Can Semiconductors Bring T-REX Back to Life?

I just caught the recently released trailer for Jurassic World: Rebirth.

As a loyal adherent to the Jurassic Park franchise, a once-aspiring paleontologist at the age of 9 (lol), and now an aunt determined to prove to my niece that semiconductors are fun, I decided to do a deep dive into the technology required to actually recreate Jurassic Park.

Specifically, I wanted to explore the role semiconductors would play in bringing the T. rex back to life. Because let’s face it—who doesn’t want to learn about what it would take to bring back gigantic apex predators from the past that could devour a human (or two) with a quick snap of their jaws?

So, with that, I begin my second attempt in the “make semiconductors fun” saga. (As always, check out my graphics for the abridged version).

Let’s get into it…

DNA Extraction & Amplification:

If you’ve seen the first Jurassic Park movie, you may remember that, to clone the dinosaurs, scientists had to extract DNA from mosquitoes trapped in amber. (The idea being that these mosquitoes had bitten dinosaurs, so they carried traces of their blood.) To execute this feat, advanced technology would be required. While the movie doesn’t go into specifics, we can imagine that some of the technology used might include microsurgical tools with semiconductor components, designed to carefully remove the mosquito from the amber. This could involve lasers, ultrasonic tools, or robotic systems, all controlled by microchips. (Just a note: the chances that dinosaur DNA has remained intact after millions of years is slim, but hey, it’s 2025, and we’ve seen some pretty weird things.)

Once the DNA is extracted, it would likely need to be amplified (in the context of DNA, amplification refers to the process of increasing the quantity of a specific segment of DNA, making it easier to analyze). This is because the amount of DNA extracted from a specimen, especially one as old as a mosquito trapped in amber, would be minimal and degraded.

DNA Sequencing:

After amplifying the DNA, the next step is sequencing it to decode its genetic information. Sequencing allows scientists to identify the species (in this case, dinosaurs) using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). NGS technology, which utilizes semiconductor sensors, helps scientists sequence DNA by detecting the genetic code as the DNA moves through a chip with thousands or even millions of tiny sensors. This enables the rapid sequencing of large amounts of DNA.

Gene Editing with CRISPR:

After sequencing the DNA, scientists use tools like CRISPR-Cas9 (a tool used in gene editing that allows scientists to make precise changes to the DNA of living organisms) to edit the genetic material and potentially bring it back to "life" or insert it into a host organism.CRISPR-Cas9 technology uses semiconductor-powered devices, enabling precise changes to the genes. These devices might include systems that use semiconductor-based guidance to inject the edited genes into cells.

Cloning Technology:

Once the genes are edited, the next step involves inserting the modified DNA into an egg cell to create a new organism. This cloning process also relies on high-precision machines, which could include semiconductor-controlled systems to regulate temperature, cell growth, and other critical factors.

Embryo Insertion:

After the DNA has been successfully edited, it is inserted into a host egg to create a clone. Semiconductor-based chips help control the precise placement of the modified DNA into the egg’s nucleus (the central, most important part of a cell), ensuring proper integration with the host cell’s genetic material. These chips also regulate factors like timing and environmental conditions to support the embryo’s development, optimizing the chances of successful cloning.

Cloning Success:

To create a cloned T-Rex, DNA is extracted from a preserved dinosaur sample and edited using advanced technology. Semiconductor systems guide the DNA editing and manage its insertion into an egg. Once inserted, these systems regulate the embryo's environment, controlling factors like temperature and cell growth to ensure proper development. This process, powered by semiconductor technology, enables the creation of a living, cloned dinosaur.

And just like that, semiconductors have brought one of the deadliest predators (outside of humans) back to life.