Biotech Startup Advances in Efforts to Revive Extinct Dodo Bird

What's Happening?

Colossal Biosciences, a Dallas-based biotech startup, has announced significant progress in its efforts to bring back the extinct dodo bird. The company has successfully grown pigeon primordial germ cells (PGCs) in the lab, marking a scientific first. These cells are crucial for the company's plans to restore the dodo, as they allow for genetic editing and breeding of surrogate birds. Colossal aims to resurrect key traits and ecological functions of extinct species rather than perfectly replicating their genomes. The company has also bred gene-edited chickens to serve as potential surrogates for the dodo and other extinct birds. This breakthrough follows earlier successes in breeding wolves with genetic makeup similar to the extinct dire wolf.

Why It's Important?

The advancements by Colossal Biosciences could have significant implications for conservation efforts and biodiversity restoration. By creating proxy versions of extinct species, the company aims to enhance ecosystem resilience and address the biodiversity crisis. The ability to resurrect extinct species could inspire new conservation strategies and scientific innovations. However, the approach has faced criticism from some scientists who argue that the genetic edits may not fully bridge the gap between extinct species and their living relatives. Despite this, Colossal remains focused on the conservation value of its projects, emphasizing the potential ecological benefits.

What's Next?

Colossal Biosciences plans to continue its research and development efforts to achieve dodo de-extinction within the next five to seven years. The company is working on identifying the precise genetic edits needed to transform Nicobar pigeon germ cells into dodo-like birds. Collaboration with local researchers in Mauritius, the dodo's native habitat, is also underway to prepare for the eventual re-wilding of the species. As the project progresses, it may attract further attention from conservation organizations and scientific communities interested in de-extinction technologies.