Fact Check: Are scientists bringing back dinosaurs?

Are Scientists Bringing Back Dinosaurs?

The claim that scientists are on the verge of bringing back dinosaurs has gained traction in popular media, often fueled by advancements in genetic engineering and synthetic biology. This notion, once relegated to the realm of science fiction, raises both excitement and skepticism regarding the feasibility and ethical implications of such endeavors.

What We Know

1. Current Scientific Understanding: The idea of resurrecting dinosaurs involves significant challenges, primarily due to the age of the DNA, which has degraded over millions of years. According to experts, while some DNA can be extracted from fossils, the complete genome of a dinosaur is unlikely to be recoverable 39.

2. Advancements in Genetic Engineering: Recent developments in genetic engineering have led to discussions about de-extinction, particularly concerning species like the woolly mammoth and the dire wolf. A biotechnology company, Colossal Biosciences, has made headlines for its efforts to resurrect these species, but they have not claimed to be working on dinosaurs specifically 510.

3. Public Fascination: The popularity of the Jurassic Park franchise has kept public interest alive regarding the possibility of bringing back dinosaurs. This cultural backdrop often influences perceptions of scientific advancements, leading to exaggerated claims about the current state of research 4.

4. Ethical Considerations: The ethical implications of resurrecting extinct species, including potential ecological impacts and animal welfare concerns, are significant. Experts argue that the focus should be on conserving existing species rather than attempting to bring back those that have been extinct for millions of years 610.

Analysis

The sources regarding the claim of resurrecting dinosaurs present a mixed picture.

• Credibility of Sources:

  • The article from CNN discusses advancements in genetic engineering but does not specifically address dinosaurs, focusing instead on more recent extinct species 5. This indicates a potential bias towards sensationalism without substantial evidence for the claim regarding dinosaurs.
  • The Smithsonian Magazine and IFL Science articles provide a more nuanced view, emphasizing the scientific challenges and the speculative nature of claims about de-extinction 38. However, their engagement with the topic is often framed within a cultural context, which may lead to sensational interpretations.

• Conflicts of Interest:

  • Colossal Biosciences, a company involved in de-extinction efforts, may have a vested interest in promoting the idea of resurrecting extinct species, which could bias their communications and the public's perception of their capabilities 10.

• Methodological Concerns:

  • Many discussions about resurrecting dinosaurs rely on hypothetical scenarios rather than concrete scientific evidence. The methodologies for extracting and reconstructing ancient DNA remain experimental and are fraught with limitations 9.

• Supporting vs. Contradicting Evidence:

  • While some sources suggest that advancements in genetic technology could eventually lead to de-extinction, they often clarify that this is not applicable to dinosaurs due to the lack of viable DNA 39. This discrepancy highlights the need for careful interpretation of claims and the importance of distinguishing between what is scientifically plausible and what is merely speculative.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that scientists are on the verge of bringing back dinosaurs is false. Key evidence supporting this conclusion includes the overwhelming scientific consensus that viable dinosaur DNA is unlikely to be recoverable due to its age and degradation over millions of years. While advancements in genetic engineering have led to discussions about de-extinction for more recently extinct species, such as the woolly mammoth, there is no credible evidence or ongoing research specifically aimed at resurrecting dinosaurs.

It is important to note that while the fascination with dinosaurs persists, largely fueled by popular culture, the scientific community emphasizes the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding de-extinction efforts. Moreover, the potential for sensationalism in media reporting can lead to misunderstandings about the current state of scientific research.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the limitations of the available evidence. The discussions surrounding de-extinction are often speculative and rely on hypothetical scenarios rather than concrete scientific advancements related to dinosaurs. As such, readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and remain aware of the distinction between scientific possibility and sensational claims.

Sources

1. K Hovden, "Bringing Dinosaurs Back: The Moral & Legal Complications," Lewis & Clark Law School, 2023. Link
2. Smithsonian Institution, "Logan Kistler hopes to solve modern problems by studying ...," June 12, 2024. Link
3. IFL Science, "Can We Bring Back Dinosaurs, And Is Anyone Trying To?," Link
4. Green Matters, "Are Scientists Really Bringing Back Dinosaurs?," March 13, 2025. Link
5. CNN, "Scientists say they are close to resurrecting a lost species," January 16, 2025. Link
6. ABC News, "Should we be bringing back extinct species? Ethical concerns ...," April 11, 2025. Link
7. Newsweek, "Dire Wolf 'Back From Extinction'—Could Woolly Mammoths, Dinosaurs Be ...," Link
8. Smithsonian Magazine, "The Top Ten Dinosaur Discoveries of 2023," Link
9. i24 News, "Scientists Working To Resurrect Dinosaurs, Extinct Animals," February 10, 2023. Link
10. Phys.org, "Can we really resurrect extinct animals, or are we just creating hi ...," April 2025. Link