The Quanta Podcast ICYMI: Birds' Migratory Mitochondria
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Dec 30, 2025 Join Hannah Waters, Quanta's biology editor and a dedicated birdwatcher, as she dives into the fascinating world of migratory birds and their cellular adaptations. She highlights how changes in mitochondria provide the energy needed for incredible journeys, detailing extreme examples like ruby-throated hummingbirds and bar-tailed godwits. The discussion also explores how these birds prepare for migration, the physiological challenges they face, and intriguing parallels with human exercise. Plus, she shares insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive these extraordinary feats!
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Tiny Cells, Massive Journeys
- Microscopic cellular traits can explain continent-spanning migratory behavior in birds.
- Subcellular changes scale up to enable huge annual migrations.
A Chickadee Sparked a Lifelong Interest
- Hannah Waters' spark bird was a black-capped chickadee that drew her into birding.
- She recalls their curiosity and how they investigated people during winters in New Jersey.
Why Birds Migrate Seasonally
- Many bird species migrate seasonally to track resources and breeding opportunities.
- They breed in the north where food and low predation coincide, then winter in the tropics.