On April 7, Colossal Biosciences announced the creation of a "Dire Wolf" species in what they called the “world’s first de-extinction,". They claimed the move was aimed at addressing conservation efforts and plugging the gap of missing species in an ecosystem.
The study from IISc found a previously unidentified yeast-like symbiont inside the lac insect Kerria lacca, which gives the insect its distinctive red colour and, may also provide other nutrients in return for shelter.