There is a magnificent, snow-white wolf on the cover of Time Magazine today - accompanied by a headline announcing the return of the dire wolf. This now extinct species is possibly most famous for its fictional role in Game of Thrones, but it did exist - more than 10,000 years ago - when it roamed across the Americas. The companyColossal Biosciences is behind today's headlines. It announced that it used "deft genetic engineering and ancient DNA" to breed three dire wolf puppies and to "de-extinct" the species. But while the young wolves - Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi - represent an impressive technological breakthrough, independent experts say they are not actually dire wolves. Zoologist Philip Seddon from the University of Otago in New Zealand explained the animals are "genetically modified grey wolves". Colossal publicised its efforts to use similar cutting edge genetic techniques to bring back extinct animals including the woolly mammoth and the Tasmanian tiger. Meanwhile experts have pointed to important biological differences between the wolf on the cover of Time and the dire wolf that roamed and hunted during the last ice age. Paleogeneticist Dr Nic Rawlence, also from Otago University, explained how ancient dire wolf DNA - extracted from fossilised remains - is too degraded and damaged to biologically copy or clone. "Ancient DNA is like if you put fresh DNA in a 500 degree oven overnight," Dr Rawlence told BBC News. "It comes out fragmented - like shards and dust. "You can reconstruct [it], but it's not good enough to do anything else with." Instead, he added, the de-extinction team used new synthetic biology technology - using the ancient DNA to identify key segments of code that they could edit into the biological blueprint of a living animal, in this case a grey wolf. "So what Colossal has produced is a grey wolf, but it has some dire wolf-like characteristics, like a larger skull and white fur," said Dr Rawlence. "It's a hybrid." Dr Beth Shapiro, a biologist from Colossal Biosciences, said that this feat does represent de-extinction, which she described as recreating animals with the same characteristics. "A grey wolf is the closest living relative of a dire wolf - they're genetically really similar - so we targeted DNA sequences that lead to dire wolf traits and then edited grey wolf cells... then we cloned those cells and created our dire wolves." According to Dr Rawlence though, dire wolves diverged from grey wolves anywhere between 2.5 to six million years ago. "It's in a completely different genus to grey wolves," he said. "Colossal compared the genomes of the dire wolf and the grey wolf, and from about 19,000 genes, they determined that 20 changes in 14 genes gave them a dire wolf." The edited embryos were implanted in surrogate domestic dog mothers. According to the article in Time, all three wolves were born by planned caesarean section to minimise the risk of complications. Colossal, which was valued at $10bn (£7.8bn) in January, is keeping the wolves on a private 2,000-acre facility at an undisclosed location in the northern US. The pups certainly look like many people's vision of a dire wolf and the story has gathered global attention. So why is this scientific distinction important? "Because extinction is still forever," Dr Rawlence told BBC News. "If we don't have extinction, how are we going to learn from our mistakes? "Is the message now that we can go and destroy the environment and that animals can go extinct, but we can bring them back?"
Experts dispute claim dire wolf brought back from extinction
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Experts Question Validity of Claims on De-Extinction of Dire Wolf"
Bbc News
7.3
TruthLens AI Summary
Colossal Biosciences has announced a significant achievement in genetic engineering, claiming to have brought back the dire wolf, an extinct species that lived over 10,000 years ago. The company revealed three puppies, named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi, which they describe as dire wolves, showcased on the cover of Time Magazine. However, independent experts dispute this claim, stating that these animals are genetically modified grey wolves rather than true dire wolves. Zoologist Philip Seddon from the University of Otago emphasized that while the young wolves exhibit some physical traits reminiscent of the dire wolf, such as a larger skull and white fur, they do not accurately represent the species that once roamed the earth. The process utilized by Colossal involved using degraded ancient DNA to identify key genetic segments that were then edited into the genome of a grey wolf, resulting in a hybrid rather than a true de-extinction of the dire wolf species.
Paleogeneticist Dr. Nic Rawlence further elaborated on the challenges of using ancient DNA, which is often fragmented and unable to be cloned in its entirety. He explained that the dire wolf diverged from grey wolves millions of years ago, placing them in separate genera. This genetic distance raises questions about the validity of Colossal's claims. Dr. Beth Shapiro, a biologist at Colossal, maintains that their work does represent a form of de-extinction, as they targeted DNA sequences related to dire wolf traits. The pups were born via planned caesarean section to domestic dog surrogates to ensure their health. While the appearance of these wolves has captivated public interest and sparked discussions about the implications of de-extinction, experts caution against conflating these genetically altered animals with their true ancestors. The debate highlights the importance of understanding extinction as a permanent state and raises ethical considerations regarding environmental stewardship and the lessons humanity should learn from biodiversity loss.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant claim regarding the return of the dire wolf, a species that has been extinct for over 10,000 years. While Colossal Biosciences has announced the successful breeding of what they call dire wolf puppies, experts are disputing this assertion, pointing out that these animals are genetically modified grey wolves, not true dire wolves.
Purpose Behind the Publication
This announcement from Colossal Biosciences may be aimed at generating public interest and excitement around advancements in genetic engineering and de-extinction efforts. By associating the project with a well-known animal from popular culture, like the dire wolf from Game of Thrones, they likely seek to draw attention and legitimacy to their work.
Public Perception and Misinformation
The article suggests that the public might be led to believe that true dire wolves have been brought back, which could create unrealistic expectations about the possibilities of de-extinction. This could also lead to a misunderstanding of the capabilities and limitations of genetic engineering, particularly in the context of ancient DNA recovery.
Potential Concealment of Information
While the article does not overtly indicate that there is anything to hide, the sensationalism surrounding the term "de-extinct" may gloss over the scientific complexities involved in such genetic modifications. The lack of clarity on what constitutes a "true" dire wolf versus a genetically modified version could mislead the public.
Manipulative Aspects of the Article
The framing of the article could be seen as manipulative due to the use of terms like "de-extinct" without sufficient clarification. This could create a perception that the project is more groundbreaking than it is, potentially inflating public expectations and interest.
Truthfulness of the Claims
The claims made by Colossal Biosciences are not entirely accurate, as independent experts clarify that the creatures produced are hybrids with modified characteristics rather than true dire wolves. This discrepancy raises questions about the overall reliability of the claims made in the article.
Societal Implications
This announcement could influence public discourse around genetic engineering, potentially leading to debates on ethical considerations and the future of species restoration. Economically, companies involved in biotechnology might see fluctuations in interest and investment based on public reaction to such news.
Target Audiences
The article is likely to attract those interested in science and technology, especially in the fields of genetics and conservation. Additionally, fans of the Game of Thrones franchise may be drawn to the narrative due to their familiarity with the dire wolf.
Impact on Financial Markets
While the immediate financial impact might be limited, companies in the biotech sector could experience shifts in stock prices based on public sentiment and interest in genetic advancements. Investors might also look at companies like Colossal Biosciences for future opportunities.
Global Power Dynamics
Although the article primarily focuses on a scientific claim, it reflects broader themes in biotechnology that can influence global competition in scientific research and innovation. The conversation around de-extinction could align with current discussions on environmental conservation and genetic biodiversity.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no clear indication that AI was used in crafting this article, though some sections demonstrate a structured approach typical of content generated through automated writing tools. If AI were involved, it might have shaped the narrative to emphasize excitement and innovation. The analysis indicates that the article, while based on a genuine scientific endeavor, contains ambiguities and potential exaggerations that could mislead the public. Its reliance on sensationalism raises questions about the integrity of the claims made.