Genetic Breakthrough: Scientists Create Wolves with Stunning White Fur and Powerful Jaws Inspired by the Extinct Dire Wolf

Three genetically engineered wolf pups, resembling the long-extinct dire wolf, are now living in a secure U.S. location. This initiative is led by the company Colossal Biosciences, which is actively working on reviving extinct species. The pups, aged between three to six months, have striking white fur and powerful jaws, weighing around 80 pounds and expected to reach 140 pounds when fully grown.

Dire wolves went extinct over 10,000 years ago. They were significantly larger than today’s gray wolves, the closest living relative. However, experts caution that these engineered pups don’t truly represent a revival of the dire wolf. Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University at Buffalo, emphasizes, “We can make something that looks somewhat like it, but we can’t fully revive extinct species.”

Colossal scientists analyzed ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils, including a 13,000-year-old tooth from Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull from Idaho. They used CRISPR technology to modify genes in living gray wolves, tweaking 20 different locations. By transferring this modified genetic material to dog egg cells, they created embryos that were carried to term by domestic dog surrogates.

Colossal has previously announced similar projects, including efforts to recreate woolly mammoths and dodos. While the new pups may look like they belong in a past era, their natural instincts for survival, such as hunting techniques, can’t be inherited without parental guidance, according to Colossal’s chief animal care expert, Matt James.

In another related project, Colossal reported cloning four red wolves using blood from the critically endangered red wolf population in the southeastern U.S. This approach aims to boost genetic diversity, crucial for the survival of the species.

Christopher Preston, a wildlife expert at the University of Montana, notes that this technology is a less invasive method for conservation. However, it still requires sedation of wild wolves for blood collection, a challenging task.

Colossal’s CEO, Ben Lamm, shared that they recently engaged with officials from the U.S. Interior Department about these projects. Secretary Doug Burgum described the work as an “exciting new era of scientific wonder.” Yet, experts remind us of the challenges in restoring ecological balance. Lynch warns that the conditions and ecosystems that existed when dire wolves roamed have drastically changed, limiting any potential ecological roles they could fill today.

In modern times, efforts like these highlight our evolving understanding of genetics and conservation. The delicate balance of ecosystems underscores the importance of preserving the diverse species we still have and adapting to new challenges.

For further reading, check out research on conservation genetics and its impact on species revival efforts.



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Animals, Wolves, Endangered species, Ben Lamm, Zoology, Doug Burgum, Buffalo, Vincent Lynch, Science, Matt James, Christopher Preston, Deer, Technology, Beth Shapiro