Scientists Genetically Engineer Wolves to Mimic Extinct Dire Wolves

Hold onto your lab goggles, sci-fi fans! Scientists at Colossal Biosciences have unveiled three genetically engineered wolf pups designed to resemble *dire wolves*—the massive, bone-crunching predators that went extinct 10,000+ years ago. These pups, now 3-6 months old, already weigh 80 lbs and sport long white fur straight out of a Pleistocene-era legend.

CRISPR Meets Canine DNA

Using CRISPR gene-editing tech, researchers tweaked 20 genetic sites in gray wolf blood cells based on DNA from ancient dire wolf fossils. The edited cells were implanted into domestic dog surrogates—resulting in pups that *look* the part but lack wild instincts. "They won’t learn to hunt giant elk without dire wolf parents," admits Colossal’s animal expert Matt James.

Conservation Breakthroughs (and Limits)

While reviving extinct species remains sci-fi for now, Colossal also cloned four *critically endangered red wolves* using blood samples—a win for genetic diversity. Wildlife experts like Christopher Preston call it a "promising tool" but warn that sedating wild wolves for blood draws isn’t easy.

Skeptics argue these hybrids can’t replace original dire wolves ecologically. Still, CEO Ben Lamm teases this as part of a "scientific wonder era," with even U.S. officials taking notice. Stay tuned as science blurs the line between past and future!

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Scientists engineer wolves to resemble dire wolves

cgtn.com