Is extinction a thing of the past?

This episode explores the controversial topic of de-extinction, focusing on the recent creation of dire wolf puppies by Colossal Biosciences. Against the backdrop of the company's success, evolutionary biologist Dr. Beth Shapiro details the process, highlighting the use of ancient DNA and gene editing technology to introduce dire wolf traits into grey wolves. More significantly, the discussion pivots to the broader implications of de-extinction, with Dr. Daniel Pincheira-Donoso providing context on the history of extinctions and the current biodiversity crisis. For instance, he emphasizes the alarming decline in amphibian populations. In contrast, science journalist Torill Kornfeldt discusses the technological advancements that made de-extinction possible, including CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Finally, philosopher Jay Odenbaugh raises crucial ethical concerns, questioning whether de-extinction might diminish efforts to protect existing endangered species and create a false sense of security. What this means for the future of conservation is a complex interplay between scientific possibility and ethical responsibility, with the dire wolf puppies serving as a potent symbol of this ongoing debate.