🐦 Scientists closer to recreating extinct dodo

🐦 Scientists closer to recreating extinct dodo

Genetic researcher Beth Shapiro leads the work to recreate the dodo, a bird that went extinct over 300 years ago. The technology being developed can be used to save currently endangered species, like the pink pigeon in Mauritius.

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  • Genetic researcher Beth Shapiro leads the work to recreate the dodo, a bird that went extinct over 300 years ago.
  • Biotech company Colossal has raised 435 million dollars in funding for their work on recreating extinct species.
  • The technology being developed can be used to save currently endangered species, like the pink pigeon in Mauritius.

From skeptic to leading researcher

Beth Shapiro, one of the world's leading experts in finding and decoding genetic material from extinct animals, has taken on the role of chief science officer at the biotech company Colossal in Dallas. The company works on recreating extinct species through gene editing, writes Washington Post.

Shapiro was previously critical of recreating extinct species, but her view changed when she realized the potential of new gene editing technology like CRISPR. Now she leads the work to recreate the dodo, an extinct bird related to pigeons.

How the dodo will be recreated

The team at Colossal uses primordial germ cells from common pigeons as a foundation. By editing these cells with dodo DNA and injecting them into pigeon embryos, the researchers plan to create pigeons whose reproductive cells contain dodo DNA. These pigeons will then be able to breed new dodos.

During a visit to Mauritius, where the dodo lived before going extinct in the 1600s, Shapiro saw how the island is preparing for the bird's return. Fenced areas have been set aside where dodos will be able to roam freely in the future, and work is ongoing to restore their natural habitat.

Technology that can save other species

Colossal is also developing techniques to help currently living species. The company plans to use DNA from museum specimens to counteract harmful mutations in endangered pink pigeons. They are also working on developing a vaccine against a herpes virus that kills elephants.

The company has raised 435 million dollars in funding, of which 200 million was announced this month. They plan to make money by selling their technology and credits for biodiversity conservation.

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