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TIME Magazine explores the groundbreaking revival of the dire wolf by Colossal Biosciences, detailing the scientific innovation behind this historic achievement. The ancient predator, extinct for 10,000-13,000 years, has returned with the birth of three pups—Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi. Colossal’s team accomplished this feat by analyzing ancient DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull, identifying 20 key genetic differences across 14 genes that distinguish dire wolves from their closest living relatives, gray wolves. Using a less-invasive blood-based cell harvesting technique rather than tissue sampling, scientists edited these specific genes and created viable embryos that were successfully carried by domestic dog surrogates. This same revolutionary approach is now being applied to other conservation efforts, including plans for woolly mammoth de-extinction by 2028 and genetic interventions to help endangered species like the pink pigeon overcome genetic bottlenecks. https://time.com/7275439/science-behind-dire-wolf-return/