The Quanta Podcast

Birds' Migratory Mitochondria

24 snips
Jun 17, 2025
Hannah Waters, a biology editor at Quanta and seasoned science journalist, dives into the remarkable adaptations that allow birds to undertake epic migrations. She discusses how changes in mitochondrial characteristics provide the needed energy for these journeys. The conversation highlights the efficiency of migratory birds' mitochondria and their intriguing role in energy production and cellular communication. Waters also touches on the potential applications of these findings for enhancing human athletic performance, bridging the gap between avian endurance and human capabilities.
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ANECDOTE

Hannah's Spark Bird Story

  • Hannah Waters grew interested in birds because of a black-capped chickadee in her local New Jersey area.
  • She loved their curiosity and approachability, sparking her lifelong birding passion.
INSIGHT

Birds' Migration is Physiological Feat

  • Birds migrate long distances nonstop without food or rest, unlike mammals that can stop and feed.
  • This makes bird migration an extraordinary physiological challenge beyond just behavioral movement.
INSIGHT

Hummingbirds' Extreme Flight

  • Ruby-throated hummingbirds flap 60 times per second and fly almost 20 hours nonstop over the Gulf of Mexico.
  • These tiny birds perform one of the highest metabolism feats in the animal kingdom during migration.
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