Today, Explained
The startup that cried dire wolf
Apr 24, 2025
DT Maxx, a writer from The New Yorker and an eyewitness to dire wolves, joins Robert Klitzman, a Columbia professor and bioethics expert, to discuss the controversial claim of reviving these ancient creatures. They delve into the science behind genetic modification, weighing the ambitious technological leaps against ethical concerns. The conversation highlights the potential risks of de-extinction and questions humanity's role in nature. Listeners are left pondering the moral implications of bringing back lost species in a changing ecosystem.
28:00
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Quick takeaways
- Colossal's attempt to resurrect dire wolves involves genetic modification, raising questions about the authenticity and ethics of de-extinction efforts.
- The significant funding and ambitious goals of Colossal highlight the tension between scientific innovation and the need for immediate conservation of endangered species.
Deep dives
The Resurrection of Dire Wolves
Dire wolves, once roaming the Americas until approximately 14,000 years ago, are now the subject of a controversial resurrection attempt by a company named Colossal. Using ancient DNA extracted from dire wolf remains, the company is creating what they term 'diet direwolves' by modifying the genetics of gray wolves. While these wolves are designed to exhibit traits similar to their prehistoric ancestors, critics argue that the resultant creatures do not truly qualify as genuine dire wolves. The debate hinges not just on their genetic authenticity but also on the ethical implications of such de-extinction efforts.
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