Technology
Colossal says dodo genome analysis is now 95% complete
The Hindu BusinessLine··2d ago
Dallas-based Colossal Biosciences said Wednesday its GenoMorph AI platform narrowed genetic targets behind the dodo's beak and face. The firm plans gene edits in Nicobar pigeon cells, the dodo's closest living relative. Colossal reported the dodo genome is 95 percent complete and said lab tests on edits are advancing. CEO Ben Lamm said extinction drove the last dodo from Mauritius
Prism
What It Means For You
- Conservation groups in Mauritius may face new habitat restoration plans if breeding succeeds.
- Gene-editing debates could intensify as private firms publish shortlists of candidate mutations.
- No release timeline was announced and Mauritius consultations remain unfinished.
What's Happening
- GenoMorph compared skull development across more than 70 living bird species.
- Scientists shortlisted about 2,300 candidate genes linked to beak size and shape.
- Colossal expanded its Texas Nicobar pigeon colony to 36 birds after successful breeding.
De-extinction Efforts
- Dodos stood about 3 feet tall and weighed up to about 50 pounds.
- Ancient DNA is fragmented so no extinct genome is perfectly complete.
- Lamm said invasive species and hunting erased the species within decades of human contact.
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