FridayOL

The latest installment in the Jurassic World franchise, Rebirth, is captivating audiences with its stunning visuals and thrilling storyline. But beyond the action, a key question lingers: how realistic is the technology that allows for dinosaur revival? Universal Pictures pulled out all the stops to ensure the science felt grounded, drawing inspiration from cutting-edge research and consulting with real-life scientists who are pushing the boundaries of de-extinction.

Director Gareth Edwards and his creative team were determined to build upon the legacy of Steven Spielberg's original Jurassic Park, which pioneered the concept of bringing dinosaurs back to life. Instead of relying solely on fictional science, they sought expert advice to create a plausible framework for their fictional technology.

The Science Behind the Revival: A Blend of Fiction and Reality

So, what did those scientists tell them? The core concept revolves around extracting ancient DNA from fossilized remains. While the idea of perfectly preserved dinosaur DNA, as depicted in the original Jurassic Park, has been largely debunked by scientists (DNA degrades over time), Rebirth explores a more nuanced approach. The film suggests that scientists are piecing together fragmented DNA sequences, using advanced computational algorithms and genetic engineering to fill in the gaps. This process involves comparing dinosaur DNA with that of their closest living relatives, primarily birds, and leveraging CRISPR technology to edit and reconstruct the genetic code.

“It’s not about finding a complete, pristine genome,” explains Dr. Beth Shapiro, a renowned paleogeneticist who served as a consultant on the film. “It’s about using what we have—fragmented DNA—and combining it with knowledge of related species to build a functional genome.”

Beyond DNA: The Role of RNA and Epigenetics

Rebirth also delves into the role of RNA, which is more stable than DNA and can potentially hold older genetic information. Scientists believe that RNA could provide crucial clues for reconstructing dinosaur genomes. Furthermore, the film touches upon epigenetics – the study of how environmental factors can influence gene expression. This suggests that even with a complete genome, the development of a dinosaur would be influenced by its environment and potentially altered to resemble modern birds, explaining some of the observed traits in the resurrected creatures.

The Dire Wolf Connection: Lessons from De-Extinction Efforts

Interestingly, the filmmakers consulted with scientists involved in the de-extinction of the Dire Wolf. This ongoing project, which aims to bring back the extinct Dire Wolf through genetic engineering, provided valuable insights into the challenges and possibilities of de-extinction. The team working on the Dire Wolf project emphasized the complexities of recreating a complete organism and the ethical considerations surrounding such endeavors.

A Realistic Vision for the Future?

While Jurassic World: Rebirth remains a work of fiction, its commitment to scientific accuracy is commendable. The film sparks important conversations about the potential and pitfalls of de-extinction technology, prompting audiences to consider the ethical implications of bringing back extinct species. As scientific advancements continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, the line between science fiction and reality may become increasingly blurred.

Jurassic World: Rebirth isn't just a thrilling adventure; it's a thought-provoking exploration of the science that could one day make dinosaur revival a reality.