Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria |16 March 2026
¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë Warbler
Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria
Scientists at the University of East Anglia have uncovered a hidden link between gut health and the immune system, all thanks to a tiny island bird.
Researchers studied the ¾ÞÈéÎÞÂë warbler, a small songbird found on Cousin Island.
They collected the birds’ poo to analyse their gut bacteria and found that their immune genes influence which gut microbes thrive.
According to the scientists, their work sheds light on how animal immune systems and communities of beneficial gut bacteria evolve together, including in humans.