The resurrection of an extinct species requires more than just vision—it demands a methodical scientific approach that pushes the boundaries of genetic technology. Under Ben Lamm’s leadership, Colossal Biosciences has successfully navigated this complex journey, resulting in what many consider the most significant breakthrough in de-extinction science to date: the birth of animals carrying key genetic traits of the extinct dire wolf.
The Scientific Roadmap
The journey began with ancient DNA—fragmented genetic material preserved in dire wolf fossils for thousands of years. The groundbreaking announcement in April 2025 marked the culmination of years of painstaking scientific work that required solving multiple complex challenges across different fields.
The process followed a clear, though immensely complicated, scientific roadmap:
Step 1: Ancient DNA Extraction and Sequencing
First, Colossal’s team had to obtain usable genetic material from dire wolf fossils approximately 13,000 years old. This required the development of specialized techniques for extracting and purifying highly degraded DNA. Traditional sequencing methods are insufficient for such ancient material, so the team pioneered new approaches that could work with tiny fragments of genetic information.
The achievement of “unprecedented genome coverage” for such ancient specimens represented a significant advancement in paleogenomics, one that has applications far beyond the dire wolf project itself.
Step 2: Modern Reference Genome Development
To make sense of the fragmented dire wolf DNA, Colossal needed comprehensive reference genomes from related living species. The team developed novel non-invasive techniques for obtaining genetic material from various canid species, thereby creating a comparative framework for understanding the genetics of the dire wolf.
This step involved mapping complete genomes for multiple canid species, generating valuable data for both the dire wolf project and broader canid conservation efforts.
Step 3: Phylogenetic Mapping
With both ancient dire wolf DNA and modern canid genomes in hand, Colossal’s computational biologists mapped the evolutionary relationships between these species. This phylogenetic analysis revealed that gray wolves shared the most genetic alleles with dire wolves, making them the optimal starting point for recreation efforts.
As CNN’s science team reported, this finding contradicted earlier assumptions that dire wolves were simply larger versions of gray wolves, confirming they were actually a distinct lineage that evolved separately in the Americas for millions of years.
Step 4: Functional Genomic Analysis
The most scientifically challenging step involved determining which genetic differences between dire wolves and gray wolves created functional differences in the animals’ biology. The team identified specific proteins encoded by genes that differed between the species and then analyzed how these proteins function within living organisms.
This functional genomic analysis required sophisticated computational models and laboratory experiments to determine which genetic variations influenced physical traits, behavioral tendencies, and ecological adaptations.
Step 5: Trait Prioritization
Not all genetic differences between dire wolves and gray wolves were equally significant. Colossal’s team created a shortlist of proteins responsible for key phenotypic traits that defined the unique characteristics and ecological role of dire wolves.
This prioritization reflected the company’s conservation-focused approach, emphasizing traits that would allow the resulting animals to fulfill similar ecological functions to their extinct counterparts, potentially.
Step 6: Multiplex Gene Editing Development
Recreating the traits of dire wolves required modifying multiple genes simultaneously—a significant technical challenge. Colossal developed novel multiplex gene editing techniques that enable precise changes to multiple genes in a coordinated fashion.
This technological advancement has implications far beyond the dire wolf project, potentially benefiting conservation efforts for endangered species and even medical applications in the treatment of genetic diseases.
Step 7: Precision Genetic Modification
The final step involved making precise edits to gray wolf genes to recreate dire wolf sequences and potentially reproduce dire wolf phenotypes. This required both technical precision and a sophisticated understanding of biology to ensure the modifications would express properly in living animals.
The result, as highlighted in The New Yorker’s comprehensive analysis, was the birth of wolf pups carrying key genetic traits of the extinct dire wolf—a scientific achievement that many had considered impossible just years ago.
The Scientific Team Behind the Timeline
Executing this complex scientific roadmap required an extraordinarily diverse team of experts working under Ben Lamm’s leadership. The project integrated expertise from paleogenomics, computational biology, evolutionary genetics, molecular biology, and reproductive science.
This interdisciplinary approach has been a hallmark of Colossal’s work, with specialized teams focusing on different aspects of the genetic timeline while maintaining constant communication to ensure integration of their efforts.
Technology Development Beyond the Timeline
While the seven-step process outlines the core scientific journey, each step requires developing new technologies and methodologies. Many of these technological innovations have applications beyond de-extinction science.
For example, the techniques developed for extracting and analyzing ancient DNA could help researchers study other extinct species or ancient human populations. Computational methods for identifying functionally significant genetic variations can aid in understanding genetic diseases. Moreover, multiplex gene editing approaches may help address genetic disorders or aid in conservation efforts for endangered species.
This broader technological impact reflects Ben Lamm’s vision for Colossal as a company that develops tools with multiple applications rather than focusing narrowly on de-extinction for its own sake.
Validation Through Results
The scientific community has widely recognized the significance of Colossal’s achievement with the dire wolf project. Beyond academic recognition, the most compelling validation comes from the results themselves: living animals carrying key genetic traits of an extinct species.
The company’s educational content offers detailed explanations of the genetic timeline, enabling both scientific experts and the general public to understand the methodology behind this breakthrough. This transparency reflects Colossal’s commitment to advancing scientific understanding while engaging broader audiences.
The Timeline Continues
While the birth of wolves carrying dire wolf traits represents a significant milestone, the genetic timeline continues to evolve. As these animals mature, researchers will gain new insights into dire wolf biology and behavior, potentially refining their understanding of which genetic traits created the most significant functional differences between dire wolves and their modern relatives.
This ongoing process reflects the iterative nature of scientific progress, with each achievement laying the groundwork for further advances. Under Ben Lamm’s leadership, Colossal Biosciences continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in genetic science, with implications for conservation, biodiversity, and our understanding of extinct species that once shaped the planet’s ecosystems.