Dallas Company Hatches Chickens in 3D-Printed Artificial Eggs

Scientists have just cracked one of conservation's toughest challenges: hatching birds without natural eggshells.

Colossal Biosciences in Dallas has developed an artificial egg that successfully hatched around 24 chickens. The device combines a 3D-printed lattice shell with a transparent silicone membrane that matches how real eggshells transfer oxygen.

Researchers have tried making artificial eggs for decades, with the first success coming in 1998 using quail embryos. But previous attempts required pumping in extra oxygen as hatching time approached, which could damage the chicks' tissues and DNA.

Colossal's new design works with normal atmospheric oxygen levels, just like nature intended. The transparent window on top lets scientists watch the embryos develop in real time, tracking how genetic edits affect traits like beak shape.

The company hopes to use the technology for its boldest project yet: resurrecting the South Island giant moa, a 3-meter-tall bird from New Zealand that went extinct centuries ago. These giants laid eggs the size of rugby balls.

Why This Inspires

Conservation breeding programs at zoos could start using this technology immediately to help endangered birds reproduce. Ben Novak, who leads efforts to bring back the extinct passenger pigeon at nonprofit Revive & Restore, says facilities are already eager to try it.

The breakthrough could give critically endangered species a fighting chance when natural breeding isn't working. Birds that struggle to reproduce in captivity might finally have hope for growing their populations.

Japanese high school teacher Yutaka Tahara, who hatches chicks with his students using older artificial egg methods, says the oxygen-breathing membrane represents a genuine leap forward. Scientists agree the advance looks promising, though they'd like to see more data published in research papers.

Colossal plans to commercialize the technology but promises to make it available for conservation efforts. Chief executive Ben Lamm says the company has no current plans to publish a formal research paper, though the work is detailed in a press release and video.

For now, two dozen healthy chickens prove the concept works, and conservationists are watching closely to see what comes next.