Tag Archives: without eggshell

Hatching a chick without eggshell

How does a chick break out its shell? Is it possible to hatch out a chick without an eggshell? The idea originated from Perry MM, he spent 22 days on this study in 1988. Later the Japanese high school students and the Chinese scientists imitated the experiment. It allows  scientists to observe the process of hatching out a chick without an eggshell. Therefore it helps disease prevention and treatment. Furthermore, this skill can be used to save vulnerable birds from extinction.

The Japanese high school students imitated it in 2014.

Source: Zanzibar Ni Kwetu

The Chinese scientists imitated it in 2018 giving more details.

Source: CCTV English

After 21 days, the chick is born without eggshell.

Image credit: CCTV

What is the most difficult process?    

The process of passing oxygen is really important. If the oxygen is too much, it will result in oxygen toxicity. If the oxygen is not enough, it will result in congestion.

Why did they do the experiment?

By doing this experiment, it allows scientists to observe the whole growth process directly. In addition, it allows scientists to test the effects of using drugs and radiation about the growth of chick embryo. This can help disease prevention and treatment.

According to the video, from Day 5, the surface of the embryo is covered by a  vascular network around the embryo, which provides a very good model for the study of vascular proliferation and inhibition. The vascular proliferation model ( the formation of new blood vessels) can be used in wound repair, and the study of vascular growth inhibition can be used in the study of tumor treatment. As the chick embryo develops, it forms a variety of hormones and nutrients that have not yet been fully explored, and which often have surprising effects on tissue regeneration and tissue culture.

To save the endangered birds?

An online article says that it can be used to save endangered birds when their eggs have been damaged, we can also choose bird IVF and try to grow vulnerable species using surrogate eggs. However, we need to consider the success rate, it is around 50% currently.

Life is really wonderful and we should continue to explore science in order to protect this beautiful world.

——ZIJIE LIN