Scientists Revive Dire Wolves Using Ancient DNA and Modern Gene Editing
Three live dire wolf pups have been born using reconstructed DNA. The extinct species had last roamed North America around 12,500 years ago. The milestone was reached by a Dallas-based biotech firm that focuses on genetic conservation. Ancient DNA samples from fossilised remains were analysed. Modern gene-editing tools were used to mimic key characteristics of the extinct predator. These pups were brought to life by implanting modified embryos into domestic dog surrogates. The young wolves have been named Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.
Ancient DNA edited in lab to recreate species
According to a study shared by Colossal Biosciences, DNA samples had been collected from two ancient dire wolf fossils. One was a 13,000-year-old tooth, while the other was a 72,000-year-old skull fragment. These fragments were compared to modern wolf relatives and grey wolves were chosen for DNA alteration because of their evolutionary proximity. Gene sequences that were found only in dire wolves were isolated. These were introduced into the DNA of grey wolves through targeted editing.
Cloning technique used to implant embryos
The altered genetic material was inserted into grey wolf egg cells after removing their original nuclei. These prepared cells were placed inside domestic dogs. Each surrogate received multiple embryos. Interestingly, only one embryo survived in each of the first two dogs. Both gave birth by caesarean section, while the third pup was born in a second round of implantation.
Physical traits match fossil record
The new pups have been observed to develop features consistent with known dire wolf fossils. Thick white coats, larger teeth and body structure have been reported. These results came from identifying changes in 14 genes. The gene edits were introduced using CRISPR technology.
The same company had previously cloned red wolves. The team had also created “woolly mice” as part of a mammoth revival effort. The successful dire wolf birth marks a new phase in gene-driven species restoration.
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Pulsars are neutron stars rotating rapidly, emitting electromagnetic radiation in various wavelengths, including radio waves, optical, X-ray, and gamma-ray. Identified as a X ray transient source in the Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC) about 30 years ago, RX J0032.9-7348 has been classified as an X-ray Pulsar after detecting X-ray pulsations with a period of approximately 7.02 seconds after experiencing an X-ray brightening in October 2024.To take a closer look at it, astronomers have incorporated two NASA X-ray telescope, NICER and NuSTAR.
Discovery and Observational Campaign
According to Handbook of X-ray and Gamma ray Astrophysics, Accretion-powered X-ray pulsars (XRPs) are neutron stars within binary systems that emit X-rays in regular pulses, powered by the accretion of matter from a companion star. However, although RX J0032.9-7348 has been known for decades, very little is known regarding its properties and its optical counterpart has not been identified. Therefore, a team of astronomers led by Birendra Chhotaray of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, decided to take a closer look at this pulsar with NuSTAR and NICER.
Dr Chhotaray and his team were able to verify the X-ray pulsation period of RX J0032.9-7348 through their observations and they also discovered that this pulsar has a double-peak pulse profile throughout a wide energy range, with small changes in the form of energy dependence.
Findings
Results of the observational campaign, published on the arXiv preprint server, gives insight of the spin dynamics and luminosity of this pulsar. The accretion processes during the X-ray brightening phase increases its angular momentum. It results into a spin-up of approximately -0.00033 seconds per day.
The luminosity of the pulsar varied from 8.2 undecillion to 37 undecillion erg/s during the monitoring campaign. The researchers report that no evidence of iron emission line or cyclotron resonance scattering features was found in the energy spectrum of this source.
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Kosmos 482, under the USSR Venera program, was launched into space in 1972 to land on the second planet. However, the rocket malfunctioned and in Earth’s orbit, and it’s still revolving there ever since. Its rugged design lets it stay there and tolerate the atmosphere of Venus. This durability implies that it could survive reentry into Earth and remain intact with no impact. It is supposed to land either on 9 or 10 May without actually breaking anything up. The Aerospace Corporation is tracking it through the radar data provided by the U.S Space network surveillance.
When and Where Might It Land?
As per the current forecasts, ESA reports that the lander will re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere on Saturday, May 10, 12:37 PM EST, with an error margin of ±20.6 hours. Due to an orbital inclination of 52 degrees, it is possible that it could land between the vast regions including Australia, South America and Africa, and in water covering these areas. On the map, it is between 52 degrees North and 52 degrees south. It may fall into the ocean, as 70% of the Earth is water.
What Happens If It Survives Reentry?
If Kosmos 482 reaches the Earth in one piece, the speed would be 150-250 km per hour. The structure would be the same, that is, around 1 meter in diameter and 495 kgs in weight. The scientists predict that the parachute system must have no longer been there after 53 years in space.
Exact Timing Become Challenging
Solar activities, such as storms, are adding complexity to the radar data sometimes which in turn is impacting the reentry timings. Langbroek says, The Sun does whatever it wants to do, making it difficult to analyse the exact hours until the last moment.
Risk to the Public Is Low
Scientists say that the risk to humans is minimal, with a 0.4% chance of death or even injury. It will come down as a single object, with no debris risk. However, if anyone happens to encounter is should stay away and not touch it, simply report to the local authorities.
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