New paper published on cellular markers (telomeres and mtDNAcn) in relation to migratory status in Eurasian blackbirds
In this new study, we examined telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in migratory and resident Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula) on Helgoland. Telomeres are widely regarded as markers of cellular ageing and physiological state, and are th...
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New paper published on hormonal regulation in migratory Blackbirds!
In a new study published in Hormones & Behaviour, in collaboration with Dr. Alex T. Baugh (Swarthmore College), we measured circulating levels of the gut hormone peptide YY (PYY), a hormone known in mammals to signal satiety after feeding. We compared ...
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Helgoland field campaign 2025
The third autumn fieldwork campaign on Helgoland is now complete! Together with Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior researchers, we tagged 54 blackbirds to study their movement ecology and link it to physiological parameters. Some of this data will be part of Lisa’s BSc thesis, who joined the campaign and quickly learned the basics of bird ringing and cellular respirometry.