Oiled birds become research subjects

(PopSci.com) -- The 951 (and counting) birds collected alive after the San Francisco Bay oil spill are doing their part for science.

Birds affected by the San Francisco Bay oil spill are being used as subjects in studies.

Some of the birds are now subjects in studies led by veterinarians at the UC Davis Oiled Wildlife Care Network, who hope to improve treatments for oiled birds everywhere.

One study is using infrared thermography to spot birds that are losing heat too quickly. In another study, birds will be equipped with radio transmitters so that researchers can study where they go and how long they live after they are released from the care center.

Of those 951 birds found alive, 197 later died or were euthanized, and 394 were washed.

The remaining 360 are being monitored and fed in a warm room until they are strong enough for a bath.

Copyright © 2007 Popular Science

Source from: edition.cnn.com