Latest news with #Aenocyon
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Science news this week: Controversy around the dire wolf 'de-extinctions' and a 3D hologram breakthrough
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. It's been quite the week for science news after biotech company Colossal Biosciences announced that it had brought back dire wolves (Aenocyon dirus) from extinction after more than 10,000 years. But do these wolf pups really count as the "world's first de-extinction," as the company claims? The three pups — Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi — were created by genetically engineering the cells of modern-day gray wolves (Canis lupus). The researchers did this by reconstructing the dire wolf's genome from ancient DNA and identifying 20 key differences between this genetic sequence and that of the gray wolf, which the company says are responsible for the dire wolves' distinguishing characteristics. However, while many are excited by this development, others have remained skeptical. For instance, previous genetic analysis has shown that dire wolves are not actually that closely related to gray wolves, and it is therefore unlikely that just 20 genetic tweaks would be enough to transform a gray wolf genome into that of a dire wolf. Others have questioned how these animals could ever be securely released into the wild as part of conservation efforts without negatively affecting existing animal populations. It's a staple of science fiction: a 3D hologram that we can interact with like a solid object. Now, thanks to a string of breakthroughs in mixed reality technologies, these pioneering projections might be a lot closer to reality. In a new study, scientists revealed how using elastic materials in the displays of these holograms can enable them to be grabbed, poked and generally interacted with in a physical way. While the technology is still in its early stages, the team hopes that it will have widespread commercial uses, including in education and entertainment. Discover more technology news —Mini desktop supercomputer coming this year — powerful enough to run advanced AI models and small enough to fit in your bag —AI creates better and funnier memes than people, study shows — even when people use AI for help —Scientists reveal new hydrogen-powered 'robot horse' that could one day take you up a mountain The Roman alphabet, used in English, Spanish, French and thousands of other modern-day languages, first emerged around the seventh century BC. However, humans have been writing for much longer than that — so when did our species invent alphabets, and which is the oldest alphabet in the world? For most trees, lightning spells death and destruction. But in the lowland rainforests of Panama, one tree species may have evolved to use this force of nature to its advantage. Scientists have known for about 10 years that tonka bean trees (Dipteryx oleifera) do not appear to succumb to the damaging blows of lightning strikes. Now, according to research, their incredible lightning resistance may give them an advantage in busy forest canopies — by enabling them to survive direct lightning strikes that kill off their nearby competition. The researchers say this is likely down to their large structure and high internal conductivity, enabling lightning current to flow through them without building up damaging heat that would kill most other trees. Discover more planet Earth news —Scientists say these North American rivers 'shouldn't exist.' Here's why they do. —Winter sea ice cover lowest in 47-year satellite record —The North Pole could wander nearly 90 feet west by the end of the century —Strange altar found at Tikal wasn't made by the Maya — and it has at least 4 people buried inside it —'Starving cannibalistic spiders won't hunt their siblings, but they'll quickly dine on their corpses —6,500-year-old hunting weapons found in Texas cave are among the oldest known in North America —Titanic virtual reconstruction sheds light on fateful night the ship tore apart In 1998, two independent teams of scientists discovered that, contrary to previous predictions, the universe's expansion was not slowing down but was instead accelerating. This acceleration implied the presence of a mysterious entity that we now know as dark energy. For decades, dark energy and its origins have remained elusive. A popular theory suggests that dark energy arises from quantum fluctuations in the vacuum of space. However, when applied to mathematical models, this idea fails to explain the expansion rate of the universe. Now, scientists have turned to string theory — a quantum theory of gravity that treats elementary particles as tiny, vibrating, one-dimensional objects called strings — to solve this puzzle. These so-called strings give rise to different particles depending on the way they are vibrating, including gravitons — the hypothetical quantum carrier of gravity. By basing their calculation on this quantum theory, scientists have determined that space-time itself is inherently quantum in its behavior. And one of the most striking consequences of these assumptions is that they naturally lead to an acceleration of universe expansion. The study is still awaiting peer-review, but the authors claim that their model may provide "the first observational evidence supporting string theory." If you're looking for something a little longer to read over the weekend, here are some of the best long reads, book excerpts and interviews published this week. —Scientific research is the lifeblood of our economy. Now, a wrecking ball has come. —Origins of schizophrenia linked to epigenetics of the placenta —These strange, hybrid Earth lifeforms could survive on Mars, new study hints On Saturday, April 12, look east at dusk to see the next full moon rise into the sky at dusk. The "Pink Moon" will also be relatively small in the sky, making it a "micromoon". 12 million light-years from Earth lies a distant galaxy, at whose heart lies a very messy eater. Observations by the European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile have found that the supermassive black hole at the center of the spiral galaxy, known as NGC 4945, is incredibly active, consuming huge amounts of matter and leaving a messy trail of "scraps" strewn across space by fast winds. In the image above, these galactic winds can be seen as bright, cone-shaped jets escaping from the center of the spiral galaxy. Want more science news? Follow our Live Science WhatsApp Channel for the latest discoveries as they happen. It's the best way to get our expert reporting on the go, but if you don't use WhatsApp, we're also on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Flipboard, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky and LinkedIn.
Leaders
08-04-2025
- Science
- Leaders
World's First De-extinction: Dire Wolf is Back After 10,000 Years
In an unprecedented scientific breakthrough, the US-based biotechnology company, Colossal Biosciences, has brough back the dire wolf after being extinct more than 10,000 years ago, according to CNN. By using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology, scientists announced on April 7 that they altered the genes of a gray wolf, and the process resulted in three puppies: Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi. Dire wolf petrous bone The researchers have extracted the ancient DNA from two dire wolf fossils and assembled two high-quality Aenocyon dirus genomes. Dire Wolf Then, the team conducted a concise comparison between the genomes with those of living canids such as wolves, jackals and foxes. Therefore, they were able to specify the genetic variants for the special features of dire wolves, such as white coats and thick fur. Through the data of the genetic analysis, scientists eventually altered gray wolf cells and conducted 20 edits in 14 genes. Consequently, they cloned the most significant cell lines and turned them into donor eggs. SOUND ON. You're hearing the first howl of a dire wolf in over 10,000 years. Meet Romulus and Remus—the world's first de-extinct animals, born on October 1, 2024. The dire wolf has been extinct for over 10,000 years. These two wolves were brought back from extinction using… — Colossal Biosciences® (@colossal) April 7, 2025 'Healthy developing embryos were then transferred into surrogates for interspecies gestation,' with three pregnancies that led to births of the first de-extinct species, Colossal said in its statement. Dire Wolf Importantly, the company noted that it depended on domestic dogs like surrogates, which are large, mixed-breed hounds. As a result, two male dire wolf pups were born on October 1, 2024, while a female pup was born on January 30, 2025. Wolf pups 'So, when I saw them born and they were white, I was like, we've done it. Those are dire wolves,' Beth Shapiro, Colossal's chief scientist, told ABC News. Related Topics: Genetic Breakthrough: KACST Constructs First Arabian Leopard Genome KFSHRC Detects 267 Fetal Genetic Disorders Through Prenatal Care University of Hail launches an introductory program for the Saudi genome Short link : Post Views: 193
Muscat Daily
08-04-2025
- Science
- Muscat Daily
Extinct 'Dire-Wolf' species successfully revived after 12,000 years
Dallas, US – Colossal Biosciences has announced a significant milestone in genetic engineering: the successful de-extinction of the dire wolf, a species that disappeared over 12,500 years ago. The birth of three dire wolf pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—demonstrates the company's progress in species revival technologies. Innovative genetic techniques employed The company's scientists utilised advanced methods, including deep ancient DNA sequencing, polyphyletic trait analyses, multiplex germline editing, and cloning, to achieve this feat. Dr. George Church, a geneticist at Harvard and co-founder of Colossal, highlighted the significance of these technologies, stating they enable the de-extinction of lost genes and contribute to preserving and expanding genetic diversity. State-of-the-art facilities ensure animal welfare The dire wolves are thriving in a secure ecological preserve exceeding 2,000 acres, certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the USDA. Colossal employs a dedicated team of ten full-time animal care staff to support the wolves' physical and mental well-being. The preserve features specialised engagement zones, diverse habitats, and comprehensive security measures, including 10-foot-tall, zoo-grade fencing with redundant perimeter security. Continuous monitoring is conducted through on-site live cameras, security personnel, and drone tracking. Within the preserve, a six-acre secure area houses an on-site veterinary clinic, a wolf management facility, an outdoor storm shelter, and natural dens for the wolves. Recognition from animal welfare organisations Robin Ganzert, Ph.D., CEO of the American Humane Society, commended Colossal's commitment to animal welfare, noting that the company's certification reflects excellence in care, with spacious habitats and devoted staff ensuring the animals can exhibit natural behaviours. Ganzert remarked, 'The technology they are pursuing may be the key to reversing the sixth mass extinction and making extinction events a thing of the past.' Future conservation and cultural Implications Colossal plans to provide lifetime care for the wolves and assess their readiness for relocation to larger protected facilities. Long-term objectives include restoring the species in expansive ecological preserves, potentially on indigenous lands. Mark Fox, Tribal Chairman of the MHA Nation, emphasised the cultural and spiritual significance of the dire wolf's return, viewing it as a symbol of ancient wisdom and a reminder of humanity's responsibility as stewards of the Earth. Background on Dire Wolves Dire wolves ( Aenocyon dirus ) roamed the American midcontinent during the Pleistocene ice ages, with the oldest confirmed fossil dating back approximately 250,000 years. Genomic data from Colossal suggest the lineage first appeared during the Late Pliocene, between 3.5 and 2.5 million years ago. These canids were up to 25% larger than grey wolves, possessing slightly wider heads, light thick fur, and stronger jaws. As hyper-carnivores, their diet primarily consisted of meat from horses and bison. Dire wolves became extinct around 13,000 years ago, coinciding with the end of the most recent ice age. They gained pop culture significance after they were immortalised in 'A Song of Ice and Fire -Game of Thrones' books series written by George R R Martin. D W
CNN
08-04-2025
- Science
- CNN
Scientists say they have resurrected the dire wolf
A species of wolf that died out some 12,500 years ago lives again as the 'world's first successfully de-extincted animal,' according to Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences. Colossal scientists have created three dire wolf pups by using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology to alter the genes of a gray wolf, the prehistoric dire wolf's closest living relative, the company announced Monday. The result is essentially a hybrid species similar in appearance to its extinct forerunner. The dire wolf, Aenocyon dirus, which was the inspiration for the fearsome canine featured in the HBO TV series 'Game of Thrones,' was a top predator that once roamed North America. (HBO shares parent company Warner Bros. Discovery with CNN.) Dire wolves were larger in size than gray wolves and 'had a slightly wider head, light thick fur and stronger jaw,' the company said. Colossal has been working toward resurrecting the mammoth, dodo and Tasmanian tiger since 2021, but the company had not previously publicized its work on dire wolves. 'This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,' said Ben Lamm, Colossal's cofounder and CEO, in a news release. 'Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies.' The three dire wolves are living on a 2,000-acre site at an undisclosed location enclosed by 10-foot-tall (3-meter-tall) 'zoo-grade' fencing, where they are monitored by security personnel, drones and live camera feeds. Colossal said the facility had been certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the US Department of Agriculture. Using ancient DNA extracted from two dire wolf fossils, Colossal's scientists and collaborators said they were able to assemble two high-quality Aenocyon dirus genomes, or complete sets of genetic information. The team compared the genomes with those of living canids such as wolves, jackals and foxes to identify the genetic variants for traits specific to dire wolves, such as white coats and longer, thick fur. The company then used the information from the genetic analysis to alter gray wolf cells, making 20 edits in 14 genes before cloning the most promising cell lines and transferring them into donor eggs, according to the news release. 'Healthy developing embryos were then transferred into surrogates for interspecies gestation,' with three pregnancies that led to births of the first de-extinct species, Colossal revealed in its statement. The company did not immediately respond when asked what species of animal was used as a surrogate. Multiple media outlets have reported that the company used domestic dogs. Two male dire wolf pups were born on October 1, 2024, while a female pup was born on January 30, 2025, according to Colossal Biosciences. To achieve its goal, the company essentially created a hybrid genome using CRISPR technology to cut away certain gray wolf gene variants and replace them with traits associated with dire wolves, said Love Dalén, a professor in evolutionary genomics based at the Centre for Palaeogenetics at Stockholm University, and an adviser to Colossal. 'There's no secret that across the genome, this is 99.9% gray wolf. There is going to be an argument in the scientific community regarding how many genes need to be changed to make a dire wolf, but this is really a philosophical question,' Dalén said. 'It carries dire wolf genes, and these genes make it look more like a dire wolf than anything we've seen in the last 13,000 years. And that is very cool.' Dalén, who said he had been 'a little bit' involved in the analysis of the dire wolf genomes but had not personally met the dire wolf pups or been involved in the gene editing or cloning process, said the work by the scientists was a 'huge leap' from anything done in the field in the past. 'The way I see this is that they have resurrected the dire wolf phenotype (the observable traits of a species) and we know from the genome that they probably looked a bit like these puppies. To me, it's a dire wolf in that sense,' he said. Colossal has raised at least $435 million since Lamm, a serial entrepreneur, and Harvard University geneticist George Church, founded the company in September 2021 and first announced plans to resurrect the mammoth. That endeavor has taken longer than Lamm initially projected, with the company saying it's on track to introduce the first woolly mammoth calves in 2028. The company hopes the same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help endangered animals as well. Colossal said on Monday it has produced two litters of cloned red wolves, the most critically endangered wolf species, using a new, less invasive approach to cloning developed during the dire wolf research. Many critics of de-extinction argue that the huge sums of money invested in the project could be better spent elsewhere — and that raising and breeding the hybrid creatures could imperil living animals used as surrogates. However, Christopher Preston, a professor of environmental philosophy at the University of Montana, said Colossal appears to be paying attention to animal welfare issues, noting the size of the facility and support from the American Humane Society. 'Colossal have taken thoughtful precautions to screen against any unintended genetic consequences of their edits, eliminating risky edits known to be associated with poor outcomes,' he added. But he said it's hard to imagine the dire wolves playing a role in an ecosystem, an outcome the company has said is the ultimate goal of its efforts to create genetically engineered mammoths. 'In states like Montana, we are currently having trouble keeping a healthy population of gray wolves on the land in the face of amped up political opposition,' Preston said. 'It is hard to imagine dire wolves ever being released and taking up an ecological role. So, I think it is important to ask what role the new animals will serve.'
CNN
08-04-2025
- Science
- CNN
Scientists say they have resurrected the dire wolf
A species of wolf that died out some 12,500 years ago lives again as the 'world's first successfully de-extincted animal,' according to Dallas-based biotech company Colossal Biosciences. Colossal scientists have created three dire wolf pups by using ancient DNA, cloning and gene-editing technology to alter the genes of a gray wolf, the prehistoric dire wolf's closest living relative, the company announced Monday. The result is essentially a hybrid species similar in appearance to its extinct forerunner. The dire wolf, Aenocyon dirus, which was the inspiration for the fearsome canine featured in the HBO TV series 'Game of Thrones,' was a top predator that once roamed North America. (HBO shares parent company Warner Bros. Discovery with CNN.) Dire wolves were larger in size than gray wolves and 'had a slightly wider head, light thick fur and stronger jaw,' the company said. Colossal has been working toward resurrecting the mammoth, dodo and Tasmanian tiger since 2021, but the company had not previously publicized its work on dire wolves. 'This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works,' said Ben Lamm, Colossal's cofounder and CEO, in a news release. 'Our team took DNA from a 13,000 year old tooth and a 72,000 year old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies.' The three dire wolves are living on a 2,000-acre site at an undisclosed location enclosed by 10-foot-tall (3-meter-tall) 'zoo-grade' fencing, where they are monitored by security personnel, drones and live camera feeds. Colossal said the facility had been certified by the American Humane Society and registered with the US Department of Agriculture. Using ancient DNA extracted from two dire wolf fossils, Colossal's scientists and collaborators said they were able to assemble two high-quality Aenocyon dirus genomes, or complete sets of genetic information. The team compared the genomes with those of living canids such as wolves, jackals and foxes to identify the genetic variants for traits specific to dire wolves, such as white coats and longer, thick fur. The company then used the information from the genetic analysis to alter gray wolf cells, making 20 edits in 14 genes before cloning the most promising cell lines and transferring them into donor eggs, according to the news release. 'Healthy developing embryos were then transferred into surrogates for interspecies gestation,' with three pregnancies that led to births of the first de-extinct species, Colossal revealed in its statement. The company did not immediately respond when asked what species of animal was used as a surrogate. Multiple media outlets have reported that the company used domestic dogs. Two male dire wolf pups were born on October 1, 2024, while a female pup was born on January 30, 2025, according to Colossal Biosciences. To achieve its goal, the company essentially created a hybrid genome using CRISPR technology to cut away certain gray wolf gene variants and replace them with traits associated with dire wolves, said Love Dalén, a professor in evolutionary genomics based at the Centre for Palaeogenetics at Stockholm University, and an adviser to Colossal. 'There's no secret that across the genome, this is 99.9% gray wolf. There is going to be an argument in the scientific community regarding how many genes need to be changed to make a dire wolf, but this is really a philosophical question,' Dalén said. 'It carries dire wolf genes, and these genes make it look more like a dire wolf than anything we've seen in the last 13,000 years. And that is very cool.' Dalén, who said he had been 'a little bit' involved in the analysis of the dire wolf genomes but had not personally met the dire wolf pups or been involved in the gene editing or cloning process, said the work by the scientists was a 'huge leap' from anything done in the field in the past. 'The way I see this is that they have resurrected the dire wolf phenotype (the observable traits of a species) and we know from the genome that they probably looked a bit like these puppies. To me, it's a dire wolf in that sense,' he said. Colossal has raised at least $435 million since Lamm, a serial entrepreneur, and Harvard University geneticist George Church, founded the company in September 2021 and first announced plans to resurrect the mammoth. That endeavor has taken longer than Lamm initially projected, with the company saying it's on track to introduce the first woolly mammoth calves in 2028. The company hopes the same technologies that created the dire wolf can directly help endangered animals as well. Colossal said on Monday it has produced two litters of cloned red wolves, the most critically endangered wolf species, using a new, less invasive approach to cloning developed during the dire wolf research. Many critics of de-extinction argue that the huge sums of money invested in the project could be better spent elsewhere — and that raising and breeding the hybrid creatures could imperil living animals used as surrogates. However, Christopher Preston, a professor of environmental philosophy at the University of Montana, said Colossal appears to be paying attention to animal welfare issues, noting the size of the facility and support from the American Humane Society. 'Colossal have taken thoughtful precautions to screen against any unintended genetic consequences of their edits, eliminating risky edits known to be associated with poor outcomes,' he added. But he said it's hard to imagine the dire wolves playing a role in an ecosystem, an outcome the company has said is the ultimate goal of its efforts to create genetically engineered mammoths. 'In states like Montana, we are currently having trouble keeping a healthy population of gray wolves on the land in the face of amped up political opposition,' Preston said. 'It is hard to imagine dire wolves ever being released and taking up an ecological role. So, I think it is important to ask what role the new animals will serve.'
