Return from Oblivion: Direwolves from "Game of Thrones" Are Among Us Again

American scientists have accomplished the incredible: they resurrected direwolves from "Game of Thrones"! Colossal Biosciences has taken a step that seemed impossible, bringing back to life a long-extinct species - the dire wolf (Canis dirus), or, as it is now called, the direwolf. This majestic predator, extinct for more than 12 thousand years, has once again stepped on earth thanks to the wonders of modern science and genetic technologies.

In ancient times, these mighty creatures reigned across the expanses of North and South America. Their impressive size and formidable strength struck terror into all inhabitants of those lands. They inspired George R. R. Martin to create the legendary direwolves - loyal companions of House Stark in the epic saga "Game of Thrones". Paleontologists emphasize: the dire wolf is not just an enlarged copy of the modern gray wolf. It is a unique species with a broad muzzle, light fur, powerful jaws and paws, as well as a piercing howl that must have echoed through ancient forests and plains.

For this grand project, scientists used two precious sources of ancient DNA: a tooth about 13 thousand years old and a skull estimated to be 72 thousand years old. The genetic material was carefully extracted and studied in laboratories. Analysis showed that the gray wolf's genome is 95% identical to that of its prehistoric relative. This discovery became the key to success: using CRISPR technology, researchers edited 14 key genes, recreating the lost genetic code.

The modified cells were placed in egg cells, and then in embryos carried by surrogate mothers. After 65 days, the first dire wolves in 12 millennia were born: two males named Romulus and Remus - after the founders of Rome who were nursed by a she-wolf - and a female named Khaleesi, a reference to another "Game of Thrones" character. These three puppies were the result of 45 surrogate motherhood attempts, which underscores how complex the task was.

Colossal Biosciences does not intend to stop. Ahead is the revival of the woolly mammoth, the dodo bird, the Tasmanian wolf, the giant sloth, and even the saber-toothed tiger. This breakthrough opens a new era in human history, making us think about our role in the fate of extinct species and whether we can correct the mistakes of the past. Direwolves have returned - and this is just the beginning.