Scientists have achieved a major biological breakthrough that pushes science one step closer to building artificial wombs capable of carrying and giving birth to children.
Colossal Biosciences, the company behind the extinction of dire wolves last year, has successfully hatched live chickens from a completely artificial egg.
Experts from the American biotechnology and genetic engineering company built a shellless incubation system that mirrored a natural egg. Researchers took early bird embryos and placed them in the egg-like structure and incubated them for 18 days. Nutrient solutions were administered to provide nourishment and allow the embryo to continue developing.
The chicks hatched from the shells, came out perfectly healthy and show normal development.
The egg-like structure has a 3D-printed outer shell with silicon-based membrane inside, allowing oxygen diffusion into the developing embryo.
The company said the development is a stepping stone to the eventual development of an artificial womb. The Texas-based company is currently trying to eradicate several animals, including the woolly mammoth and the South Island giant moa.
Announcing the biological breakthrough, Colossal Biosciences said: “The device changes everything. We’re showing the world that we can grow this whole bird in an incubator outside of an eggshell. It’s a complete game-changer. Life finds a way.”
The company said the development offers hope for half of the world’s bird species that are threatened.
Previously, Colossal Biosciences succeeded in exterminating the dire wolf species. The wolves have now become adults and can start breeding naturally, the company announced.
