Dire wolf revived after 10,000 years due to biotech company's de-extinction process

ABC News - Apr 8th, 2025
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Colossal Biosciences, a U.S.-based biotechnology company, has achieved a groundbreaking scientific feat by bringing back the extinct dire wolf, which last roamed the Earth around 10,000 years ago. This development is part of Colossal's broader goal of de-extincting species, including the woolly mammoth by 2028. The company has successfully cloned three dire wolves using advanced genetic engineering techniques, with surrogate dogs aiding the birthing process. Despite skepticism from some experts, Colossal's chief scientist, Beth Shapiro, asserts that these wolves embody the characteristics of their extinct predecessors. The wolves now reside in a secure nature preserve, marking a significant milestone in genetic science.

The implications of this breakthrough extend beyond scientific curiosity, raising ethical and ecological questions about the impact of bringing extinct species back to life. Critics like wolf expert Dr. Julie Meachen question the authenticity and purpose of such endeavors, emphasizing the importance of conserving existing endangered species. Meanwhile, Colossal aims to leverage genetic technology for broader biodiversity conservation and even human healthcare advancements. Despite concerns about potential ecological disruptions, the company remains committed to its mission, highlighting the dual risks of action and inaction in deploying new technologies for species preservation.

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RATING

6.2
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents an intriguing and timely topic on the revival of the dire wolf, which is likely to capture public interest and provoke debate. It effectively balances perspectives by including both enthusiastic and skeptical viewpoints, though it could benefit from more diverse and authoritative sources to enhance credibility. The narrative is clear and engaging, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience. However, the article lacks transparency in explaining the scientific methodology and potential conflicts of interest, which affects its overall accuracy and reliability. Despite these limitations, the story's relevance to ongoing debates about genetic engineering and conservation ensures its significance and potential impact on public discourse.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story makes several bold claims about the revival of the dire wolf, an extinct species. It asserts that Colossal Biosciences has successfully brought back these wolves using genetic engineering techniques. However, the factual accuracy of these claims is hard to verify without more detailed evidence or peer-reviewed scientific validation. The article mentions the use of gray wolf DNA as a base, which suggests a form of hybrid rather than a pure dire wolf revival. Additionally, the skepticism expressed by Dr. Julie Meachen highlights potential inaccuracies, as she questions whether the revived animals are truly dire wolves or merely modified gray wolves. The lack of independent verification or detailed scientific data in the article leaves room for doubt regarding the precision and truthfulness of these claims.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives on the revival of the dire wolf. It includes statements from Colossal Biosciences' CEO, Ben Lamm, and chief scientist, Beth Shapiro, who are enthusiastic about the breakthrough. It also provides a contrasting viewpoint from Dr. Julie Meachen, who expresses skepticism about the authenticity of the revived wolves. This inclusion of differing opinions contributes to a balanced presentation. However, the article could further enhance balance by including more voices from independent scientists or ethicists who could provide additional context or critique on the broader implications of de-extinction efforts.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, providing a straightforward narrative of the claimed scientific breakthrough. It uses accessible language to describe complex genetic engineering concepts, making it understandable to a general audience. However, the article could improve clarity by providing more detailed explanations of the scientific processes involved and the potential implications of reviving extinct species. The inclusion of more context about the ethical and ecological considerations would also contribute to a clearer understanding of the broader issues at play.

6
Source quality

The article relies heavily on information from Colossal Biosciences and its representatives, which may introduce bias due to their vested interest in promoting their achievements. While it mentions notable investors like Tom Brady and Tiger Woods, it does not provide information from independent sources or peer-reviewed studies to corroborate the claims. The inclusion of Dr. Julie Meachen's perspective adds some credibility, but the article would benefit from more diverse and authoritative sources to strengthen its reliability.

5
Transparency

The article lacks transparency in explaining the scientific methodology behind the claimed revival of the dire wolf. While it mentions the use of gray wolf DNA and surrogate dogs, it does not provide detailed information on the genetic engineering process or the specific challenges faced. Additionally, the article does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or the financial stakes involved for Colossal Biosciences and its investors. Greater transparency regarding the scientific and ethical considerations would enhance the article's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MJ7LGA-nbc
  2. https://colossal.com/the-return-of-the-dire-wolf/
  3. https://www.dallasnews.com/business/local-companies/2025/04/07/how-colossal-bioscience-used-a-little-bit-of-magic-to-revive-extinct-dire-wolf/
  4. https://projectavalon.net/forum4/archive/index.php/t-41059-p-9.html