The US biotechnology company Colossal Biosciences has successfully raised chicks in an artificial environment as part of a de-extinction project. The experiment utilized a 3D-printed mold that mimics a natural eggshell. As a result, 26 healthy chicks were hatched, according to Ixbt.com. reports. The
Company CEO Ben Lamm stated that this technology will eventually serve to resurrect the giant moa bird that once lived in New Zealand. Since moa eggs were 80 times larger than chicken eggs, natural incubation is impossible. Scientists transferred the contents of a chicken egg into an artificial mold, supplementing it with the calcium necessary for embryonic development.
However, the scientific community remains skeptical of this achievement. Vincent Lynch, a professor of evolutionary biology at the University at Buffalo, noted that calling this system a fully artificial egg is inaccurate. According to him, it is merely an advanced artificial shell that lacks the biological organs necessary for embryo nutrition and waste removal.
Experts also warn about the ethical and ecological consequences of de-extinction. Bioethicist Arthur Caplan emphasized that resurrected animals would struggle to survive in today's altered ecosystems. Nevertheless, the Colossal Biosciences team continues to address engineering challenges step by step.
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