AI Accelerates De-extinction Efforts for the Dodo
Colossal Biosciences leverages advanced AI to reconstruct the dodo genome and guide avian development.
1AI as a Biological Tool
Colossal Biosciences is utilizing artificial intelligence to address the challenges of de-extinction. By analyzing fragmented ancient DNA, the company aims to revive the dodo, which vanished over 350 years ago. CEO Ben Lamm emphasizes that de-extinction is fundamentally a data problem, requiring computational power to decode complex regulatory genetic switches.
2The GenoMorph Platform
The company developed an AI platform called GenoMorph to fill gaps in the dodo genome. Scientists built an atlas comparing skull shapes and genomes across 70 bird species, including the Nicobar pigeon. This system identified approximately 2,350 genetic switches responsible for the dodo's unique beak, which researchers are currently testing individually.
3Avian De-extinction Mechanism
Unlike placental mammals, birds gestate outside the womb, requiring a different approach. Researchers harvest primordial germ cells from Nicobar pigeons, edit them with dodo traits, and inject them into chicken embryos. These cells migrate to the gonads, ensuring that the resulting offspring produce dodo-specific eggs rather than chicken offspring.
4Surrogacy and Scaling
Anna Keyte, the avian species director, notes that Nicobar pigeons are seasonal breeders with low egg production. Consequently, the team uses domestic chickens as surrogates due to their high egg-laying frequency. This logistical choice allows for a larger volume of surrogate eggs, which is essential for the success of the project.
5Genome Assembly Success
Beth Shapiro, the chief science officer, reports that the dodo genome is remarkably complete. Using software originally created for the dire wolf project, the team assembled the two billion letters of the dodo genome from a single well-preserved specimen. This high-quality data provides a solid foundation for the ongoing editing process.
6Building on Previous Success
Colossal previously demonstrated its capabilities in 2025 by sequencing the dire wolf genome and successfully bringing the species back to life. The company maintains a broader list of targets, including the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, moa, and quagga. Each project contributes to a scalable technology platform that accelerates subsequent de-extinction efforts.
7Regulatory Element Complexity
The primary challenge lies in identifying regulatory elements that control gene expression. For the dodo's beak alone, researchers must navigate over 650 elements for size and nearly 1,700 for thickness. Because ancient DNA is fragmented, the AI must infer which switches to flip, a process that requires significant computational precision and time.
8Future Scientific Implications
The dodo project serves as a test case for advanced genomic editing and AI integration. While the bird remains biological vaporware for now, the team anticipates a return by the early 2030s. The methodologies developed here are expected to provide transferable value for future conservation and the restoration of other extinct species.
Original article: TIME — AI Accelerates De-extinction Efforts for the Dodo