Imagine a world where dinosaurs roam the Earth once again, just like in Jurassic World Rebirth. With breathtaking CGI and heart-pounding action, the latest installment in the Jurassic franchise promises an exhilarating experience for moviegoers. But can science really turn this fantasy into reality?
The seventh film in the Jurassic saga takes a fresh approach. It follows a daring group of mercenaries and a scientist on a daring mission to extract dinosaur DNA for groundbreaking medical research. This premise opens the door to exciting possibilities, yet it also raises pressing scientific questions about the feasibility of bringing these majestic creatures back to life.
Colossal Biosciences, a company at the forefront of de-extinction research, recently released a video analyzing whether resurrecting dinosaurs is merely a captivating cinematic dream or a potential reality. The conclusion? It’s a tantalizing idea, but ultimately impossible. The core problem lies in the absence of viable dinosaur DNA, even though we regularly uncover fossils.
“There’s no DNA in mosquitos in amber.”
Leading scientist Beth Shapiro clarifies why this endeavor hinges on a myth. Amber, which allegedly preserves ancient DNA, forms under extreme heat, accelerating DNA decay. Moreover, its porous nature allows bacteria to invade, further deteriorating the genetic material. With dinosaurs having been extinct for 66 million years, the reality is stark: ancient DNA extraction extends only back 1.2 million years.
Jurassic Park vs. Real Life Science
Dinosaurs Cannot Come Back To Life
In the realm of Jurassic Park, amber serves as the indispensable medium through which dinosaur DNA is procured. As depicted in Michael Crichton’s novel and Steven Spielberg’s iconic film, mosquitoes trapped in amber after feeding on dinosaur blood provide the key to resurrection through modern genetic engineering.
Interestingly, frog DNA was employed in the films to fill in the genetic gaps, mirroring how Colossal Biosciences aims to revive species like the Dire Wolf and Woolly Mammoth by using the DNA of the closest living relatives. The hunt for suitable surrogates adds an extra layer of complexity to their mission.
“Just like the expedition in Jurassic World Rebirth, we at Colossal are on our own expedition—to rescue DNA, to revive species, and restore not just lives, but the planet.”
While amber is a believable construct in the realm of science fiction, it serves primarily to enhance the narrative of Jurassic Park and its sequels. The particulars of the films diverge significantly from actual scientific theories and possibilities. As one expert points out, “At the end of the day, de-extinction is a tool to rebuild extinct species for the present, to restore important components of ecosystems, and while doing so, make incredible discoveries that help current endangered species survive and thrive.”
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The fascinating dichotomy between fiction and reality is evident when juxtaposing the scientists of InGen with those at Colossal Biosciences. “We don’t have a genetic testing lab on a secret island with the ethically corrosive capitalistic intent of creating flesh-eating dinosaurs,” the narrator points out, reminding us just how far cinema can stretch the boundaries of reality.
Colossal’s groundbreaking work illustrates that while a real-life dinosaur theme park remains a fantasy, the allure of such ideas can make for thrilling entertainment on the silver screen. Despite the inherent impossibility of reviving long-extinct species, the Jurassic franchise continues to deliver consistent storylines that entertain, even as they offer glimpses into the scientific processes behind de-extinction.
As the tale unfolds in Jurassic World Rebirth, the franchise maintains an internal logic that respects its own origins, keeping audiences enthralled while reminding us of the scientific limitations that govern our understanding of life itself. It’s a reminder that while we may not see real dinosaurs any time soon, the magic of film offers an escape into a world where the impossible is made possible.
Source: Colossal Biosciences