A US biotech company, Colossal Biosciences, says it is making progress toward resurrecting the extinct dodo, using gene-editing approaches informed by AI-based genetic analysis. The company reports it has completed analysis of about 95% of the dodo genome and has identified candidate genetic targets tied to dodo traits.
Colossal’s work is described as part of a broader de-extinction effort aimed at addressing the broader impacts of species loss. In its plans, the company intends to introduce dodo traits into the cells of the closest living relative, the Nicobar pigeon, as a route to producing an animal with dodo characteristics. Several outlets highlight the company’s AI platform, GenoMorph, which is used to pinpoint regulatory DNA and genetic “switches” linked to the bird’s anatomy, including aspects of its craniofacial features.
Outlets vary mainly in emphasis: some focus on the percentage of genome work completed and the lack of a specific timeline, while others highlight the scale of regulatory targets identified and the planned technical steps involving pigeon development and embryo-level gene editing. The company has not publicly committed to a firm schedule for producing a living dodo.
