Nesting Birds Research Articles

Understanding spatiotemporal effects of food supplementation on host-parasite interactions using community-based science.

Supplemental feeding can increase the overall health of animals but also can have variable effects on how animals defend themselves against parasites. However, the spatiotemporal effects of food supplementation on host-parasite interactions remain poorly understood, likely because large-scale, coordinated efforts to investigate them are difficult. Here, we introduce the Nest Parasite Community Science Project, which is a community-based science project that coordinates studies with bird nest box 'stewards' from the public and scientific community. This project was established to understand broad ecological patterns between hosts and their parasites. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of food supplementation on eastern bluebirds (Sialia sialis) and their nest parasite community across the geographic range of the bluebirds from 2018 to 2021. We received 674 nests from 69 stewards in 26 states in the eastern United States. Nest box stewards reported whether or not they provided mealworms or suet near nesting bluebirds, then they followed the nesting success of the birds (number of eggs laid and hatched, proportion that hatched, number and proportion of nestlings that successfully fledged). We then identified and quantified parasites in the nests. Overall, we found that food supplementation increased fledging success. The most common nest parasite taxon was the parasitic blow fly (Protocalliphora sialia), but a few nests contained fleas (Ceratophyllus idius, C. gallinae and Orchopeas leucopus) and mites (Dermanyssus spp. and Ornithonyssus spp.). Blow flies were primarily found at northern latitudes, where food supplementation affected blow fly prevalence. However, the direction of this effect varied substantially in direction and magnitude across years. More stewards fed bluebirds at southern latitudes than at northern latitudes, which contradicts the findings of other community-based science projects. Overall, food supplementation of birds was associated with increased host fitness but did not appear to play a consistent role in defence against these parasites across all years. Our study demonstrates the importance of coordinated studies across years and locations to understand the effects of environmental heterogeneity, including human-based food supplementation, on host-parasite dynamics.

Research On Bird Nest Detection Method of Transmission Line Based on Yolov8

Research On Bird Nest Detection Method of Transmission Line Based on Yolov8

Uncovering the Antibacterial Potential of a Peptide-Rich Extract of Edible Bird's Nest against Staphylococcus aureus.

The diverse pharmacological properties of edible bird's nest (EBN) have been elucidated in recent years; however, investigations into its antibacterial effects are still limited. In the present study, we explored the antibacterial activity of a peptide-rich extract of EBN against Staphylococcus aureus, a notorious pathogen. The EBN extract (EEE) was prepared by soaking EBN in 80% ethanol for 2 days at 60°C. Biochemical analyses showed that peptides at the molecular weight range of 1.7-10 kDa were the major biochemical compounds in the EEE. The extract exhibited strong inhibition against S. aureus at a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 125 μg/ml and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 250 μg/ml. This activity could be attributed to the impact of the extract on cell membrane integrity and potential, biofilm formation, and reactive oxidative species (ROS) production. Notably, the expression of biofilm- and ROS-associated genes, including intercellular adhesion A (icaA), icaB, icaC, icaD, and superoxide dismutase A (sodA), were deregulated in S. aureus upon the extract treatment. Our findings indicate a noteworthy pharmacological activity of EBN that could have potential application in the control of S. aureus.

Deep Learning-based Detection of Bird’s Nests on Power Transmission Towers

Abstract The problem of birds building nests on high-altitude towers has posed a significant hidden danger to the safe operation of long-distance transmission lines. The current manual inspection method is inefficient and costly, while automatic inspection technology still faces challenges in accuracy and efficiency. This article mainly aims to propose a deep learning target detection algorithm YOLOV3 based on convolutional neural networks to monitor and retrieve bird damage faults on power towers. By constructing a large dataset of bird nests on power towers, deep learning training models are used to extract features of the detection targets, and the YOLOV3 algorithm is used to intelligentially identify images with bird damage faults. Experiments show that YOLOV3 can effectively detect bird nests on power towers.

A statistical approach to assess interspecific consumptive competition and functional redundancy in ephemeral resource uses using camera traps.

Camera traps have been widely used in wildlife research, offering significant potential for monitoring species interactions at ephemeral resources. However, raw data obtained from camera traps often face limitations due to observation censoring, where resource consumption by dominant animals may obscure potential resource use by less dominant animals. We extended time-to-detection occupancy modeling to quantify interspecific consumptive competition and redundancy of ecosystem functions through consumption between two species, while accounting for observation censoring. By treating resource use by rival species as censored data, we estimated the proportion of resources potentially used in the absence of rival species and calculated the loss caused by the rival species, which is defined as "Competition Intensity Index." We also defined the Unique Functional Contribution, which represents the net functional loss when a species is removed, calculated by excluding the contribution potentially substituted by the other species. We also considered resource degradation and computed the quantity of resources acquired by each species. This established framework was applied to predation data on bird nests by alien squirrels and other predators (Case 1) as well as scavenging on mammalian carcasses by two carnivores (Case 2). In Case 1, the introduction of squirrels significantly affected the breeding success of birds. Although nests were being preyed upon by native crows also, our model estimated that Unique Functional Contribution by the squirrels was 0.47. This means that, by eradicating the squirrels, the reproductive success of the birds could potentially increase by as much as 47%. In Case 2, the Competition Intensity Index for foxes was 0.17, whereas that for raccoon dogs was 0.46, suggesting an asymmetric effect of resource competition between the two species. The frequency distribution of wet mass available to the two species differed significantly. This approach will enable a more robust construction of resource-consumer interaction networks.

ROS Induced by Aphrocallistes vastus Lectin Enhance Oncolytic Vaccinia Virus Replication and Induce Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells.

Oncolytic virotherapy is expected to provide a new treatment strategy for cancer. Aphrocallistes vastus lectin (AVL) is a Ca2+-dependent lectin receptor containing the conserved domain of C-type lectin and the hydrophobic N-terminal region, which can bind to the bird's nest glycoprotein and D-galactose. Our previous studies suggested that the oncolytic vaccinia virus (oncoVV) armed with the AVL gene exerted remarkable replication and antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we found that oncoVV-AVL may reprogram the metabolism of hepatocellular carcinoma cells to promote ROS, and elevated ROS subsequently promoted viral replication and induced apoptosis. This study will provide a new theoretical basis for the application of oncoVV-AVL in liver cancer.

Measures to Organize Steam Education Activities for Children with Autism in Vietnam

This study assessed the expressive language development of M.T, a 5-6-year-old child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), following a STEAM educational intervention conducted in April 2023. Using a structured plan aimed at enhancing expressive language, the project involved activities like “Making Scented Jars” and “Making a Bird's Nest.” M. showed marked improvements, scoring 36 points in the post-intervention assessment, a 10-point increase from the baseline, placing him in the "Fair" category (Level 3). Key progress areas included the ability to present using visual aids and answer open-ended "Why?" questions. Initially unable to present and displaying negative reactions, M. gradually understood presentation structures and organized content more logically. He began to use simple negative sentences and sequence words effectively in storytelling. Additional gains were observed in daily use of names, actions, qualities, and polite expressions, indicating broader communicative improvement. Feedback from teachers and parents highlighted increased attention, interest, and confidence in STEAM activities. M.'s ability to engage in storytelling and role-playing significantly enhanced his classroom participation and reduced the need for external support. These findings underscore the potential of tailored STEAM activities to foster language development in children with ASD.

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) egg and nestling destruction at nests of grassland birds in southwest Wisconsin

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrus ater) egg and nestling destruction at nests of grassland birds in southwest Wisconsin

On the Origin of soft ticks (Parasitiformes, Ixodoidea, Argasidae)

The origin of the common evolutionary branch of soft and hard ticks is dated to the later Permian, approximately coinciding with the Permian extinction, and divergence of the common branch of Ixodoidea into ancestral forms of Argasidae and Ixodidae occurred in the Triassic. Ancestors of the common branch of Ixodoidea (Ixodidae, Argasidae, Nuttalliellidae) were not bloodsucking arthropods and were closely related to modern representatives of Holothyridae. Bloodsucking and, later, temporary ectoparasitism had developed only after divergence of the main branches (Ixodidae, Argasidae and Nuttalliellidae), independently in each group. At early stages of the soft tick evolution, bloodsucking was a short-time process, long-time feeding had developed later in larvae and promoted dispersal of ticks. Maintenance of the short-time feeding can be explained by adaptation to dwelling in bird nests or in shelters visited by birds, and later, also in mammal burrows. Displacements of gnathosomе to the ventral side of idiosome hampered combing of a parasite from the host during short-time bloodsucking. Short-time feeding resulted in maintenance and development of coxal glands as the main organ for removal of superfluous liquid during bloodsucking. Adaptation to shelter habitats (nests, burrows, rock crevices, under dead tree cork, etc.) promoted development of polyphagia and adaptations for long-term starvation.

Electrospray Nested Energetic Cells from Nanothermite with MoO3 Nanostrips: Reactivity, Sensitivity and Combustion Performance

Nanothermites have attracted great attention over the last two decades for their superior performance in heat release and pressure wave generation. The shape of the oxidizer and the assembly structure could significantly influence the performance. This paper reports on the reactivity, sensitivity and combustion performance of nanothermite of aluminum nanoparticles and MoO3 nanostrips prepared via electrospray strategy. The resulting particles were in good integrity, resembling bird nests. There were two exothermic processes for the resulting composites, which successively conformed to the Avrami–Erofeev equation of n = 4 and the Zhuravlev–Lesokhin–Tempelman (Z-L-T) equation. And the corresponding activation energies for the two processes were 148.645 kJ/mol and 297.280 kJ/mol, respectively. The flame sensitivity and impact sensitivity for the electrosprayed product were 50 cm and 35 cm, respectively, which were both higher than those of the mechanically mixed counterpart. The constant-volume combustion test showed that the maximum pressure of the electrosprayed product was 1.96 MPa, which was 0.69 MPa higher than that of the mechanically mixed counterpart. The combustion performances were evaluated under confined and unconfined conditions. Due to the fast heat release and transfer efficiency, fierce deflagration was achieved in the case of the electrosprayed sample under confined conditions. The combustion rate of the electrosprayed sample under unconfined conditions was almost a hundred times as much as that of the mechanically mixed one.

Bird-nest inspired cellulose-based biofoam with excellent performance enabled by gas–liquid interface co-assembly and thermal welding for plastic replacement

Traditional plastic foam, typically derived from fossil fuel-based polymers that are resistant to natural degradation, faces environmental challenges. As an alternative, cellulose, a biodegradable polymer, shows promise in the production of eco-friendly foam. Nonetheless, its reliance on hydrogen bonding between fibers poses limitations for practical applications. Here, drawing inspiration from bird nest structures, a straightforward and scalable method (co-assembly and thermal welding) has been developed for creating cellulose-PLA biofoam. The resulting biofoam displays advantageous properties such as low density (12.9 ∼ 27.1 kg/m3), high compression strength (modulus of 12.1 MPa·cm3·g−1), good thermal stability, and water stability (maintaining structural integrity in water). Moreover, it exhibits exceptional degradation rates (significant degradation within 40 days) and recyclability. Thus, this biofoam holds promise as a sustainable alternative to standard plastic foams, mitigating “white pollution.”

Effects of experimental modification of temperature and humidity on abundance of dermestid beetles in nests of blue tits

AbstractMany factors may affect the diversity and abundance of arthropods in their natural habitats including changes in temperature and humidity. Sometimes, large arthropods remain undetected in unsuspected habitats such as bird nests. Here, we explore the effects of an experiment modifying temperature and relative humidity inside the nest of a troglodyte bird species, the blue tit, Cyanistes caeruleus (L.) (Passeriformes: Paridae), on the abundance of dermestid beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) inhabiting the nests. Ten taxa were identified, six at the species level and four—based on larval stages—at the genus level. Most of the dermestids found in the larval stage were nidicolous dermestids of the genus Anthrenus. Specimens of necrobiont dermestids (those that feed on carcasses in both the larval and adult stages) were found in lower numbers, and almost always in adult stages. The abundance of dermestid larvae found in blue tit nests where the temperature or the humidity were experimentally increased was significantly higher than in the control nests. In addition, adult necrobiont dermestids of genus Dermestes appeared more frequently in those nests where corpses of blue tit nestlings were found.

MIM waveguide refractive index sensor with graphene enhanced three-ring nested resonator Fano resonance

In this paper, a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) waveguide featuring a three-ring nested cavity structure is proposed. We enhance and optimize this design by integrating graphene nanostructures into the ferrule resonance cavity, resulting in a hybrid graphene-MIM waveguide structure. The transmission spectra and electric fields generated by the structure are analyzed by using the finite element method (FEM), shedding light on the formation mechanism of various Fano resonance peaks. The validity of our theoretical analysis is confirmed using multimode interference coupled mode theory (MICMT), and the simulation results are largely aligning with the theoretical verification results. Next, by manipulating the chemical potential of graphene, the Fano resonance can be tuned across a wide range of wavelength bands. And this capability enables the realization of a dynamically tunable refractive index sensor for transmission spectroscopy. Under optimized parameter settings, the refractive index sensor achieves a maximum sensitivity of 1266.67nm/RIU, and a maximum figure of merit (FOM) value of 199.67RIU−1. Compared with conventional MIM waveguide devices, this design overcomes the difficulty of conventional MIM waveguide structures that cannot be dynamically tunable. Notably, the wavelength of the Fano resonance formed by the transmission spectrum can be dramatically altered when the refractive index of the medium in the surrounding environment is slightly changed. Therefore, this structure expands the repertoire of integrated optical devices with potential applications, particularly in the field of optical sensors.

Cliff nesting birds provide nutrient inputs to cliff ecosystems

Allochthonous inputs often link nutrient cycles between different ecosystems as nitrogen (N) that originates in one ecosystem is transferred to another. Mobile animals such as birds and fish can translocate nutrients between locations. Consequently, animal-mediated nutrient subsidies can shape plant communities, especially in nutrient-poor ecosystems. Terrestrial cliffs are typically nutrient-poor, receiving N from atmospheric deposition and cliff-top runoff. Cliff nesting birds deposit N-rich excrement onto the cliff during nesting, yet this potential nutrient input has rarely been demonstrated. Here we document an allochthonous input of N from cliff-nesting birds to terrestrial cliff vegetation. We sampled mineral N and vegetation on eight cliff systems in western North Carolina (USA) with nests from peregrine falcon (F. peregrinus; two sites) and common raven (Corvus corax; five sites). Two sites had nests but species identity was not confirmed. Cliff faces below bird nests had higher levels of ammonium (NH4+) than did faces without nests. Both ammonium and nitrate (NO3−) explained variability in cliff vegetation community composition, but site-level characteristics explained more of the variation than did N inputs alone. Lichens, the dominant taxonomic group, contributed the most to this variation and had higher species richness and diversity below nests. Indicator species analysis identified two nitrophilic lichen species below nests: Flavoplaca citrina and Physcia caesia. A third nitrophilic lichen, Polycauliona candelaria (syn. Xanthoria candelaria) was also found under nests. Bird excrement is likely a significant subsidy to nutrient-poor terrestrial cliff ecosystems, thus linking cliffs to more productive ecosystems and highlighting the need to include birds in conservation and management of cliffs.

Effects of house-cultivated edible bird's nest on immunoglobulin and cytokine release in vitro.

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is known as the "Caviar of the East" because of its high nutritional and medicinal values. Nevertheless, its effect on human immunity is yet to be explored. This study examined the effects of EBN's aqueous extract (EBNE) on human immunity through the modular immune in vitro construct (MIMIC) model consisting of peripheral tissue equivalent (PTE) and lymphoid tissue equivalent (LTE) modules. One hundred twenty mL of full blood was obtained from four healthy human volunteers. The human immune system was simulated using an in vitro model, called MIMIC. Under EBNE treatment, monocyte transendothelial migration through reversed endothelial layers was observed. Using PTE and LTE modules, monocytes were differentiated into dendritic cells with lipopolysaccharide, then co-cultured with T- and B-cells for cytokine and immunoglobulin (Ig) production. The human cytokine array G2000 and quantitative human Ig isotyping array were used to identify the cytokine profile and Ig isotypes, respectively. IgE, IgA, and IgG3 levels were significantly raised by EBNE. These cytokines, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor, glial cell line-derivative neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 4, were generated. For the first time, this work uses a MIMIC model to illustrate the impact of EBNE on human immune response. This new understanding of EBN's immunoregulatory effect allows for further exploration of how EBN interacts with the human immune system.

Effect of Edible Bird Nest Supplementation Against Busulfan-Induced Oligospermia in Adult Rats

WHO estimates that between 48 million couples and 186 million individuals are facing infertility globally. Male infertility contributes to one-third of the problem with oligospermia as a primary underlying cause. Edible bird nest (EBN), a nutritional natural product, has the potential to improve male fertility status. However, the scientific evidence on oligospermia is sparse. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EBN supplementation in busulfan-induced oligospermia of adult rats. Thirty-six eight-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats (N=36) were randomly and equally divided into six groups (n=6): Control, Sham, Busulfan, EBN 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg/daily. A single dose of 10 mg/kg busulfan was injected intraperitoneally to induce oligospermia. Daily EBN supplementation was administered for 28 consecutive days, started one day following the busulfan injection. Findings showed that sperm concentration, spermatogenesis index scoring, seminiferous tubule diameter, and germ cell height were reduced in busulfan-induced oligospermia. Meanwhile, the apoptosis status was significantly increased. EBN supplementation had significantly increased sperm concentration, spermatogenesis index scoring, germ cell height, and gene expression of p38 and MAPK14. EBN supplementation also reduced apoptosis in the oligospermia group in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, daily EBN supplementation has a protective effect in busulfan-induced oligospermia by increasing sperm production, preserving histological features of the testes, reducing apoptosis, and improving gene expression of p38 and MAPK14.

Purification, identification and molecular docking studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides from Edible Bird's Nest

This study investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides from Edible Bird's Nest (EBN). The prepared EBN peptides were sequentially separated, purified, and successively identified by ultrafiltration, gel filtration and mass spectrometry techniques. Four potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides were identified as Peptide 1 (LFWSPSVYLK), Peptide 2 (GWPHLEDNYLDW), Peptide 3 (NPPADLHK) and Peptide 4 (GDLAYLDQGHR). Molecular docking analysis revealed that Peptide 1 and Peptide 2 can competitively interrupt the formation of Keap1-Nrf2 due to the presence of hydrophobic and antioxidant amino acids in their peptide sequences. Peptide 3 and Peptide 4 have a strong effect on interacting with the binding site of IKK-β due to the interaction of anti-inflammatory amino acids and C-terminal arginine/lysine. The four peptides were synthesised and validated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The results suggest that the four peptides may serve as promising bioactive peptides for preventing oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.

Identification of the Wound Healing Activity Peptidome of Edible Bird's Nest Protein Hydrolysate and the In Silico Evaluation of Its Transport and Absorption Potential in Skin.

In this study, edible bird's nest (EBN) was proven to be a suitable source of bioactive peptides via enzymatic hydrolysis. The ultrafiltration component of the EBN peptides (EBNPs, Mw < 3 000 Da) could be responsible for moderate moisture retention and filaggrin synthesis. It was found that EBNP had a great capacity to protect HaCaT keratinocytes from DNA damage caused by UVB-irradiation and enhance wound healing by increasing the migratory and proliferative potential of cells. Furthermore, the external application of EBNP could effectively repair high glycolic acid concentration-induced skin burns in mice. A total of 1 188 peptides, predominantly the hydrophobic amino acids (e.g., Leu, Val, Tyr, Phe), were identified in the EBNP by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Molecular docking showed that hydrophobic tripeptides from EBNP had a good binding affinity to proton-dependent oligopeptide transporter PepT1. Our data indicated that the hydrophobic amino acid-rich EBNP plays an important role in skin wound healing.

Leveraging co-production within ecosystem restoration to maximize benefits to coastal birds

Coastal Louisiana's ecosystems are threatened by anthropogenic factors exacerbated by climate change induced sea-level rise. The 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill resulted in injuries and deaths to coastal birds in Louisiana, and the ongoing loss of habitat has limited the potential for successful nesting of resident birds throughout the coast. Habitat loss is being addressed through increased large-scale ecosystem restoration as a result of settlement funds from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. To further inform bird restoration in Louisiana, an avian restoration guidance document (Guidance for Coastal Ecosystem Restoration and Monitoring to Create or Improve Bird-NestingHabitat, 2023) was developed to maximize restoration benefits for coastal breeding birds while also achieving broader habitat restoration objectives. The developed restoration guidance was co-produced by subject-matter experts and professionals, including avian experts, engineers, and coastal restoration project managers. The result of this cross-disciplinary effort was specific and targeted guidance that presents designable habitat features that are in the control of project engineers and are also important high-value bird nesting habitats (e.g., shoreline access, elevation heterogeneity and edge habitat). For the first time in Louisiana, defined nest-site characteristics and monitoring approaches are readily available to inform ecosystem restoration project implementation. The restoration document specifically emphasizes bird species that breed and nest in coastal habitats in Louisiana, and restoration managers can use these guidelines to explicitly incorporate bird nesting habitat features into coastal restoration planning, design, and implementation. In developing this guidance, many knowledge gaps and data needs were identified specific to engineering and project design, enabling the research community to frame research questions around specific coastal restoration questions. The co-production of science model applied here for avian resources is applicable to a wide range of other living marine resources that may benefit from large-scale ecosystem restoration and is an example of the benefits of working relationships, communications, and common goal setting.

A Novel Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Specifically Improving the Solubility and Antioxidant Activities of Edible Bird's Nest.

Edible bird's nest (EBN), a most highly priced and valuable foodstuff, contains high percentage of proteins and carbohydrates. However, proteins adhering to these carbohydrates make the EBN hard and tough, which need to be boiled as the bird's nest soup to make the Chinese cuisine. To overcome the hard and tough texture of EBN and improve the digestion degrees, the present study screened and identified a probiotic strain Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YZW02 from 5-year stored EBN sample completely solubilizing EBN for the first time. The 24-h B. amyloliquefaciens fermented EBN contained 20.30-21.48mg/mL of the soluble protein contents with a recovery rate of 98-100%, DPPH radical scavenging rate of 84.76% and ABTS radical scavenging capacity of 41.05%. The mixed fermentation of B. amyloliquefaciens YZW02 and Bacillus natto BN1 were further applied to improve the low-MW peptide percentages and antioxidant activities. The mixed-fermentation of B. natto BN1 with 4-h cultured B. amyloliquefaciens YZW02 had the lowest percentage (82.23%) of >12-kDa proteins/peptides and highest percentages of 3-12kDa, 1-3kDa and 0.1-1kDa peptides of 8.6% ± 0.08, 7.57% ± 0.09, 1.77% ± 0.05 and 0.73% ± 0.05, with the highest DPPH, ABTS and •OH scavenging capacity of 90.23%, 46.45% and 49.12%, respectively. These findings would provide an efficient strategy for improving the solubility and antioxidant activities of EBNs.