Scientists have revived a species of wolf that disappeared more than 10 thousand years ago (video)
American genetic engineering company Colossal Biosciences has announced that its scientists have successfully bred three dire wolf pups, a species that became extinct more than 10,000 years ago. About this informs Associated Press.
Newborn puppies have long white fur, powerful jaws and already weigh about 36 kilograms. Their age is from three to six months, and over time they can grow up to 64 kilograms.
To create these animals, researchers analyzed DNA from extinct wolves, including a 13,000-year-old tooth found in Ohio and a 72,000-year-old skull fragment from Idaho. Next, the blood cells of the common gray wolf were modified – scientists made changes in 20 parts of the genome. This material was implanted into the eggs of domestic dogs, which became surrogate mothers. After 62 days of gestation, genetically modified puppies appeared.
“All you can do now is make something look like something else – not completely revive extinct species.” – explained Vincent Lynch, a biologist from the University of Buffalo.
The two puppies were named Romulus and Remus, after the founding brothers of Rome from Roman mythology. Dire wolves inspired the creators of the series “Game of Thrones” to create the image of direwolves – giant predators related to the Stark family, whose coat of arms adorns their image.
