Colossal Biosciences unveils GenoMorph AI to speed up de-extinction work

Colossal Biosciences announced Wednesday a new AI platform, GenoMorph, to accelerate its de-extinction efforts, with the technology already aiding its project to bring back the dodo bird. The platform uses 3D morphology, comparative genomics, and developmental biology to identify gene-editing targets in species with limited genetic data, such as the dodo, which has only one available genome compared to 100 for the woolly mammoth. Colossal has identified approximately 2,300 promising DNA editing targets for the dodo's cranial facial features. The company also reported progress with its Nicobar pigeon colony, now at 36 birds, and the creation of essential reproductive cells. Colossal CEO Ben Lamm emphasized GenoMorph makes genetic engineering more precise and testable, though it does not edit genes itself but guides which changes warrant investigation.