Researchers are once again overstepping boundaries, and although they have recently made a notable achievement, it is likely to lead to significant negative consequences.
The biotech firm Colossal Biosciences announced on Monday that they have resurrected an extinct species of dire wolf using “carefully reconstructed” DNA extracted from fossils dating back between 11,500 and 72,000 years. The two wolves, named Remus and Romulus as a tribute to the legend of ancient Rome’s beginnings, are being touted as the first “de-extinct animals” in the world. (Subscribe to MR. RIGHT, a weekly newsletter about modern masculinity)
SOUND ON. You’re hearing the first howl of a dire wolf in over 10,000 years. Meet Romulus and Remus—the world’s first de-extinct animals, born on October 1, 2024.
The dire wolf has been extinct for over 10,000 years. These two wolves were brought back from extinction using… pic.twitter.com/wY4rdOVFRH
— Colossal Biosciences® (@colossal) April 7, 2025
“This moment signifies not only a milestone for us as a company but also a significant advancement for science, conservation, and humanity. From the onset, our aim has been clear: ‘To reshape history and be the first company to effectively employ CRISPR technology for the de-extinction of previously lost species,’” the company posted on X. “By achieving this, we continue to further our larger mission of accepting humanity’s obligation to restore Earth to a healthier condition. However, this isn’t solely our moment—it’s one for science, our planet, and all of humankind.”
I must confess that, on a surface level, the notion of rare dire wolves reentering Earth’s ecosystem is intriguing. However, I have a profound distrust of scientists who attempt to manipulate intricate systems like nature, akin to my skepticism towards government officials who believe they can entirely orchestrate a perfect economy.
The dire wolf project is likely to have unforeseen backlash in ways we cannot currently anticipate. Just like researchers experimenting with pathogens in Wuhan. You never know what complications could emerge from introducing a new species, much less if/when these genetic technologies are seriously applied to humans. (RELATED: Virologists Who Downplayed ‘Lab Leak Theory’ Call Out Dangerous Research In Wuhan — Five Years Too Late)
Do we genuinely want to inhabit a world where humans are genetically altered like supermarket grapes? Are we willing to compromise our innate humanity to possibly, just possibly, “correct” genetic imperfections? I think not.
Scientists exhibit excessive arrogance. And while science has indeed resulted in life-saving innovations that have aided humanity, for every advancement that has enriched society, there exists a technology, such as social media, which has the potential to destroy it.
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