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Explore Beyond Expo 2025 Osaka with Agoda’s Day Trip Recommendations

SINGAPORE, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda is spotlighting five enriching day trips for visitors attending Expo 2025 Osaka in Japan. Taking place on Yumeshima Island near Osaka from April 13 to October 13, 2025, the Expo will showcase innovations across health, design, and connectivity. Agoda’s day-trip recommendations aim to enhance the travel experience by encouraging exploration of nearby destinations beyond perennial favorites Osaka and Kyoto.

Expo 2025 Osaka is set to attract international visitors, eager to explore forward-looking exhibits and cultural showcases. Agoda’s insights revealed that the highest number of accommodation searches for the Kansai region came from South Korea, followed by Taiwan, Hong Kong, Thailand and mainland China.

Beyond the Expo, the Kansai region and surrounding areas offer a variety of experiences, from historical landmarks to culinary delights. Agoda has identified five destinations that are ideal for day trips:

  1. Nara: Known for its historical significance, Nara features attractions such as Todai-ji Temple and Nara Park, where deer roam freely. The city’s serene environment provides a contrast to the dynamic atmosphere of the Expo. Nara is accessible in about an hour via the JR Osaka Loop Line.
  2. Kobe: This port city combines modernity with tradition, offering highlights such as the Kitano Ijinkan-gai District and panoramic views from Mount Rokko. Kobe beef and the hot springs of Arima Onsen are also popular draws. The JR Kobe Line Rapid Service connects Osaka to Kobe in approximately 30 minutes.
  3. Nagoya: A blend of innovation and tradition, Nagoya features landmarks like Nagoya Castle and the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology. Local cuisine, including miso katsu, adds to the city’s appeal. The Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station ensures a quick and convenient journey.
  4. Himeji: Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see for its architectural beauty and historical significance. The castle’s white facade and surrounding gardens are particularly striking. The JR Sanyo Shinkansen provides access to Himeji in under an hour.
  5. Wakayama: Wakayama offers a mix of spiritual and cultural experiences, including Mount Koya, a center of Shingon Buddhism, and Wakayama Castle. Fresh seafood markets add a culinary dimension to the visit. The JR Wakayama Line connects Osaka to this peaceful destination.

Hiroto Ooka, Associate Vice President, North Asia at Agoda, shared, “Expo 2025 Osaka is not just about innovation; it’s also an opportunity to explore the rich culture and history of the Kansai region and beyond. Agoda is excited to help travelers uncover these destinations and create unforgettable memories with great value deals on accommodation, flights, and activities.”

With over 5 million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, Agoda makes it easy to plan your next celestial escape. Visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app for the best deals.

Rockefeller Foundation and Plan International Launch Emergency Response to Support Earthquake-Affected Children in Myanmar

$200,000 Grant to provide emergency relief and recovery for children impacted by the recent earthquake in in the hardest-hit regions of Mandalay and Sagaing

BANGKOK, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Rockefeller Foundation announced a $200,000 emergency grant to Plan International Myanmar to provide critical relief to children and families affected by the catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on March 28, 2025. The disaster, which is the country’s most severe in over a century, has left thousands homeless, with children facing heightened risks of malnutrition, trauma, and disrupted education. In response, The Rockefeller Foundation support for Plan’s Resilient Children of Mandalay initiative will deliver immediate lifesaving support including safe spaces, meals, and psychosocial care, while laying the foundation for long-term recovery in the hardest-hit regions of Mandalay and Sagaing.

Plan International has begun initial distributions of essential items such as food, water, blankets, solar flashlights and dignity kits in Mandalay and surrounding areas – Photo: Plan International Myanmar
Plan International has begun initial distributions of essential items such as food, water, blankets, solar flashlights and dignity kits in Mandalay and surrounding areas – Photo: Plan International Myanmar

“Natural disasters widen existing inequalities, and it’s often children, especially girls, who have to endure the greatest risks. In moments of crisis, aiding those children means ensuring they have the support, security, and hope they deserve,” said Deepali Khanna, Head of Asia at The Rockefeller Foundation“This collaboration with Plan International is a crucial step in caring for the most vulnerable people affected today while paving the way for future stability.”  

The project will first establish six child-friendly spaces offering nutritious meals, mental health support, and emergency education for displaced children, with a focus on girls and young women. Over the following months, the initiative will rehabilitate schools, train teachers in trauma-informed care, and distribute learning kits, ensuring a pathway back to normalcy.

“After such a traumatic event, it is crucial that children’s emotional well-being and sense of normalcy is restored,” says Haider Yaqub, Country Director of Plan International Myanmar. “This vital support from The Rockefeller Foundation will provide children and especially girls who have been impacted by the quake, with safe spaces for playing and learning as their schools are being rebuilt and their learning journeys continue.”

Plan’s response is concentrating on supporting the most vulnerable communities, suffering from the shock of losing loved ones, their homes, and livelihoods. Plan International Myanmar has its emergency teams on the ground supporting affected communities in Mandalay and Sagaing, working with local partners and communities themselves to provide life-saving assistance and help rebuild lives.

About Plan International
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national and global levels using our reach, experience and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

About The Rockefeller Foundation
The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LinkedIn @the-rockefeller-foundation.

Lee Kum Kee Celebrates Culinary Greatness at Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 Awards


SEOUL, KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – Lee Kum Kee, the esteemed Asian culinary brand with over a century of heritage, proudly reflects on its successful partnership as the Official Sauce and Condiment Partner at the recently held Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards in Seoul, Korea. This prestigious event, which took place on 25 March at Grand Hyatt Seoul, brought together culinary luminaries, chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts from across the region to honour the best in gastronomy.

Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee, presents the Highest Climber Award to Chef Tam Kwok Fung of Chef Tam’s Seasons. (Photo courtesy of 50 Best)
Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee, presents the Highest Climber Award to Chef Tam Kwok Fung of Chef Tam’s Seasons. (Photo courtesy of 50 Best)

The awards ceremony celebrated the pinnacle of culinary talent, and Lee Kum Kee was delighted to showcase its commitment to elevating Asian cuisine globally. A highlight of the evening was Lee Kum Kee’s presentation of the Highest Climber Award, an award that recognises the restaurant that made the most significant leap in rankings, to Chef Tam Kwok Fung of Chef Tam’s Seasons, which also won The Best Restaurant in Macau.

“We are thrilled to present the Highest Climber Award to Chef Tam and the team at Chef Tam’s Seasons. Their impressive rise in the list is reflective of the growing influence of Asian cuisines on the global stage and synchronises with our commitment to be a global gateway to Asian culinary culture and to foster a community with a shared passion for culinary excellence.” says Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee.

Memorable Experiences and Positive Sentiment

The atmosphere during the event was filled with excitement and camaraderie as guests shared their admiration for the vibrant culinary scene in Asia. The Lee Kum Kee team echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from attendees. “It’s been very special to be celebrating close to home, where Chefs have expressed a sense of pride to see our brand, a household name of their childhoods, up on this global stage,” said Simon Cao, Vice President – Global Brand Development and Communications, Global Marketing of Lee Kum Kee.

As part of the celebrations, Lee Kum Kee hosted engaging brand activations throughout the week. On 23 March, the brand collaborated with Head Mixologist Mark Lloyd from Wing Lei Bar at Wynn Palace Macau for a unique sauce-inspired guest shift at Pine & Co., No.50 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024. Guests indulged in innovative culinary cocktails featuring Lee Kum Kee products, showcasing the endless possibilities of flavour combinations. A favourite of the night was a Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce inspired cocktail.

During the awards ceremony, Lee Kum Kee also featured a booth that highlighted its celebrated range of sauces and condiments, renowned for their authentic Asian flavours. Attendees enjoyed exquisite canapés of Lee Kum Kee Premium Oyster Sauce seasoned abalone and Lee Kum Kee Plum Sauce poached tomato, created by Chef Park Gun-Young and Chef Oh Se Wook, further illustrating the versatility and quality of Lee Kum Kee’s offerings.

Looking Ahead: Continued Commitment to Empowering Asian Culinary Greatness

Following the success of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, Lee Kum Kee is excited to announce its ongoing partnership in the upcoming The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, set to be held in Turin on 19 June, 2025. Additionally, the brand will support the inaugural North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, while remaining committed to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026.

“Building on the success of this year’s awards, we are thrilled to continue our collaboration with 50 Best, further solidifying our dedication to promoting the richness of Asian culinary culture on a global scale,” said Simon Cao.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK #Asias50Best #50BestRestaurants

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions, and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create, and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices, and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit .

About Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants

Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants was launched in 2013 to celebrate gastronomy across the region and to provide diners around the globe with local insight and culinary recommendations.

The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is created by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of over 300 leaders in the restaurant industry across Asia, each selected for their expert opinion of Asia’s restaurant scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list is published by William Reed, which also publishes The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, launched in 2002, and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, launched in 2013.

ROLLER Celebrated on AFR’s Best Places to Work List and Certified as a Great Place to Work

ROLLER’s purpose is to help create experiences that bring joy and happiness to the world. They achieve this by connecting attraction venues with powerful, easy-to-use technology.

AUSTIN, Texas, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, is proud to announce it has been named a finalist on the Australian Financial Review’s Best Places to Work List for 2025, in the Technology category. Presented in collaboration with Bendelta, the list evaluates hundreds of companies across Australia and New Zealand based on employee experience, policies, and innovation. For the ROLLER team, being recognized among such respected companies is a meaningful acknowledgment of the culture they’re continuing to build as they scale.

ROLLER crew in Austin, Texas at 2025 Company Kick Off
ROLLER crew in Austin, Texas at 2025 Company Kick Off

“Our people are the heart of everything we do,” says Bee Hepburn, Chief People Officer at ROLLER. “Being included on the AFR’s Best Places to Work List reflects our team’s passion for not only creating joyful guest experiences through our platform but also cultivating a workplace where people love to show up every day.”

ROLLER was also honored to be officially certified as a Great Place to Work® for the third consecutive year in Australia and the second year running in the United States.

“Great Place To Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience,” says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, Vice President of Global Recognition at Great Place To Work. She emphasizes that Certification is based entirely on real feedback from employees, making it a genuine reflection of how people feel about the company culture. “By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that ROLLER stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees.”

ROLLER’s employee experience is driven by core values that promote collaboration, trust, innovation, and personal growth. With a global team spanning the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, ROLLER emphasizes flexibility, psychological safety, and opportunities for career progression. Recent initiatives include working with Equidi to close the gender pay gap, a public holiday swap program, and DEI-driven hiring practices.

“We’re intentional about creating an environment where people feel connected to their work, each other, and the impact we’re making,” added Bee Hepburn. “Whether you’re based in Austin, Melbourne, or London, you’ll find the same level of openness, encouragement, and energy that defines ROLLER’s culture.”

As the company continues to grow and evolve, ROLLER remains focused on maintaining a culture-first approach, recognizing that happy, fulfilled teams are the key to delivering world-class products and support to the attractions industry.

About ROLLER

ROLLER is the cloud-based venue management platform for modern attractions, purpose-built to remove friction from the guest experience at every touchpoint. Their all-in-one platform simplifies its customers’ business processes, improving efficiency and maximizing revenue. ROLLER’s comprehensive solution includes: Online Checkout & Ticketing, Point-of-Sale, Integrated Payments, Memberships, Gift Cards, Waivers, Self-Serve Kiosks, Cashless Wallets, Guest Surveys, and more. To learn more, visit roller.software.

No Ong Luang Buddha Procession for Lao New Year 2025 in Vientiane, Governor Confirms

Miss Lao New Year
Miss Lao New Year.(Photo: Kampa Tour)

The Governor of Chanthabouly District, Vientiane, has announced that the traditional Ong Luang Buddha statue procession along Setthathilath Road will not take place during Lao New Year celebrations in 2025, citing ongoing construction works in the area.

Natra Bintan Unveiling ‘Bintan Island Escape’ Package

BINTAN ISLAND, Indonesia, April 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Tucked away on the picturesque island of Bintan, Indonesia, Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, is a hidden gem that offers a luxurious glamping experience like no other. This stunning resort is nestled amidst a lush tropical landscape, overlooking the largest Crystal Lagoon in South East Asia. With its unique blend of luxury and nature, Natra Bintan is the perfect destination for those seeking a tranquil and indulgent Bintan island getaway.

Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort
Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort

Located in the same complex, Treasure Bay Bintan is a tropical playground waiting to be explored. Guest can do ATV off-road adventure or enjoy a thrilling water sports activities like kayaking, slip & slide, cable tube and wakeboarding, or just doing relaxing activities like paddle boats, floats, bicycle, e-scooter & mangrove tour, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

For those seeking a more immersive cultural experience, Bintan Island offers a wealth of opportunities to explore its rich history and heritage. Visit Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Temple, which is famous for its 500 life-sized lohan statues and explore Senggarang Village which known to be the first settlement of the ethnic Chinese in Bintan. Here, you will find the centuries-old Banyan Tree Temple and the historically rich Lau Ya Keng temple or simply experience the vibrant local markets and cuisine.

In this upcoming school holiday season in June, Natra Bintan is excited to unveil Bintan Island Escape package, designed to provide families & guests with an unforgettable Bintan getaway experience. This package includes luxurious glamping accommodations, daily breakfast, 1x set menu dinner, 1x sunset drink & 1x hour traditional massage for 2 persons and additionally guest could enjoy the complimentary daily activities such as bicycle tour to explore Lagoi Beach, traditional dancing class, art & craft classes and photo services assisted by our talent to capture the perfect photo memories. With a minimum stay of three days and two nights, guests can indulge in this ultimate island retreat.

Plan your next holiday at Natra Bintan and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, the glamping resort offers the perfect setting. Book your stay at www.marriott.com/tnjtx or download Marriott Bonvoy Apps to reserve the experience of the ultimate glamping getaway.

***

About the Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort.  Natra Bintan, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, Bintan is located in the most prestigious district tourism area of Bintan,Riau. Jalan Raya Haji Km 01 Kawasan Pariwisata, Sebong Lagoi, Bintan Island, Riau Islands 29152.  The glamorous camping resort comprises 100 of tents, 2 restaurant, and 208 sqm of meeting rooms. A member of Marriott International’s Tribute Portfolio, guests of Natra Bintan can take advantage of all the perks of the Marriott Bonvoy global travel program and earn and redeem points during their stays. Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy exclusive benefits, such as complimentary welcome drink, room upgrade and many more. More information can be found at www.marriott.com/tnjtx and by following the property on Facebook and Instagram.

About Marriott Bonvoy® Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s portfolio of more than 30 hotel brands and 10,000 global destinations, offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable locations around the world. The award-winning travel program and marketplace gives members access to transformative, eye-opening experiences around the corner and across the globe. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com. To download the Marriott app, go here. Travelers can also connect with Marriott Bonvoy on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

H&S Unveils Characteristic Wellness Innovations at FHA 2025 Singapore


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2025 – H&S (the “Company”), a leading Australian wellness company, proudly showcased its exceptional portfolio of brands at FHA-Food & Beverage 2025 (“FHA 2025”), Asia’s premier food and hospitality trade show, held from April 8 to 11 in Singapore. H&S leveraged this platform to connect with industry leaders, distributors, and consumers, further solidifying its presence in the global wellness market.

H&S’s flagship products exemplify the Company’s state-of-the-art innovations in health and wellness.
H&S’s flagship products exemplify the Company’s state-of-the-art innovations in health and wellness.

H&S: A Global Wellness Pioneer
Since its establishment in 2009, H&S has emerged as a global pioneer in the wellness industry, delivering premium health solutions to over 50 million consumers across more than 20 countries. At FHA 2025, H&S presented eight flagship brands—Oli6, Brauer, BTNature, Rapid Loss, DOBO, Nutrition29, Moroka, and TEMIO—each representing the Company’s commitment to excellence and innovation, making wellness accessible and effortless for individuals worldwide.

Innovation in Wellness: Spotlight on Three
Flagship Brands

BTNature: Science-Backed Dairy Nutrition

BTNature has captured attention with its dedication to premium dairy nutrition. Sourcing milk exclusively from Australia and New Zealand, where cows graze on nutrient-rich Green Gold” ryegrass, BTNature ensures exceptional purity and quality. The brand leverages its patented medium heat powder spraying technology, precisely controlling drying and dusting temperatures. This process preserves the natural nutrients and fresh milk flavor, making BTNature’s products highly competitive in global markets. Its standout product, BTNature Premium Full Cream Instant Milk Powder, received the prestigious 3-star award—the highest accolade—at the 2024 Superior Taste Awards and was honored as a Best Dairy Product Finalist at the World Food Innovation Awards 2025.

To highlight its versatility, BTNature demonstrated innovative use of its milk powder at FHA 2025—preparing snowflake nougat, inspiring business buyers with creative culinary applications.

Brauer: Gentle and Effective Health Solutions

With over 90 years of heritage, Brauer has become a trusted brand among Australian families, offering gentle yet highly effective health solutions. Best known for its Kids Vitamins, Brauer integrates natural medicine and potent herbal ingredients to create products loved by parents.

Brauer Sambucus Little Sniffles, one of Brauer’s signature products, features Sambucus nigra (elderberry), a herb renowned for boosting immunity and alleviating cold and cough symptoms in children as young as six months and older. Its proven effectiveness and widespread acclaim earned it The Consumer Good of the Year (Vitamins & Supplements) award at the FMCG Asia Awards 2024.

Mr. Louie Coorey (left), General Manager, Asia Pacific Region at H&S, with Ms. Pragase Komargan (right), Austrade Representative, during FHA 2025 Singapore.
Mr. Louie Coorey (left), General Manager, Asia Pacific Region at H&S, with Ms. Pragase Komargan (right), Austrade Representative, during FHA 2025 Singapore.


Moroka: Immunity Support for All Ages

Moroka has positioned itself at the forefront of immunity-boosting nutrition, responding to the growing consumer demand for Lactoferrin-enriched products. Its formulations are packed with essential nutrients such as Immunoglobulin G (IgG), lactoferrin, vitamins, and minerals—designed to support overall immune, respiratory, and digestive health for individuals of all ages. The brand’s latest innovation, Moroka Immunity Knight Formulated Milk Powder with Lactoferrin, won the Best Functional Product award at the World Food Innovation Awards 2025. Manufactured in a TGA-certified facility under HACCP and HALAL standards, Moroka continues to deliver scientifically advanced solutions that align with evolving wellness needs.

Driving Innovation Through Market Insights

H&S’s commitment to wellness is deeply rooted in understanding consumer trends. As health-conscious individuals actively seek products that blend efficacy with natural ingredients, the Group has continuously strengthened its research capabilities. By embracing scientifically validated formulations, prioritizing sustainability, and enhancing convenience, H&S ensures its products fulfill the needs of modern consumers.

At FHA 2025, H&S engaged attendees with interactive product demonstrations, tastings, and expert discussions, highlighting the unique benefits of its flagship offerings. This milestone event not only amplified H&S’s global presence but also set the stage for future collaborations, reinforcing its philosophy that “Happiness Can Be Simple”—making wellness more accessible to all.

H&S also delved into strategic discussions with Austrade during the exhibition, focusing on emerging wellness trends and exploring partnership opportunities across Singapore and Southeast Asia. This dialogue underscores H&S’s commitment to continuously expanding its regional presence while addressing the ever-evolving demand for integrated health and wellbeing solutions.

From left to right: Mr. Louie Coorey, General Manager of the Asia Pacific Region at H&S; Ms. Irene Tay, Business Development Director of Austrade Singapore; Mr. Christopher Morley, Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner; Mr. Jason Zhang, Export Business Development Manager at H&S.
From left to right: Mr. Louie Coorey, General Manager of the Asia Pacific Region at H&S; Ms. Irene Tay, Business Development Director of Austrade Singapore; Mr. Christopher Morley, Australian Trade and Investment Commissioner; Mr. Jason Zhang, Export Business Development Manager at H&S.
H&S staff present the Company’s leading wellness products to business partners at FHA 2025 Singapore.
H&S staff present the Company’s leading wellness products to business partners at FHA 2025 Singapore.


Looking Ahead

H&S remains committed to sustainable growth, channelling investments into research and development to expand its premium health and nutrition portfolio. Through a focus on ethical sourcing and cutting-edge innovation, the Company is poised to deliver superior wellness solutions to an even broader audience worldwide.

Business Development Contact:
Mr. Louie Coorey – General Manager of the Asia-Pacific Region at H&S
Mobile: +61401984566
Email: lou.c@hsglobal.com.au

Hashtag: #H&S #FHA2025




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About H&S

Established in Australia, H&S is a globally recognized leader in health and wellness, dedicated to enhancing lives through premium and innovative products. With a presence in over 20 countries, H&S serves more than 50 million consumers worldwide through its network of 300+ international brands, 150+ online stores, and 2,000+ retail locations. Operating across three core sectors—Brands, E-commerce, and Investments—H&S is at the forefront of wellness innovation, driven by a commitment to quality and sustainability.

To learn more about H&S and its portfolio, visit .

Back From Extinction: Meet the Baby ‘Dire Wolves’ Stirring Science, Social Media

This undated and unlocated handout image courtesy of Colossal Biosciences shows Colossal's "dire wolf" pups Romulus and Remus at 15 days old. This week, Texas-based start-up Colossal pulled off a major publicity stunt by releasing images of what it describes as “canis dirus”, giant North American wolves that disappeared over 12,000 years ago. (Photo by Colossal Biosciences / AFP)

By Charlotte CAUSIT/AFP – They whimper, drink from baby bottles and crawl oh so tentatively. They look like cute white puppies, not the fruit of a daring project to resuscitate an extinct species.

A Texas startup called Colossal Biosciences made a big splash this week by releasing footage of canines they say are dire wolves, a species that vanished more than 12,000 years ago.

“For the first time in human history, Colossal successfully restored a once-eradicated species through the science of de-extinction,” the company states on its website.

Photos and video of these critters have flooded social media and shaken the scientific community, which has reacted with a mix of enthusiasm and skepticism over this experiment reminiscent of “Jurassic Park” — the fictional story of a quirky rich man’s attempt to bring back the dinosaurs.

The company says it did it by tweaking the DNA of a modern-day gray wolf with carefully chosen genes from dire wolf fossils. This modified genetic material was then inserted in a grey wolf egg and implanted in a common dog as a surrogate mom.

The result: three baby dire wolves, Colossal Biosciences claims.

“I think the claims are vastly overblown,” Alan Cooper, an evolutionary molecular biologist who took part in a previous study of dire wolf DNA, told AFP.

“It would be like me putting a couple of genes into you from Neanderthals that made you extra hairy and grow more muscles, and then called you a Neanderthal,” said Cooper.

“That’s a million miles from Neanderthal. It’s a hairy human.”

“This is not the dire wolf. This is something they have created that has phenotypic characteristics of dire wolf,” said Lisette Waits, an ecologist and professor of wildlife resources at the University of Idaho.

Waits, who has worked extensively on grey wolf genetics and red wolf conservation issues, nonetheless called this achievement a breakthrough.

The pups are named Romulus and Remus, in a nod to the twin brothers of Roman mythology, and Khaleesi, of “Game of Thrones” fame.

Debate

The Colossal Biosciences team studied DNA from two dire wolf fossils  — a tooth from 13,000 years ago and a skull fragment dated back 72,000 years — and compared them to the DNA of the gray wolf, a species that is alive and well.

This undated and unlocated handout image released courtesy of Colossal Biosciences shows Colossal’s “dire wolves” Romulus and Remus at five months old. This week, Texas-based start-up Colossal pulled off a major publicity stunt by releasing images of what it describes as “canis dirus”, giant North American wolves that disappeared over 12,000 years ago. (Photo by Colossal Biosciences / AFP)

The team concluded these two kinds of DNA are around 99.5 percent identical, Beth Shapiro, the company’s chief science officer, told AFP.

An analysis of the differences between the two kinds of DNA determined which genes could be responsible for the dire wolf’s size, muscle structure and its white fur.

With this information the team modified blood cells from a grey wolf by inserting some of those dire wolf genes. A total of 20 changes were made using the genetic manipulation technique known as Crispr-Cas 9, which is also used in human genetics.

The blood cells were then transferred to a gray wolf egg cell that was implanted in a dog. The results: Romulus, Remus and Khaleesi.

Whether these animals are actual dire wolves or simply genetically modified gray wolves, Shapiro insisted, “is a semantic, philosophical argument.”

She added that it will never be possible to create an animal that is 100 percent genetically identical to a species that is extinct.

“But neither is that the goal. Our goal is to create functional equivalents of those species,” the scientist said.

Dodos and Wooly Mammoths

The company plans to apply this technique to dodo birds and woolly mammoths.

Just last month it released photos of mice injected with genetic material from one of those extinct pachyderms, yielding controversy and some very furry rodents.

Some scientists say the goal of recreating extinct species is unattainable and even dangerous. But others welcome it as an ambitious way to fight the planet’s steady loss of biodiversity.

Waits, the conservation specialist, said that aside from the hoopla over this experiment this technique could help endangered species recover.

Colossal Biosciences has managed to lure more than USD 200 million in investment money, which would be a very tall task for other conservation causes, she added.

Ronald Sandler, a professor of philosophy and ethics at Northeastern University, said he worries this technique might lead to “moral distraction” away from the causes of animals going extinct, like climate change and habitat loss.


© Agence France-Presse