Birds, known for their vibrant plumage, exhibit an intriguing method for enhancing their colors using hidden black and white feathers. A team from Princeton University led by researcher Rosalyn Price-Waldman has published findings in Science Advances that reveal how these seemingly dull feathers play a crucial role in intensifying the brightness of blue and yellow plumage.

The study highlights a fascinating phenomenon in which colored feathers can appear more vivid when layered over a foundation of either black or white feathers. For instance, birds with blue feathers benefit significantly from a black under-layer, which absorbs light and allows the blue hue to stand out more prominently. This discovery emphasizes the role of sexual selection in avian coloration, a concept first introduced by Charles Darwin. Male birds often display brighter colors to attract mates, thus enhancing their reproductive success.

Mechanics of Color Enhancement

The mechanics behind this color enhancement are rooted in light absorption and reflection. When light passes through the blue feathers, the black layer underneath absorbs wavelengths that do not correspond to blue, allowing the color to “pop.” Conversely, yellow feathers, which derive their shade from carotenoid pigments, are enhanced by a white under-layer. This white foundation reflects light, increasing the brightness of the yellow and contrasting it sharply against other colors.

In their research, Price-Waldman and colleagues primarily focused on tanagers, colorful fruit-eating birds native to Central and South America. Upon discovering this coloration technique in tanagers, the researchers expanded their investigation to other bird families. Remarkably, they found that the use of black and white feathers to amplify color is common across various species, including the vibrant Australian fairy wrens.

Implications and Future Applications

The widespread application of this coloration strategy suggests that birds have been utilizing this method for tens of millions of years, showcasing an evolutionary advantage in their quest for attractive plumage. Understanding how such complex traits evolve in nature not only enhances our knowledge of avian biology but could also inspire advancements in fields such as architecture, art, and fashion, where vibrant colors are desirable.

The implications of this research extend beyond academic interest, encouraging further exploration into the evolutionary processes that shape animal coloration. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of bird plumage, the potential for new applications in human design becomes increasingly evident.

More information about this study can be found in the article titled “Hidden white and black feather layers enhance plumage coloration in tanagers and other songbirds,” available in Science Advances (2025), DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adw5857.

Birds are renowned for their vibrant colors, but new research from Princeton University reveals that even black and white feathers play a pivotal role in enhancing their plumage. Published on July 26, 2025, in the journal Science Advances, the study led by Rosalyn Price-Waldman highlights how these seemingly dull feathers can amplify the brightness of other colors.

The research found that when colored feathers overlay a layer of either black or white feathers, the hues become strikingly more vivid. Specifically, males of certain species exhibit more vivid colors than females, not solely due to the pigments in their feathers, but because of the contrasting colors beneath. This finding challenges long-held assumptions about sexual dimorphism in bird coloration.

Mechanisms of Color Enhancement

Traditionally, it is understood that male birds display more vibrant colors as a result of sexual selection. As first noted by Charles Darwin, brighter males are more likely to attract mates and produce offspring. The study indicates that a layer of black feathers beneath bright blue plumage enhances vibrancy by absorbing all light passing through the top layer. This allows the blue feathers to scatter light selectively, making them appear more vivid.

For yellow feathers, the opposite effect is observed. These feathers, containing yellow pigments known as carotenoids, are enhanced by a white under-layer that reflects light. This reflection increases the brightness of yellow patches, creating a striking contrast with surrounding colors.

Widespread Application Across Species

The research primarily focused on colorful fruit-eating birds known as tanagers, native to Central and South America. Once the team confirmed the color enhancement mechanism in tanagers, they investigated other bird families. Remarkably, this technique of using black and white underlying feathers to enhance color is prevalent in various species, including the vividly colored Austrailian fairy wrens.

The findings suggest that birds have been employing this clever strategy for tens of millions of years, indicating that it is a widespread adaptation across different avian families. The implications of this research extend beyond ornithology, as understanding how complex traits such as color evolve can inform fields like architecture, art, and fashion.

By shedding light on these intricate biological processes, this study not only enriches our understanding of avian life but also inspires potential applications in human creativity and design. Further research in this area may uncover additional insights into the evolutionary advantages of coloration in the animal kingdom.

The study, titled “Hidden white and black feather layers enhance plumage coloration in tanagers and other songbirds,” can be accessed in Science Advances for those interested in the detailed findings.

Recent research has unveiled significant breakthroughs in understanding ancient logistics, material science, and the gut-brain connection. Archaeologists in Wales have confirmed that smaller megaliths surrounding Stonehenge were transported by Neolithic humans, challenging previous theories that suggested glacial movement. Meanwhile, a study by the SLAC National Accelerator has fundamentally altered the understanding of superheated materials, and researchers at Duke University School of Medicine have identified a novel connection between gut signaling and brain function.

Transport Methods of Ancient Megaliths

The investigation into the transport methods of the megaliths near Stonehenge reveals that Neolithic humans played a crucial role in their relocation. These findings put an end to the long-held assumption that glaciers were responsible for moving these prehistoric structures. This research not only provides insight into the capabilities of ancient societies but also highlights their sophisticated understanding of logistics.

Gold’s Surprising Thermal Properties

Researchers at the SLAC National Accelerator have achieved a remarkable milestone by directly measuring the temperature of gold heated to an astonishing 19,000 Kelvin (approximately 33,740 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature is over 14 times higher than the melting point of gold and exceeds the theoretical entropy catastrophe limit. The scientists used a cutting-edge method involving superheating a nanometer-thin gold sample and analyzing the frequency shifts of ultrabright X-rays scattered by vibrating atoms. According to Tom White, an associate professor of physics at the University of Nevada, Reno, this experiment demonstrates that catastrophic melting or boiling can be avoided if materials are heated rapidly, within trillionths of a second. “It’s important to clarify that we did not violate the second law of thermodynamics,” White stated. “What we demonstrated is that these catastrophes can be avoided with fast heating.”

Insights into Pareidolia and Human Attention

A recent study from the University of Surrey delves into the phenomenon of pareidolia—the tendency to recognize face-like features in inanimate objects. Researchers conducted four experiments with 54 participants to explore how pareidolia influences attention, comparing it to the effects of another person’s gaze. The results showed that while both averted gazes and perceived faces prompted shifts in attention, the underlying mechanisms differed. Neuroscientist Dr. Di Fu explained, “Our research shows that both averted gazes from real faces and perceived faces on objects can direct where we look, but they do so through different pathways.” Participants focused on specific features of real faces, while face-like objects were processed based on their overall structure.

New Discoveries in Gut-Brain Communication

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the Duke University School of Medicine have established the first neurobiotic connection between the gut and the brain. This connection suggests that the gut acts as a “second brain.” The team identified a system in which the brain responds in real time to signals from epithelial sensor cells in the colon. These cells detect a common microbial protein called flagellin, which is released by gut bacteria after eating. The study indicated that this signaling plays a vital role in appetite regulation. Experiments conducted on mice lacking the TLR5 receptor, responsible for flagellin detection, revealed that these mice did not reduce their food intake and subsequently gained weight. This finding may have profound implications for future research on appetite, satiety, and obesity.

These recent discoveries not only enhance our understanding of ancient human behavior and material science but also open new avenues for addressing health-related challenges. As science continues to evolve, the integration of these findings into broader contexts may offer significant benefits for society.

A comprehensive review published in the journal Nature has unveiled significant potential for artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology to transform global crop production. Coordinated by an international team of researchers, including experts from Aberystwyth University, the study outlines strategies to strengthen food systems against the challenges posed by climate change, pests, and a growing population.

The collaborative research team, which encompasses scientists from China, the USA, and various countries in Europe, has proposed a systematic approach to integrate AI with advanced techniques such as genome editing, protein design, high-throughput phenotyping, and omics technologies. These methods facilitate an in-depth analysis of the genetic and chemical profiles of plants, offering a pathway to develop crops that are not only more productive but also sustainable and resilient to climate challenges.

Professor John Doonan, Director of the National Plant Phenomics Centre at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), emphasized the transformative nature of these tools. He stated, “Think of it like designing and building a bridge. We now have the tools to engineer crops with similar precision — combining biological insights with AI to build plants that can withstand drought, disease, and other stresses.”

Innovative Techniques for Sustainable Farming

The review highlights several innovative applications of AI in agriculture. Researchers assert that AI can effectively predict optimal gene combinations for enhanced yield, nutritional content, and stress tolerance. Additionally, it can facilitate the design of novel proteins that bolster plant defenses and improve overall performance. By integrating complex datasets, AI can also enable faster and more informed breeding decisions.

Professor Doonan further underscored the importance of building resilience into crops, stating, “This is about building resilience into our crops from the ground up. By uniting AI with cutting-edge biotechnology and sustainable farming practices, we can future-proof food production for generations to come.”

The work aligns with IBERS’ strategic focus on developing resilient crops and has received backing from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through its Resilient Crops programme, as well as support from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) as part of its AI for Net Zero initiative.

The implications of this research are far-reaching. As global food demands intensify, leveraging AI and biotechnology could play a crucial role in addressing food security challenges. The review serves as a significant step towards integrating these advanced technologies into agricultural practices, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

The full review was published last week in Nature, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse about the intersection of technology and agriculture. As the world grapples with environmental changes and population growth, the fusion of AI with biotechnology presents a promising avenue for creating resilient agricultural systems that can adapt to an evolving landscape.