Scientists plan to bring back the Dodo bird, but how exactly will they do it?

The dodo, one of the largest birds on Earth , faced extinction in the late 17th century and was officially considered extinct by humans in 1662.

Scientists are now hatching an incredible plan: to resurrect the Dodo bird . Using a combination of the latest genetic and reproductive technologies, they hope to bring the Dodo genes back to Earth. The feasibility of this plan has been widely debated in the scientific community, but the implications and potential scientific breakthroughs are fascinating.

American startup Colossal Biosciences, based in Dallas, Texas, has just revealed plans to "resurrect" the Dodo bird more than 350 years after it was wiped out from the island of Mauritius in the 17th century.

Cloning by gene extraction

The Dodo's complex history The Dodo was a truly giant bird , reaching a height of 3 metres and weighing over 300kg. However, due to factors such as hunting, habitat loss and climate change, this very rare bird became extinct in the late 17th century. Now, scientists hope to bring it back so they can study the ecological role and impact of this bird on the ecosystem.

The key to resurrecting the dodo is to extract its DNA from well-preserved remains and use cloning technology to recreate those genes. The extraction method involves searching for usable DNA fragments in the bones, feathers, or other remains of the specimen. Scientists can then resurrect the dodo by inserting those genes into other related species.

Supporters believe that resurrecting the dodo would help restore Madagascar's ecological balance because of its vital role in the local ecosystem. It could also provide insight into other extinct species and spur conservation efforts. However, opponents argue that resources should be invested in preserving and restoring existing species rather than trying to find future solutions for remnants of the past.

The key to resurrecting the Dodo bird is extracting its DNA from surviving specimens. (Illustration photo).

In the case of the Dodo, scientists have successfully extracted DNA samples from ancient Dodo remains and cryopreserved them. These preserved tissue samples could be used to clone or restore the Dodo's genetic information.

However, scientists face significant challenges in successfully resurrecting the Dodo. First, they need a complete and reliable Dodo genome. Although a large number of DNA samples have been extracted, some genes may have been lost or damaged, requiring scientists to conduct further research into gene repair or cloning.

Scientists also needed a vessel to hold the Dodo's genetic information. A good host species was essential for Dodo cloning studies. After all, without a suitable host, even if a Dodo were successfully cloned, it would be difficult to ensure successful hatching and development.

Scientists also needed a container to hold the Dodo's genetic information. (Illustration photo).

Recovering the Dodo also requires considering its ability to adapt to its new environment. The world has changed dramatically, and New Zealand's ecosystem is different than it was in the late 17th century. Whether the resurrected Dodo can adapt to these changes and survive in its new environment is another puzzle that scientists need to solve.

Despite the challenges, scientists remain confident about the prospects of resurrecting the Dodo. They believe that as technology continues to develop, this method will become feasible in the future. Not only could it help us better understand the lives and behaviors of species in the past, but it is also expected to provide new ideas and solutions for ecological protection.

Reverse transcription via gene editing technology

Through gene editing technology, scientists can directly intervene in an organism's genome and make precise changes to its genetic information. In the process of resurrecting the Dodo, scientists would need to take a DNA sample from the Dodo and use the enzyme reverse transcriptase to transcribe its RNA back into DNA. They could then restore the Dodo's complete genome by filling in the gaps in the original DNA sequence caused by errors and defects during the reverse transcription process. This technology not only offers the possibility of resurrecting the Dodo, but also allows for research into the Dodo's genome and further understanding of its biological mysteries.

To accomplish this feat, scientists would first have to sequence the entire genome of the dodo from bone and other fragments, which has now been done. Next, they would have to genetically modify skin cells from a close living relative, in the dodo's case the Nicobar pigeon, so that its genome matched that of the extinct bird. These genetically modified cells would then have to be used to create embryos—as was the case with Dolly the Sheep in 1996—and then be born to a living surrogate mother.

However, simply editing the genome is not enough to bring back the Dodo. Scientists would also need to find the most similar living bird and use gene editing technology to insert the Dodo's genetic information into its embryo so that it would have similar traits and behaviors. This would require a lot of effort and careful research to ensure that the process of resurrecting them is successful.

To many, resurrecting the dodo may seem like science fiction, but many scientists are convinced that advances in gene editing technology will make that dream a reality. In addition to resurrecting extinct species, gene editing technology has the potential to help protect rare and endangered species today. It can be used to correct defective genes, improve the genetic fitness of species, and even create new species that are better suited to their environment.

Despite many challenges, scientists are still confident about the prospect of reviving the Dodo species. (Illustration photo).

However, the application of gene editing technology also faces ethical and moral challenges. Scientists need to carefully weigh the benefits and risks and make careful decisions before knowing the long-term effects. They must ensure responsibility and sustainability for the resurrected species, while respecting the principles of natural evolution.