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Swiss Scientists Induce Dinosaur-like Feathers in Chickens

3/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Swiss researchers at the University of Geneva have achieved a groundbreaking feat by temporarily inducing dinosaur-like feathers in chicken embryos through the inhibition of the Sonic Hedgehog gene. While these primitive proto-feathers only lasted a few weeks, the study sheds light on the evolutionary journey of feathers and the genetic resilience behind their development in modern birds.

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Story summary

Swiss researchers at the University of Geneva have achieved a groundbreaking feat by temporarily inducing dinosaur-like feathers in chicken embryos through the inhibition of the Sonic Hedgehog gene. While these primitive proto-feathers only lasted a few weeks, the study sheds light on the evolutionary journey of feathers and the genetic resilience behind their development in modern birds.