They Didn't Make Dire Wolves, They Made Something…Else

Summary

The video explores Colossal's ambitious project to genetically modify grey wolves to resemble extinct direwolves using advanced CRISPR technology. The company is focused on identifying specific genes responsible for traits like size and behavior, and making multiple genetic edits at once. While the goal is not to resurrect direwolves, but create a synthetic species that fits into ecosystems, ethical concerns arise over genetic manipulation, commercialization, and potential unintended consequences. The speaker critiques the sensational storytelling around the project, emphasizing the complexity of organisms and the need for responsible scientific endeavors.

Takeaways

• 😀 Colossal is using multiplex gene editing to modify gray wolves to resemble extinct direwolves, not through de-extinction but by creating a synthetic species.
• 😀 Gene editing techniques like CRISPR are central to this process, allowing multiple genetic changes to be made at once, which could help create new traits or modify existing ones.
• 😀 One challenge in genetic engineering is identifying which specific genes control key traits like appearance and behavior, a problem that is still unsolved in biology.
• 😀 While gene editing is a powerful tool, it also comes with risks, including unintended consequences like increased susceptibility to diseases or cancer when altering genes like those controlling size.
• 😀 The science behind Colossal’s work builds on decades of publicly funded research, including DNA sequencing, CRISPR, and other gene-editing technologies developed in academia.
• 😀 Colossal is not attempting to 'bring back' direwolves but to create a creature resembling them, raising ethical questions about the creation of synthetic species rather than true de-extinction.
• 😀 The company’s work also raises concerns about the commercialization of publicly funded science, as private companies like Colossal turn academic discoveries into marketable products.
• 😀 The process of multiplex gene editing, which can modify multiple genes simultaneously, holds promise for curing diseases or creating genetically modified crops with beneficial traits.
• 😀 There is an ethical and societal concern about gene editing being misused, particularly in the context of human genetic modification and the potential for creating 'designer' babies with enhanced traits.
• 😀 Colossal’s work is also pushing the boundaries of what is possible in genetics, including the idea of creating synthetic species, which could blur the line between natural and artificial organisms.
• 😀 The broader issue of biodiversity is discussed, emphasizing that while genetic technologies could help preserve species, the real problems—such as habitat loss and climate change—need to be addressed for true conservation success.

Q & A

What is the main goal of Colossal's project regarding grey wolves and direwolves?

Colossal aims to genetically modify grey wolves to resemble direwolves by editing specific genes, rather than bringing back extinct species. The goal is to create an animal that could potentially fit into an ecosystem slot where the direwolf once existed, though direwolves themselves have been extinct for over 10,000 years.

What is multiplex gene editing, and how is it applied in this context?

Multiplex gene editing refers to making multiple genetic changes simultaneously in one organism. Colossal uses this method with CRISPR technology to modify various genes in the grey wolf genome, allowing them to edit multiple traits at once, which is crucial for complex traits that involve several genes.

What is the primary challenge in genetically modifying animals to resemble extinct species like the direwolf?

The main challenge is understanding which genes control specific traits in the animal, such as appearance and behavior. This requires in-depth knowledge of the genome, which is still limited, especially for wolves. Determining which parts of the genome to edit to recreate traits from extinct species is one of the hardest problems in biology.

How does Colossal ensure the safety of their gene editing work?

Colossal takes care to avoid editing genes that could lead to negative health effects, such as blindness or hearing loss. Instead, they opt to add beneficial traits through other genes that are unlikely to cause harm, thus taking a more ethical and responsible approach.

What are the potential ethical concerns with multiplex gene editing, especially in humans?

Multiplex gene editing in humans raises concerns about 'designer babies,' where multiple genetic changes could be made to enhance physical traits or intelligence. This could lead to unintended social and ethical consequences, such as creating inequalities or causing unforeseen health issues.

What role does publicly funded research play in Colossal's work?

Colossal's work heavily relies on publicly funded scientific advancements, such as genome sequencing, CRISPR technology, and somatic cell nuclear transfer. These foundational techniques were developed through government grants and university research, which Colossal then applies in novel ways for commercial purposes.

How does the speaker feel about the public portrayal of Colossal's work?

The speaker is critical of how Colossal markets its work, particularly the claim of 'de-extincting' direwolves. The speaker argues that this is misleading, as the grey wolves being modified are not true direwolves, but rather a synthetic species created through genetic modification.

What are the risks associated with creating genetically modified animals with multiple genetic changes?

The main risk is that altering several genes at once can lead to unintended biological consequences. For instance, changing size-related genes could result in health issues like a higher susceptibility to cancer, as larger animals often need additional genetic modifications to maintain proper biological functions.

What is the distinction between de-extincting species and creating synthetic species?

De-extincting species would involve resurrecting an animal that once existed, whereas creating synthetic species involves modifying existing animals with genes from other species to produce something entirely new. Colossal's work with grey wolves is closer to the creation of a synthetic species, as they are not truly reviving the direwolf but creating a new organism that resembles it.

What does the speaker think about the potential for creating synthetic species using gene editing technologies?

The speaker acknowledges that the creation of synthetic species is now possible with technologies like multiplex CRISPR. While it is an exciting scientific advancement, it raises concerns about the ethical implications of creating organisms that never existed and the potential long-term consequences on ecosystems and biodiversity.