Dire wolves (not) brought back from extinction; US science in existential crisis; how to pour the perfect coffee

Episode 297

The “de-extinction company” Colossal Biosciences claims to have brought dire wolves back from extinction. This is an ancient animal that roamed Earth 10,000 years ago and famously is depicted in Game of Thrones. After gene editing grey wolves, three pups have been born. But is it right to call them dire wolves, or are these just grey wolves in dire wolf clothing?

It’s a turbulent time for US science, with massive and sweeping cuts being made to jobs and budgets. Departments like the National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration have been affected – raising major concerns about the future of public health in the country and beyond.

Physicists have discovered the perfect way to pour a cup of coffee. Hot on the heels of the perfect cacio e pepe recipe and how to make the perfect boiled egg, this discovery is yet another hilarious hack that works in principle but is a massive faff. 

Chapters:

(00:31) Return of the dire wolf

(08:58) Turbulent time for US science

(16:36) Perfect way to brew a cuppa coffee

Hosted by Penny Sarchet and Timothy Revell, with guests Michael Le Page and Chelsea Whyte.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/

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