Colossal Biosciences Launches AI Platform to Accelerate De-Extinction Research
Colossal Biosciences has unveiled a new artificial intelligence platform called GenoMorph, designed to accelerate its de-extinction projects by identifying key genetic edits in species with limited genomic data. The company is using the tool as part of an effort to bring back the dodo bird, which presents unique challenges due to having access to only one genome compared to over 100 for the woolly mammoth project. GenoMorph combines developmental biology and comparative genomics from various birds with genetic data and 3D skull measurements. The platform helps pinpoint DNA regions responsible for specific traits like facial structure, allowing scientists to focus on meaningful edits rather than sifting through vast genomic differences. Colossal has already identified around 2,300 potential editing targets in the dodo genome. The company also announced progress with its Nicobar pigeon colony and the creation of essential reproductive cells needed for de-extinction efforts. CEO Ben Lamm emphasized that while GenoMorph identifies genetic changes to investigate, it does not perform edits itself, aiming instead to make gene-editing more precise and testable.
Topics: AI biotech innovation de-extinction genomics