Scientists: Dire wolf brought back from extinction after 13,000 years

ABC News

This video has been trending in United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, United States, and Papua New Guinea

In a groundbreaking scientific achievement believed to be 13,000 years in the making, the extinct dire wolf has been brought back to life by biotech company Colossal Biosciences. This historic feat marks the first successful de-extinction of a species well-known from pop culture, notably HBO's hit show Game of Thrones.

Colossal Biosciences shared that they utilized genes from grey wolves to recreate the dire wolves, a species that roamed the earth during the Stone Age but vanished millennia ago. Through precise genetic editing, the company was able to transform greywolf cells to contain the DNA sequence of direwolves. The result is a 7-month-old direwolf named Ramulus, exhibiting the physical appearance and behavioral traits characteristic of its ancient ancestors.

While the resurrection of the dire wolf is a remarkable milestone for science, it has sparked discussions about the potential implications of de-extinction on ecosystems. Critics raise concerns about the reintroduction of extinct species such as the woolly mammoth, a project which Colossal Biosciences aims to accomplish by 2028. The argument posits that bringing back long-lost species could disrupt fragile environmental balances and habitats.

ABC News was granted exclusive access to Colossal's laboratory in Dallas, providing a unique glimpse into the cutting-edge technology and innovation driving the de-extinction process. The company's ambitions extend beyond the dire wolf, with plans to revive other ancient creatures in the foreseeable future.

As the scientific community continues to push the boundaries of what is possible through genetic manipulation, the revival of extinct species opens up ethical and ecological dilemmas that warrant careful consideration. The resurrection of the dire wolf serves as a testament to human ingenuity and the limitless potential of modern biotechnology, but it also raises important questions about the implications of playing 'creator' in the realm of nature

Share Video

¿Do you like Scientists: Dire wolf brought back from extinction after 13,000 years? Share it with your people...

Playlist