Disrupting a Feather Gene Recreates Dinosaur-Like Patterns in Chickens

Disrupting a Feather Gene Recreates Dinosaur-Like Patterns in Chickens

Chickens treated to inhibit the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway during development grow feathers that resemble ancient protofeathers—unbranched and underdeveloped. While some recovery occurs after hatching, these findings reveal how critical Shh signaling is to feather patterning and offer compelling insights into how feathers might have evolved from simpler skin structures. The study also hints at [...]