Colossal Biosciences announced GenoMorph on Wednesday, an AI that spots which genes to chase when ancient DNA is scarce. TechCrunch got the exclusive. It is aiming the tool at the dodo, where Colossal has one genome versus about 100 for the woolly mammoth.
CEO Ben Lamm said scientists normally compare many genomes to pin traits. GenoMorph took more than a year: developmental data from chickens, quail, ducks and pigeons, plus genetics and 3D skull measurements from more than 70 bird species. It learns which DNA regions turn on as birds grow beaks and faces, then predicts the switches behind the dodo's look. Lamm called it a "treasure map for the dodo genome." About 2,300 cranial-facial edit targets are ready to test in the lab.
GenoMorph does not edit genes itself. Colossal also built lipid nanoparticles to deliver gene-editing tools into developing bird embryos without a full breeding cycle. Its Nicobar pigeon colony is up to 36 birds, and the team has created the cells that become eggs and sperm.
— via TechCrunch