URI scientists believe birds can teach us about healthy eating

© Flickr.com/jinterwas/ cc-by-2.0 Want to know what kinds of foods prevent disease? Then watch what migratory birds eat during their stopovers on Block Island. Two University of Rhode Island scientists believe that birds choose certain berries because they offer protection against oxidative stress that occurs during long flights. Oxidative stress can lead to inflammation and a variety of diseases in birds and humans. The team's preliminary findings show that birds stopping over on Block Island favor the arrow-wood berry, which contains more anti-oxidants and pigments than the 11 other island berries studied by the researchers. Navindra Seeram, assistant professor of pharmacy and head of the Bioactive Botanical Research Laboratory at URI, and Scott McWilliams, URI professor of wildlife ecology and physiology, have teamed up to research migratory birds' eating habits and how their diets might be used to understand the role of berries rich in anti-oxidants in human health. Research has shown a diet rich in anti-oxidants can help prevent cancer and other serious illnesses. Seeram reported the findings today at the American Chemical Society's 239th national meeting in San Francisco. (Seeram will be interviewed about this on NPR's Science Friday, March 26.) ''We're suggesting that birds choose deeply colored berry fruits in...

Read More........→September 19, 2015

Oh! my feathered friend

People have kept birds as pets for centuries. They have been admired for their companionship and even ornamental value.  However, some birds, such as parrots and cockatoos are very intelligent and intuitive as well. When it comes to bringing a bird home, it's important to realise that it requires a commitment that is unparalleled by any other. Exotic birds such as a Cockatoo or Macaw lives up to an age of 50-60 years. Even an ordinary parakeet lives up to 20 years. Exotic birds are the most sought after feathered pets in India. By “exotic” we mean, birds that are not native to India. These include; the African Love Birds, Zebra Finches, Java Sparrows and Budgerigars — commonly known as Lovebirds. Abdul Wahab of the Bengaluru-based Wet Pets, breeds a variety of exotic birds. He  says, “Lovebirds are the world’s favourite birds for keeping as pets. Exotic birds arrived in India years ago, brought in by the British, merchants and travellers, from places as far flung as the Amazon, Africa, South America and Australia. Since then they have been bred in captivity in India and have acclimatised to the weather here.” While Cockatoos and Zebra Finches are native to Australia, the Grey Parrot and Yellow Naped Parrot belong to the Amazon. The majestic Macaw comes from South America. “Cockatoos, Macaws and Grey...

Read More........→April 27, 2012