birds, genetics & genomics

The gene BCO2 enables male and female members of some bird species to display dramatically different color patterns.

In some finch species, the difference between colorful males and muted females comes down to one gene, BCO2, which encodes an enzyme that degrades carotenoids.

The unborn chicks translate auditory alarms from adult birds into quaking vibrations.

Two studies examining the effects of parents’ ages on their offsprings’ telomere lengths come to opposite conclusions.  

Taking into account the interaction of nuclear and mitochondrial genes in birds holds the promise of more objectively defining what constitutes a species.

Scientists complete the largest-ever comparative genomic study of birds.

Hummingbirds perceive sweetness through a receptor with which other vertebrates taste savory foods. 

The metabolic intensity of powered flight seems to have caused some bird genomes to shrink.

The Carribean island, with the help of researchers using creative ways of getting the message out, has rallied behind sequencing the genome of an endemic parrot.