WASHINGTON (Urdulight.com) A billion dollar company believes that extinct species can be brought back to life using gene editing techniques. According to a release from Colossal Biosciences, the flightless bird called the dodo, which became extinct in the 17th century, may be making some progress towards its recovery.
The Dallas-based corporation has discovered the complete genome of the dodo. Colossal scientists have begun work on a project to use stem cell technology to revive a bird that went extinct 350 years ago.
According to The Guardian, gene-editing techniques now exist that allow scientists to mine the genome of the dodo, a Mauritian bird last seen in the 17th century, for what they believe are traits can be effectively reintroduced into the body of a living relative. Dodos are most closely related to pigeons, according to genome sequencing of dead birds.
Scientists at Dallas, Texas-based US startup Colossal Biosciences said their work could provide insight into the existence of the endangered dodo and help save rare species that are not yet extinct. However, there is a fierce debate among biologists as to whether this type of research should be pursued or not.
