The Big Story: The genetic revival of dire wolves

Colossal Biosciences has announced the birth of three genetically engineered wolf pups, created using ancient DNA from dire wolf fossils. Though not exact replicas, these pups were developed by editing grey wolf genes to express traits once seen in the extinct Ice Age predator. The company is calling it the world’s first successful “de-extinction,” and sees this as a stepping stone toward reviving other lost species like the woolly mammoth and the dodo. Scientists behind the project say the goal isn’t perfect genetic restoration, but bringing back key ecological traits that once shaped ecosystems. On The Big Story, Hongbin Jeong speaks to Associate Professor Michael Knapp, University of Otago, New Zealand, to discuss Colossal Biosciences' work in reviving extinct species through genetic cloning.   Presented by: Hongbin Jeong Produced and Edited by: Alexandra Parada ([email protected]) and Aaron Lam Want to get featured on our show? Drop me an email today!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.