Latest news with #ColossalBiosciences'
Mint
08-05-2025
- Science
- Mint
Gene editing: Is humanity ready to rewrite the book of life?
When Watson and Crick discovered DNA's double helix in 1953, humanity stumbled upon something miraculous and menacing: the ability to edit genes. Not read them, not mildly tweak them, but rewrite them with a divinity complex. Think of it as opening Microsoft Word and creating your fantasy appearance. Rainbow-coloured eyes? Sure. Sounds amazing? It is. Terrifying? Definitely. Gene editing is like Prometheus handing humanity the genetic matchstick—except this time, instead of fire, we're toying with the instruction manual of life. It all started innocently enough, back in the 1970s, when scientists like Herbert Boyer and Stanley Cohen created recombinant DNA, enabling direct gene manipulation across species barriers. The 1980s saw the first genetically modified organisms and transgenic animals, while the 1990s brought the ambitious Human Genome Project. Also Read: Genetically engineered animals are here: Regulation mustn't get left behind By 2003, scientists had mapped 92% of humanity's complete genetic blueprint. The pace quickened with the 2012 invention of Crispr-Cas9, the tool that democratized precise genetic modification through its relative simplicity and affordability. In one bold move, we accelerated both progress and ethical concerns. Crispr tech is precise, cheap and fast. It is already being used to cure genetic diseases. Between 2023-25, the UK and US approved therapies that cured—and not just treated— sickle cell anaemia. Patients who lived their lives with chronic pain and blood transfusions are now free of the illness . Crispr tech do-it-yourself kits can be bought online. It sounds like a great Diwali gift, until someone starts editing mosquitoes to spread designer viruses or resurrects smallpox as a prank. Amazing and terrifying. Scientists, meanwhile, are re-programming immune cells to target tumours with high precision. Plant engineering is equally promising. We could soon have drought-resistant rice and bananas that resist going brown. More nutritious and resilient crops that can withstand climate change could revolutionize food security worldwide. Also Read: Colossal Biosciences' dire wolf pups aren't proof of gene-tech defeating extinction As for genetic re-engineering being a bugbear, the Lulu and Nana controversy is a prime example. It involved twin girls born in November 2018 who were the world's first known genetically modified humans, edited as embryos by scientist He Jiankui. He introduced a mutation to make the gene HIV resistant (the girls' father was HIV-positive while their mother wasn't). His secret research was exposed when documents appeared in China's clinical trials registry and other international publications. The case highlighted the reality of designer babies and underscored the urgent need for an international oversight and governance framework. Genetic inequality has moved beyond science fiction. Today, gene enhancement is available, even if only at a prohibitive cost. Cloning is another contentious issue that hit the news in 1996, with Dolly being the first cloned mammal. While animal cloning is practised in agriculture and conservation, human cloning remains ethically questionable and mainly in the realm of science fiction. Also Read: Genetic studies: Let's cast a wider DNA net The question of whether human genes should be patented is a hotly contested one. While patents incentivize research and drive innovation, critics argue that naturally occurring genes belong to the entire human race. A 2013 US Supreme Court ruling against Myriad Genetics that invalidated patents on naturally occurring genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 (linked to breast cancer) set a legal precedent. Yet, synthetic or significantly altered genetic sequences remain patentable. Now let's then address the 'mammoth' in the room. Are we headed for a real-life Jurassic Park? The short answer is 'no.' We can't recreate dinosaurs. DNA degrades too fast, with a half-life of about 521 years. The longer answer is 'kind of.' Colossal Biosciences, a US startup, is working on bringing back woolly mammoths by modifying Asian-elephant DNA. It has tried to resurrect the dodo and dire wolf. This is called 'de-extinction,' but critics call it 'bio-dramatics with unpredictable ecological consequences." Let's not sugar-coat it. Gene modification could widen an already yawning gap between the haves and have-nots. Imagine rich engineered babies growing taller, smarter and resistant to everything except bad wi-fi, while the poor are stuck in queues for basic vaccines. Left unchecked, this could usher in genetic caste systems. Humanity, never one to resist temptation, has already produced some genetic oddities. Nasa has gene-edited mice to grow larger muscles in space. Scientists are now editing weed to remove the high THC and preserve its medicinal value. And there are also glow-in-the-dark pets: fluorescent cats, pigs and even bunnies. Also Read: What does a woolly mammoth have in common with Mars? Nothing, except neither will solve Earth's problems Gene-editing is a tool like fire or nuclear energy. Used wisely, it can rid us of suffering, feed billions and save species. Used recklessly, it can usher in a genetic dystopia. The current thinking in science and bioethics is cautiously optimistic. Therapeutic editing is okay, enhancement for aesthetics, intellect or athleticism is hotly debated and editing embryos for heritable traits is mostly banned or heavily restricted, while reviving dinosaurs is not on. As Dr Ian Malcolm grumbled in Jurassic Park : 'Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." It's finally time to confront that dilemma. The author is a technology advisor and podcast host.
Time Business News
23-04-2025
- Science
- Time Business News
Colossal Biosciences' Future Vision
Colossal Biosciences' work on dire wolf de-extinction has captured the public imagination and scientific attention, but the company's ambitions extend well beyond this single iconic species. The dire wolf project represents a proving ground for technologies and methodologies that could transform conservation biology and address biodiversity challenges on a broader scale. The techniques developed for the dire wolf project have applications far beyond this single species. The genetic technologies being refined through the research already show promise for helping endangered species like the red wolf, which faces severe conservation challenges in the wild. This transfer of technology from de-extinction research to conservation applications demonstrates the broader impact that Colossal's work could have on biodiversity preservation. The dire wolf project serves as both a scientific pursuit in its own right and a development platform for techniques that could benefit living species facing extinction threats. While the dire wolf represents Colossal's most publicized de-extinction candidate, The New Yorker indicates that the company is already conducting preliminary research on several other extinct species that might benefit from similar approaches. These include other Ice Age mammals that played critical ecological roles in their environments. The selection criteria for future projects prioritize species that went extinct relatively recently (improving DNA recovery possibilities), served significant ecological functions, and could potentially thrive in existing habitats. This methodical approach reflects the company's science-based philosophy rather than simply selecting charismatic species for public appeal. The dire wolf project has already accelerated the development of several key technologies that will likely feature in Colossal's future work. These include improved ancient DNA extraction and sequencing methods, more sophisticated computational approaches for genome reconstruction, and refined genetic editing techniques optimized for ecological applications. Each successive project is expected to benefit from these technological improvements, potentially creating a virtuous cycle in which each species studied contributes to the advancement of tools that can then be applied to more challenging cases. This progressive approach allows the company to tackle increasingly complex de-extinction candidates as its capabilities evolve. The dire wolf research's most immediate future impact lies in its applications for endangered species conservation. Colossal is developing a 'genetic rescue toolkit' that could help preserve and potentially enhance genetic diversity in critically endangered populations. These tools include advanced genetic monitoring techniques, assisted reproduction technologies optimized for species with small populations, and even genetic interventions that could help vulnerable species adapt to changing environmental conditions. Conservation biologists see these applications as potentially more impactful in the near term than the complete de-extinction of long-gone species. Beyond individual species, Colossal's longer-term vision focuses on ecosystem functions and relationships. VentureBeat reports that the company views extinct species not as isolated entities but as components of complex ecological systems, each playing specific roles that may have gone unfilled since their disappearance. This ecosystem-based approach informs how the company selects candidate species and designs research programs. Rather than simply recreating extinct animals as museum curiosities, the focus remains on ecological functions and potential contributions to habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement. The future of Colossal's work will likely involve expanded international partnerships and collaborations. The company is already engaging with global conservation organizations, universities, and research institutions to build networks supporting de-extinction research and conservation applications. These collaborations could help scale both the research capacity and the implementation of resulting technologies, potentially creating global platforms for addressing biodiversity challenges through innovative genetic approaches. The dire wolf project has reportedly opened doors to partnerships that might not have been possible without its generated attention. An intriguing dimension of Colossal's future work involves collaboration with indigenous communities with traditional ecological knowledge about environments where extinct species once lived. The company has begun engaging with tribal nations to incorporate traditional knowledge into their understanding of how species like the dire wolf functioned in their original ecosystems. This integration of traditional ecological knowledge with cutting-edge genomics represents an innovative approach that recognizes multiple ways of understanding the natural world. Future projects may see deeper integration of these knowledge systems, potentially creating more holistic approaches to de-extinction and conservation. As Colossal Biosciences continues to advance its dire wolf research while developing other projects, the company's work exemplifies a new frontier in biotechnology where genetic innovation, conservation biology, and ecosystem restoration converge. Rather than viewing de-extinction as an end, the company positions it within a broader context of biodiversity enhancement and ecological resilience. This integrated approach suggests that the future of Colossal's work will continue to bridge multiple disciplines and applications. The dire wolf project serves as just the beginning of a much larger scientific journey with potentially far-reaching implications for how humanity addresses biodiversity challenges in the coming decades. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
A Biologist Reveals 3 Species That Are Closer To Extinction Under The Trump Administration
As of early 2025, more than 1,300 species in the United States are listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). For decades, the ESA has been the primary legislative tool for halting extinction, credited with preventing the loss of species ranging from bald eagles to black-footed ferrets. But recent developments have raised new concerns about how long that protection will hold. Since taking office earlier this year, the Trump administration has revived the rarely used Endangered Species Committee, informally known as the 'God Squad.' This committee holds the authority to override ESA protections when economic or public interest arguments are deemed compelling enough, even if such actions would knowingly lead to species extinction. The God Squad has historically been convened only in exceptional cases, with rigorous checks and scientific review. Under current orders, however, the committee is now being scheduled to meet regularly and has been tasked with identifying 'obstacles to domestic energy infrastructure.' At the same time, the administration has expressed support for a different kind of conservation model — de-extinction. Following Colossal Biosciences' recent announcement that it had produced the world's first dire wolf pups using gene-editing technologies, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum celebrated the moment as a turning point. 'Since the dawn of our nation, it has been innovation — not regulation — that has spawned American greatness,' Burgum wrote on X. 'The revival of the dire wolf heralds the advent of a thrilling new era of scientific wonder, showcasing how the concept of 'de-extinction' can serve as a bedrock for modern species conservation.' While the achievement is remarkable, it's important to note that the dire wolf genome reconstruction took years, and only three pups exist so far, all in captive care. (This also sidesteps the larger question of whether these animals are truly dire wolves or simply genetically engineered gray wolves.) Meanwhile, other species are facing extinction on a much shorter clock. What follows are three native animals whose future has grown significantly more uncertain under the current regulatory climate. Once believed extinct, the black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is among the most remarkable recovery stories in North American conservation. Native to the open prairies of the Great Plains, these elusive, nocturnal predators rely almost entirely on prairie dogs for both food and shelter. Their fate, historically and still today, is tightly bound to the survival of their prey. By the late 1970s, habitat loss, widespread prairie dog eradication programs and outbreaks of sylvatic plague had pushed black-footed ferrets to presumed extinction. Then in 1981, a ranch dog in Wyoming unearthed a carcass that led to the last known population, which grew to about 130 individuals. When plague struck again, only 18 ferrets remained. From those few, a national recovery effort was launched, anchored by the National Black-Footed Ferret Conservation Center in Colorado. That painstaking work is now in jeopardy. Earlier this year, key staff at the center were terminated as part of broader federal cuts, and critical funding for plague mitigation in wild habitats has been frozen. Plague remains an ever-present threat, capable of erasing years of recovery in a single outbreak. Without the technicians who manage captive breeding and vaccination programs, and without support for tribal and field-based conservation, the species' hard-won gains are now vulnerable to rapid reversal. Once ranging from Texas to Pennsylvania, the red wolf (Canis rufus) is now reduced to a single fragile population in North Carolina's Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. Slightly smaller and more slender than its gray cousins, the red wolf is a uniquely American carnivore and one of the rarest. Around 15 red wolves remain in the wild today. Decades of captive breeding and carefully managed reintroductions had sparked hope. By the early 2010s, around 120 individuals roamed northeastern North Carolina. But that recovery unraveled after regulatory protections weakened. Hybridization with coyotes, vehicle collisions and illegal shootings accelerated the decline. For several years, no pups were born in the wild. Conservation programs stalled, and federal agencies scaled back active management. One bright spot came with the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), which allocated funds for wildlife crossings on highways like US 64, an artery notorious for red wolf road deaths. In 2023, North Carolina received a $25 million federal grant to begin constructing underpasses, backed by $4 million in additional funding. These structures could significantly reduce collisions and reconnect fragmented wolf habitat. But in early 2025, the Trump administration froze disbursement of the BIL funds, putting the project in limbo. Meanwhile, Colossal Biosciences has cloned hybrids of the red wolf with coyotes in an attempt to bolster their falling numbers, but this does little to address the cause of their decline. For a species already hanging by a thread, even short delays matter. Red wolves face not only ecological pressures, but administrative uncertainty. Without continued reintroductions, road protections and legal safeguards, one of America's most distinctive carnivores could vanish without a trace. Among the last echoes of an ancient avian lineage, the ʻakikiki (Oreomystis bairdi) clings to existence in the misty rainforests of Kauaʻi. Once ranging across the island, this small gray-and-white honeycreeper now survives only in the highest elevations of Kokeʻe and the Alakaʻi Plateau — areas increasingly under siege by invasive mosquitoes carrying avian malaria. A species that numbered in the hundreds as recently as 2018 now has less than 5 individuals left in the wild. Without decisive intervention, the ʻakikiki may vanish from its native forest within months. Captive breeding programs, launched with support from institutions like the San Diego Zoo, have preserved a genetically vital population of about 40 birds. Yet even this safeguard is vulnerable. Releasing lab-reared mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria to suppress wild mosquito populations is the most promising strategy to help these birds grow their population in the wild today. The operation was set to expand with funding from the BIL, but now faces uncertainty amid funding freezes. On Kauaʻi, the consequences are immediate. Field teams managing mosquito control, predator fencing and nesting site monitoring have been abruptly terminated. The abrupt layoffs of key personnel, including biologists at the Kauaʻi National Wildlife Refuge Complex, have left entire habitats unguarded. With each passing day of inaction, the challenges facing the ʻakikiki become more acute. As field operations are interrupted and conservation timelines stall, the few remaining birds in the wild continue to face mounting threats. And without sustained support, the window for meaningful intervention may soon begin to close. As more species move into the endangered list, how do you feel about the debilitating effects of climate change? Take a 2-minute test to see where you stand on the Climate Change Worry Scale.
Al Bawaba
08-04-2025
- Science
- Al Bawaba
Company revives dire wolf after 10,000 years of extinction
Published April 8th, 2025 - 06:01 GMT ALBAWABA - Researchers at Colossal Biosciences recently made headlines after disclosing that they successfully genetically modified three wolves resembling a dire wolf, an extinct species from more than 10,000 years ago. According to AP, the wolves are currently residing in an unknown location in the US, but the researchers said on Monday that the puppies' ages range from three to six months old, have long white hair, a muscular jaw, and will eventually weigh around 60 kilograms when mature, like a dire wolf. Colossal Biosciences took to its official socials and wrote, "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." Following a video of a baby wolf howling in the hands of a man. The female wolf is named Khaleesi after the hit fantasy TV show, "Game of Thrones." The popular series partook in the dire wolf's popularity in pop culture since the extinct species made countless appearances in it. 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 Colossal Biosciences' main aim is to bring back lost species from the past. The company announced back in 2021 that it's working on bringing back the dodo bird, a bird species extinct since 1681, but it has proven difficult to do so. With controversial research comes speculation and concern from people across the globe. The official account of Jurassic Park on Musk's X (formerly known as Twitter) jokingly wrote in response to the dire wolf's possible revival, "We see no possible way this could go wrong." How did they manage to revive a 10,000-year-old extinct species? Romulus and Remus (Colossal Biosciences) Colossal Biosciences by cloning and gene-editing DNA from two dire wolf samples. CEO Ben Lamm described the event as a "massive milestone" and said, "I could not be more proud of the team. This massive milestone is the first of many coming examples demonstrating that our end-to-end de-extinction technology stack works." He added, "Our team took DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull and made healthy dire wolf puppies." © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Express Tribune
08-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
The true story behind TIME magazine cover celebrating de-extinction of dire wolves using ancient DNA
TIME magazine's latest cover features a striking image of Romulus, a genetically engineered wolf designed to resemble the extinct dire wolf, which disappeared over 10,000 years ago. The image accompanies a report on Colossal Biosciences' latest scientific project involving ancient DNA and gene editing. Photo: TIME The dire wolf, which disappeared over 10,000 years ago, left behind fossilised remains across North and South America. From these remains, Colossal extracted DNA dating between 13,000 and 72,000 years old. Scientists analysed the genetic material and identified 14 key genes linked to the dire wolf's distinctive features—muscular build, skull shape, powerful jaws, and pale coat colour. These genes were edited into the DNA of modern grey wolves using CRISPR technology. The modified embryos were implanted into domestic dogs, resulting in three live births between October 2024 and February 2025. The pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—were delivered by caesarean section. Now six months old, the pups each weigh around 80 pounds and are expected to grow significantly larger. They are currently kept within a secured 2,000-acre ecological preserve and fed a natural diet of deer and beef. Despite being hand-raised, they show strong wild instincts, including avoidance of human interaction. Although they physically resemble dire wolves, the animals are genetically altered grey wolves, not restored members of the extinct Canis dirus species. The complete dire wolf genome has not been sequenced and was not reconstructed for this project. In simple terms, the animal on TIME magazine's cover only phenotypically resembles what scientists believe dire wolves looked like. Colossal states the purpose of the project is to advance tools for conservation and ecological restoration. Similar projects are underway targeting the woolly mammoth, dodo, and Tasmanian tiger.
