Colossal Biosciences have introduced a new kind of wolf to the world, but had you been alive over 12,500 years ago you might’ve seen a similarly enormous predator stalking across the Americas. They have functionally de-extincted the dire wolf by genetically modifying a gray wolf, giving life to three puppies that share some of the traits of these ancient animals, including giant heads, incredible musculature, and big white shaggy coats. | IFLScience

Scientists have brought a wolf breed back from extinction more than 12,000 years after it last walked the earth. In what researchers described as the world’s first successful de-extinction, a US-based biotech firm has bred three dire wolves, a species popularised by the fantasy series Game of Thrones, by editing DNA recovered from ancient remains. Footage of the wolves shows them whimpering as pups and frolicking in the snow at their fenced-in nature reserve at a secret US location. #TheCurrent

40K views · 212 reactions | Scientists brought back an extinct wolf. Kind of. | Vox | Facebook