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Fast Company
11-06-2025
- Science
- Fast Company
Is ‘de-extinction' here? How gene editing can help endangered species
IMPACT Gene editing's real value is not in re-creating copies of long-extinct species like dire wolves, but instead using it to recover ones in trouble now. Red Wolves are seen at the North Carolina Museum of Life + Science on Thursday, November 8, 2017, in Durham, NC. [Photo: Salwan Georges/The] BY Listen to this Article More info 0:00 / 8:48 Have you been hearing about the dire wolf lately? Maybe you saw a massive white wolf on the cover of Time magazine or a photo of Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin holding a puppy named after a character from his books. The dire wolf, a large, wolflike species that went extinct about 12,000 years ago, has been in the news after biotech company Colossal claimed to have resurrected it using cloning and gene-editing technologies. Colossal calls itself a ' de-extinction ' company. The very concept of de-extinction is a lightning rod for criticism. There are broad accusations of playing God or messing with nature, as well as more focused objections that contemporary de-extinction tools create poor imitations rather than truly resurrected species. While the biological and philosophical debates are interesting, the legal ramifications for endangered species conservation are of paramount importance. As a legal scholar with a PhD in wildlife genetics, my work focuses on how we legally define the term 'endangered species.' The use of biotechnology for conservation, whether for de-extinction or genetic augmentation of existing species, promises solutions to otherwise intractable problems. But it needs to work in harmony with both the letter and purpose of the laws governing biodiversity conservation. Of dire wolves and de-extinction What did Colossal actually do? Scientists extracted and sequenced DNA from Ice Age-era bones to understand the genetic makeup of the dire wolf. They were able to piece together around 90% of a complete dire wolf genome. While the gray wolf and the dire wolf are separated by a few million years of evolution, they share over 99.5% of their genomes. Subscribe to the Daily Company's trending stories delivered to you every day SIGN UP The scientists scanned the recovered dire wolf sequences for specific genes that they believed were responsible for the physical and ecological differences between dire wolves and other species of canids, including genes related to body size and coat color. CRISPR gene-editing technology allows scientists to make specific changes in the DNA of an organism. The Colossal team used CRISPR to make 20 changes in 14 different genes in a modern gray wolf cell before implanting the embryo into a surrogate mother. While the technology on display is marvelous, what should we call the resulting animals? Some commentators argue that the animals are just modified gray wolves. They point out that it would take far more than 20 edits to bridge the gap left by millions of years of evolution. For instance, that 0.5% of the genome that doesn't match in the two species represents more than 12 million base pair differences. More philosophically, perhaps, other skeptics argue that a species is more than a collection of genes devoid of environmental, ecological, or evolutionary context. Colossal, on the other hand, maintains that it is in the 'functional de-extinction' game. The company acknowledges it isn't making a perfect dire wolf copy. Instead it wants to recreate something that looks and acts like the dire wolf of old. It prefers the 'if it looks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it's a duck' school of speciation. Disagreements about taxonomy —the science of naming and categorizing living organisms—are as old as the field itself. Biologists are notorious for failing to adopt a single clear definition of 'species,' and there are dozens of competing definitions in the biological literature. Biologists can afford to be flexible and imprecise when the stakes are merely a conversational misunderstanding. Lawyers and policymakers, on the other hand, do not have that luxury. Deciding what counts as an endangered 'species' In the United States, the Endangered Species Act is the main tool for protecting biodiversity. To be protected by the act, an organism must be a member of an endangered or threatened species. Some of the most contentious ESA issues are definitional, such as whether the listed species is a valid 'species' and whether individual organisms, especially hybrids, are members of the listed species. Colossal's functional species concept is anathema to the Endangered Species Act. It shrinks the value of a species down to the way it looks or the way it functions. When passing the act, however, Congress made clear that species were to be valued for their 'aesthetic, ecological, educational, historical, recreational, and scientific value to the Nation and its people.' In my view, the myopic focus on function seems to miss the point. Despite its insistence otherwise, Colossal's definitional sleight of hand has opened the door to arguments that people should reduce conservation funding or protections for currently imperiled species. Why spend the money to protect a critter and its habitat when, according to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, you can just ' pick your favorite species and call up Colossal '? Putting biotechnology to work for conservation Biotechnology can provide real conservation benefits for today's endangered species. I suggest gene editing's real value is not in recreating facsimiles of long-extinct species like dire wolves, but instead using it to recover ones in trouble now. Projects, by both Colossal and other groups, are underway around the world to help endangered species develop disease resistance or evolve to tolerate a warmer world. Other projects use gene editing to reintroduce genetic variation into populations where genetic diversity has been lost. For example, Colossal has also announced that it has cloned a red wolf. Unlike the dire wolf, the red wolf is not extinct, though it came extremely close. After decades of conservation efforts, there are about a dozen red wolves in the wild in the reintroduced population in eastern North Carolina, as well as a few hundred red wolves in captivity. The entire population of red wolves, both wild and captive, descends from merely 14 founders of the captive breeding program. This limited heritage means the species has lost a significant amount of the genetic diversity that would help it continue to evolve and adapt. In order to reintroduce some of that missing genetic diversity, you'd need to find genetic material from red wolves outside the managed population. Right now that would require stored tissue samples from animals that lived before the captive breeding program was established or rediscovering a 'lost' population in the wild. Recently, researchers discovered that coyotes along the Texas Gulf Coast possess a sizable percentage of red wolf-derived DNA in their genomes. Hybridization between coyotes and red wolves is both a threat to red wolves and a natural part of their evolutionary history, complicating management. The red wolf genes found within these coyotes do present a possible source of genetic material that biotechnology could harness to help the captive breeding population if the legal hurdles can be managed. This coyote population was Colossal's source for its cloned 'ghost' red wolf. Even this announcement is marred by definitional confusion. Due to its hybrid nature, the animal Colossal cloned is likely not legally considered a red wolf at all. Under the Endangered Species Act, hybrid organisms are typically not protected. So by cloning one of these animals, Colossal likely sidestepped the need for ESA permits. It will almost certainly run into resistance if it attempts to breed these 'ghost wolves' into the current red wolf captive breeding program that has spent decades trying to minimize hybridization. How much to value genetic 'purity' versus genetic diversity in managed species still proves an extraordinarily difficult question, even without the legal uncertainty. Biotechnology could never solve every conservation problem—especially habitat destruction. The ability to make 'functional' copies of a species certainly does not lessen the urgency to respond to biodiversity loss, nor does it reduce human beings' moral culpability. But to adequately respond to the ever-worsening biodiversity crisis, conservationists will need all available tools. Alex Erwin is an assistant professor of law at Florida International University. The final deadline for Fast Company's Next Big Things in Tech Awards is Friday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. PT. Apply today.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rosamond Gifford Zoo welcomes Red Wolf pups, Humboldt penguin chicks
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — Just another reason to go to the zoo — new animals to see! The Rosamond Gifford Zoo will now have eight new faces in the near future: Six Red Wolf puppies — four females and two males — and two Humboldt Penguin chicks. The Red Wolf pups were born in May at the Matthews Auto Group Red Wolf Preserve to mother, Evie, and father, Sage. The Humboldt chicks, named Domingo and Ramon, were hatched in April at the Penguin Coast habitat by father Peru and mother Cuatro. 'Baby animals are always exciting, but these new arrivals represent hope for their respective species,' said Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. 'The wild red wolf population is in dire straits, so every birth is crucial to their survival. Likewise, we are very excited about the Humboldt penguin chicks and look forward to introducing them to the public soon.' There are fewer than 20 Red Wolves in the wild. The birth of these pups is a contribution to a dwindling population. As defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Red Wolves are critically endangered, meaning that the species is facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. They are the most critically endangered canine species in the world. According to the zoo, they have hatched over 50 Humboldt penguin chicks — A significant contribution to ongoing Humboldt penguin conservation efforts. The species is currently listed as vulnerable to extinction. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
25-03-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
NCAA Coaching Carousel: South Florida Hires Bryan Hodgson
TUSCALOOSA, ALABAMA - NOVEMBER 8: Head coach Bryan Hodgson of the Arkansas State Red Wolves ... More instructs his team during the first half against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Coleman Coliseum on November 8, 2024 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by) South Florida has found its man. The school on Monday named former Alabama State coach Bryan Hodgson as its new men's basketball coach. Hodgson coached Alabama State to the NCAA Tournament where they beat Saint Francis (Pa.) in the First four before losing to No. 1 Auburn. He replaces Johnny Dawkins, who went to just one NCAA Tournament in eight seasons at the helm. "We are thrilled to welcome Bryan Hodgson as the next head coach of USF men's basketball," USF AD Mike Kelly said. 'Bryan has been a part of winning programs at every level, demonstrating a remarkable ability to recruit top talent, develop players, and build championship-caliber teams. His passion, energy, and vision for USF basketball align perfectly with our commitment to excellence. We believe he is the right leader to take this program to new heights, and we can't wait to see his impact on our student-athletes and the Tampa Bay community.' "I am incredibly honored and excited to be the head coach at the University of South Florida," Hodgson said. "From my first conversations with Michael Kelly and the USF leadership, it was clear that this place is strongly committed to building a winning culture. We are Tampa Bay's Home for Hoops, and I can't wait to work with our student-athletes, staff, and the passionate Bulls fan base, including the SoFlo Rodeo! We will play with energy, toughness, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level. I can't wait to get started!" Hodgson, 37, is South Florida's 12th men's basketball coach and has coached collegiately for 18 years. He came to Tampa from Arkansas State, where he spent two seasons as head coach. He guided the Red Wolves to two of the most successful seasons in program history, with back-to-back 20-win seasons. During the 2023-24 campaign, after inheriting a team that lost 20 games, he led Arkansas State's turnaround, which included its first postseason appearance since 1999. The Red Wolves also set program records for scoring (2,019) and field goals made (1,021). Hodgson was also named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, given to the nation's top first-year head coach. In 2024-25, the Red Wolves finished with a 25-11 record, the best in Arkansas State program history. The season featured a top-20 victory, saw the Red Wolves secure the Sun Belt Conference regular-season title, and marked their first National Invitation Tournament appearance in more than 30 years. Their offense led the conference, while their defense ranked second at the end of the regular season. Hodgson's recruiting classes ranked atop the Sun Belt Conference in both of his seasons at Arkansas State and the incoming recruiting class is currently ranked 35th in the nation, according to 247 Sports. Before Arkansas State, he served as an assistant under Nate Oats at Alabama from 2019 to 2023 and played a key role in landing top-15 recruiting classes each season. Alabama advanced to the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons during Hodgson's time there, including two Sweet 16 appearances. During his final season in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide won both the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships. Six student-athletes went on to be drafted into the NBA, including two in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft (Brandon Miller, no. 2 overall to the Charlotte Hornets, and Noah Clowney, no. 21 to the Brooklyn Nets). During his career, Hodgson has coached a total of 12 players who went on to compete in the NBA. From 2015 to 2019, Hodgson played a pivotal role in the University at Buffalo's rise as a mid-major powerhouse, where he also served under Oats. He assisted in three NCAA Tournament runs, three Mid-American Conference tournament championships, two regular-season conference titles, and the program's highest-ever national ranking (no. 14). He developed 2019 MAC Player of the Year CJ Massinburg, who finished his career as a three-time All-MAC honoree and second in school history with 1,990 career points, including 273 three-pointers. Hodgson's coaching career began at Fredonia State University, where he served as an assistant coach. He then went to Jamestown Community College and Midland College, where he led recruiting efforts and conducted player development workouts and in-season practice sessions.
Boston Globe
22-03-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
UConn women start fast, crush 15th-seeded Arkansas State in NCAA opener
Fudd also had six steals and seven assists in 22 minutes. Sarah Strong finished with 20 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and five blocked shots in her first March Madness game. Ashlynn Shade came off the bench to add 20 points. Advertisement 'Coach [Geno Auriemma] kind of challenged me to take more risks,' Fudd said. 'I tried to get in the passing lane more, and that's what I've been trying to do, and I've gotten more comfortable with it. So just being aggressive today, trying to get in the passing lane. He said it before, you'll be surprised how many times they just throw it right in your hand.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Rose led Arkansas State with seven points. The Red Wolves shot 17.1 percent from the floor and were 6 of 40 on 3-pointers. All-American Paige Bueckers didn't need to be the focus of the offense with Fudd and Strong dominating in the early going. She finished with 11 points and four assists in 22 minutes to guarantee her one last game at Gampel Pavilion in Monday's second round. UConn finished with 41 fast-break points and 34 points off 20 Arkansas State turnovers. 'This is the only time in a year where you have two weeks off, right?' Auriemma said. 'Last time we played was two weeks ago. Well, Monday night's game will be two weeks since we played that game. You never have that much time off, and you have no idea how much it's going to [go] believe me, there were some God-awful practices during those two weeks. I mean, awful. 'I think that's their way of saying, 'Coach, we just want to play.' So when game time does roll around, there's been a lot of pent-up frustration and waiting. You know it's going to come out. I could see it yesterday at practice, shootaround today. There's a different look, a different vibe when game time is right here right now.' Advertisement Caroline Ducharme received a huge roar from the crowd as she came into game with 3:17 left in the second quarter. After missing the NCAA Tournament and most of the 2023-24 season as a result of a concussion, Ducharme was thrilled to get a warm reception in her first home NCAA Tournament game since 2023. It took all of 37 seconds for Ducharme to make her first basket. Fudd passed up an open 3-pointer to give Ducharme the ball. 'It is definitely nice when I checked in, she said, if you touch it, you better shoot it,' Ducharme said. 'At times, I don't always want to take the first shot. I am not used to being in this role where people say shoot it, shoot it, shoot it.' Jana El Alfy's free throw with 3:01 left put UConn at 100 points. It was the 12th time in program history that the Huskies hit triple digits in its NCAA opener.
Washington Post
19-03-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Nelson's 26 lead Arkansas State over Saint Louis in NIT 103-78
JONESBORO, Ark. — Izaiyah Nelson had 26 points and 10 rebounds in Arkansas State's 103-78 victory over Saint Louis on Tuesday night in the NIT. Taryn Todd scored 21 points while going 8 of 14 from the floor, including 4 for 7 from 3-point range, and added seven assists for the Red Wolves (25-10). Derrian Ford had 15 points and went 5 of 6 from the field (3 for 3 from 3-point range).
