Colossal Biosciences Hatches Chicks from Artificial Eggs, Advances De-Extinction

Colossal Biosciences, a Texas-based biotech company, announced on May 19 that 26 chicks hatched from 3D-printed artificial eggshells, a step toward resurrecting extinct birds like the dodo and South Island giant moa. The artificial shells feature a transparent silicone membrane allowing oxygen entry, but lack embryonic membranes. Chicken embryos, yolks, and whites were transferred within 36-40 hours of laying, then incubated with added calcium. Chicks emerged after about 18 days. The company plans to test the system with emu and ostrich embryos, and eventually scale up for larger extinct species. The South Island giant moa, extinct for 600 years, laid eggs 80 times the volume of a chicken egg, making surrogacy impossible. Colossal has not published peer-reviewed data, drawing skepticism from scientists like Jeremy Austin, who calls de-extinction a 'fairytale science.' Others, like Ben Novak of Revive & Restore and Neil Gostling of the University of Southampton, are enthusiastic. The company previously produced 'woolly mice' and claimed to have assembled the thylacine genome and birthed 'dire wolf' pups. Critics raise concerns about resource diversion from conservation and animal welfare.