The Dodo's Return? Scientists Closer Than Ever to Reviving Extinct Icon

A creature synonymous with extinction, the dodo bird, may once again walk the Earth, thanks to groundbreaking advances in de-extinction technology. Scientists at Colossal Biosciences, a company dedicated to bringing back lost species, have announced a significant milestone: sequencing the dodo's full genome.

This monumental achievement, coupled with the ability to engineer primordial germ cells, positions them tantalizingly close to reintroducing the legendary bird to its native Mauritius.

Colossal Biosciences, co-founded by tech entrepreneur Ben Lamm and Harvard Medical School geneticist George Church, isn't new to ambitious projects.

They're also pursuing the resurrection of the woolly mammoth and the thylacine (Tasmanian tiger). Their dodo initiative, however, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The dodo, last seen in the wild in 1662, became a poignant symbol of human-induced extinction, a flightless bird hunted into oblivion just decades after its discovery.

The process of de-extinction is complex and involves several critical steps.

After sequencing the dodo's genome, the next hurdle is comparing it to its closest living relatives, such as the Nicobar pigeon and the solitaires. This comparative genomic analysis helps identify the unique genetic markers that define the dodo. Once these genes are understood, scientists can use gene-editing tools, like CRISPR, to modify the DNA of a living relative's cells to match that of the extinct dodo.

The ultimate goal is to create an embryo containing the dodo's genetic material.

This embryo would then be implanted into a surrogate mother, likely a larger pigeon species, which would carry the pregnancy to term. The vision extends beyond merely creating a dodo; Colossal Biosciences aims for a 'functional de-extinction,' where a self-sustaining population can thrive in its original habitat, ideally restoring ecological balance to the Mauritian ecosystem.

While the scientific community buzzes with excitement, the ethical and practical implications of de-extinction are hotly debated.

Critics raise concerns about the potential ecological impact of introducing a new/old species, the welfare of the revived animals, and whether resources might be better spent on conserving existing endangered species. Proponents argue that de-extinction is a moral imperative, a chance to right past wrongs, and a powerful tool for advancing genetic science and conservation efforts.

Beth Shapiro, an evolutionary biologist and Colossal's lead paleogeneticist for the dodo project, emphasizes the conservation aspect.

She envisions a scenario where these de-extinct species could help repair damaged ecosystems, particularly in isolated environments like islands. The dodo's return to Mauritius, for example, could aid in seed dispersal and other ecological functions that have been lost since its disappearance.

The journey to bring back the dodo is far from over.

Even with the genome fully sequenced, the challenges of cellular engineering, surrogate development, and ecological reintroduction remain immense. Yet, the progress made thus far offers a captivating glimpse into a future where the line between extinction and existence might blur, allowing us to witness the re-emergence of creatures long thought lost forever.