For instance, Colossal Biosciences researchers employed this strategy to “de-extinct” the dire wolf earlier this year.
They produced a new hybrid species that combined wolf and dire wolf-like characteristics, rather than the dire wolf that roamed the planet during the last ice age.
According to Professor Saha, scientists may employ gene editing methods to seek “performance-enhancing types of modifications” if restrictions are not placed.
This has the potential to generate ‘uninhibited growth factors’ in animals, resulting in larger and faster-growing species.
In 2018, scientists created pigs that grew up to 13.7% quicker by focusing on two genes in pigs that regulated the synthesis of growth hormones.
Similarly, scientists have developed salmon species with quicker growth rates for intensive farming through genetic modification procedures.
By creating healthier, more resilient, and more prolific animal species, some scientists have started to propose that genome editing could be a solution to the world’s food crises.
