When extinct becomes reality: Dire wolves roam again

American biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences reported a breakthrough in genetic engineering. Scientists have created wolves that possess traits of the prehistoric dire wolf, a species that went extinct over 10,000 years ago. The Polish Press Agency, citing the Associated Press, conveyed this information.

Colossal Biosciences revealed that three puppies, ranging from three to six months old, are located in a "safe place," the location of which remains a secret. Among them are two males, Romulus and Remus, and a female named Khaleesi. Dire wolves were much larger than their modern cousins, grey wolves, and gained popularity through the series "Game of Thrones".

As indicated by Live Science, to reconstruct the genome of the dire wolf, scientists compared genetic samples with those of living relatives, such as wolves, jackals, and foxes. This allowed them to identify twenty key differences in fourteen genes responsible for dire wolves' distinctive traits, such as larger size, white fur, and specific howling.

Then, using blood samples from modern grey wolves, they made twenty gene edits to recreate the genetic sequences of their ancient ancestors. This process was successful. Colossal claims that the wolves they created are "the world's first animals successfully revived after extinction."

Despite the company's enthusiasm, independent scientists approach the topic with caution. Vincent Lynch, a biologist at the University at Buffalo who did not participate in the study, explained that for now, it is only possible to recreate the superficial appearance of a species, rather than truly bring extinct animals back to life.

As reported by Live Science, although the birth of dire wolves is groundbreaking, it is not the first "de-extinction." In 2003, scientists in Spain cloned an extinct species of wild goat, but the newborn survived only for a few minutes. Colossal Biosciences plans to continue its projects, including reviving woolly mammoths by 2028.