Princeton University High Meadows Environmental Institute

Researchers use a powerful imaging technique to illuminate the colorful plumage of birds

A new study uses hyperspectral imaging to quantify the colorful plumage of birds-of-paradise, a rare hybrid species. The research reveals that the hybrid's appearance is a precise blend of colors from its parent species, with detailed ultraviolet images capturing patches invisible to humans.

SourcePrinceton University High Meadows Environmental Institute·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 9, 2024

A unified theory for predicting pathogen competition

The study presents a unified theory for predicting pathogen invasion and evolutionary potential. Researchers found that population-level immunity can predict whether new and old strains will co-circulate. The model shows that most competing strains can spread in the presence of their competitors across common human pathogens.

SourcePrinceton University High Meadows Environmental Institute·JournalScience·DateOct 14, 2024