Colossal Biosciences won the 2026 Gizmodo Science Fair for developing genetic technologies that helped create three genetically engineered dire wolf-like pups and four cloned red wolves using recovered historical DNA. The company’s iterative assembly method helps researchers reconstruct ancient genomes from damaged DNA fragments, potentially improving the study of extinct species and their evolutionary history. Beyond de-extinction research, the technology could support conservation efforts by restoring lost genetic diversity to endangered species such as the red wolf and developing tools to protect threatened wildlife.
