‘De-Extinction’ Start-up Just Hatched Baby Chicks From a 3D-Printed Artificial Egg
Colossal Biosciences has developed a 3D-printed artificial egg aimed at cloning extinct bird species, starting with the giant moa. This innovative incubation platform mimics the properties of natural eggshells, allowing for improved oxygen transfer during embryonic development. The company plans to test the artificial egg with various bird species, expanding its potential applications in conservation efforts.
- ▪Colossal Biosciences has created a proof-of-concept artificial egg designed to hatch baby chickens.
- ▪The artificial egg features a bioengineered silicone membrane that enhances oxygen intake compared to traditional eggshells.
- ▪Colossal aims to use this technology to potentially revive extinct species like the giant moa and assist endangered birds.
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At nearly half the height of a giraffe, the South Island giant moa (Dinornis robustus) once ruled New Zealand as one of the tallest bird species ever recorded. The even taller female of this ostrich-like forager could grow up to over 6 feet (2 meters) in height and snack upon leaves as far up as 11 feet, 10 inches (3.6 meters). But that, sadly, was centuries ago, before this big old bird was hunted into extinction by Māori colonists around the 15th century…
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