Colossal Biosciences has successfully hatched twenty-six chicks in an artificial environment, a significant step in its de-extinction efforts. This achievement, announced on Tuesday, involved using a 3D printed lattice structure designed to mimic an eggshell, although it has drawn mixed reactions from the scientific community.
Scientists placed fertilized eggs into this artificial system and incubated them, supplementing with calcium, which typically comes from a natural eggshell. While the artificial structure permits oxygen flow necessary for development, critics argue it lacks crucial components found in real eggs, such as temporary organs that support the chick's growth. Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, expressed ambitions to enhance the technology further, potentially allowing for the creation of birds resembling the extinct South Island giant moa, which laid eggs significantly larger than those of modern chickens.
Although the advancements are notable, independent experts caution that the current technology does not equate to actual de-extinction. Vincent Lynch, an evolutionary biologist, emphasized that while genetically modified birds may result from this work, they do not represent true revivals of extinct species.