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Newsweek examines the revival of the dire wolf after more than 10,000 years of extinction through Colossal Biosciences’ groundbreaking genetic engineering. The article explains that these prehistoric predators—now represented by three pups named Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi—were apex hunters that once roamed during the Pleistocene epoch. At just six months old, the male pups already measure nearly four feet long and weigh 80 pounds, with potential to grow to six feet and 150 pounds. Scientists achieved this milestone by analyzing ancient DNA from a 13,000-year-old tooth and a 72,000-year-old skull, then carrying out 20 edits across 14 genes in modern gray wolf cells. The piece highlights key differences between dire wolves and their modern relatives, including their broader heads, more powerful jaws and shoulders, and distinctive white coats. While these wolves won’t be released into the wild, they’re currently being studied in a secure 2,000-acre preserve, with the techniques developed now being applied to help critically endangered species like the red wolf. https://www.newsweek.com/dire-wolf-extinct-dna-gray-wolves-2056437