potential behavioral differences. He suggested the engineered wolves might lack the innate hunting skills, such as “the finishing move of how to kill a giant elk or a big deer,” due to the absence of learning from wild dire wolf parents.
Red Wolf Cloning Project Aims to Boost Genetic Diversity
In a separate announcement, Colossal Biosciences reported the successful cloning of four red wolves. This was achieved using blood samples collected from wild wolves belonging to the critically endangered red wolf population in the southeastern U.S. The objective of this cloning effort is to enhance genetic diversity within the limited population of captive red wolves, which are part of a breeding program aimed at species preservation.
Conservation Applications and Practical Challenges
Christopher Preston, a wildlife expert at the University of Montana, not involved in the research, suggested that this technology could have wider applications for species conservation because it is less invasive than some other animal cloning methods. However, he also pointed out that obtaining blood from a wild wolf still necessitates sedation, which presents logistical hurdles.
Government Official Acknowledges “Scientific Wonder”
Colossal CEO Ben Lamm stated that the team briefed officials from the U.S. Interior Department in late March regarding the project. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum publicly acknowledged the work on social media, praising it as a “thrilling new era of scientific wonder.” However, external scientists maintain that limitations exist in fully replicating the past.
Ecological Role of Dire Wolves in Modern Landscapes
Concluding his remarks, University at Buffalo’s Vincent Lynch reiterated that “Whatever ecological function the dire wolf performed before it went extinct, it can’t perform those functions” within today’s altered and existing landscapes, highlighting the complexities of reintroducing extinct species into contemporary environments.