The Latest Breaking News from Colossal Biosciences

Over the past week, the media have been inundated with news of the “de-extinction” of the dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) – a species that went extinct about 13,000 years ago.

The American genetic engineering firm Colossal Biosciences recently announced to much fanfare it had “de-extincted” the dire wolf, a canine species that was wiped out around 10,000 years ago. However, the three animals it presented are actually modern grey wolves with some genetic modifications.

From dire wolves to woolly mammoths, the idea of resurrecting extinct species has captured the public imagination. Colossal Biosciences, the Dallas-based biotech company leading the charge, has made headlines for ambitious efforts to bring back long-lost animals using cutting edge genetic engineering.

Scientists recently revealed that they have "brought back" extinct dire wolves thanks to genetic engineering — but experts say the newly created animals are only like dire wolves in appearance.

ANALYSIS: It’s a resurrection story made for the headlines, but beneath the dramatic narrative lies a more nuanced story

Using CRISPR technology, a company called Colossal says it has de-extincted a wolf species last seen thousands of years ago. Or has it?

Elon Musk has joined the frenzy over the adorable dire wolves brought to life by a genetics and biosciences company, but their "de-extinction" has also raised concerns on whether it's a good thing or not to revive a long-extinct species.

Dire wolves, which vanished off the face of the Earth over 10,000 years ago, have been revived with the creation of three puppies, Romulus, Remus, and Khaleesi.

Colossal Biosciences’ chief executive Ben Lamm called the development a ‘massive milestone’