Seabirds Jet‑Lag Causes Navigation Errors

•1h ago

Seabirds Jet‑Lag Causes Navigation Errors

Tap title to read story

0:00 / 0:37

A recent study published in Science shows that seabirds experience jet‑lag when flying east to west, which can misalign their internal clocks with local time. Researchers tracked Manx shearwaters, which travel long fishing trips and return to their nests using the Earth’s magnetic fields and the sun’s position. The birds’ circadian rhythm helps gauge time of day, but time shifts during east‑to‑west flight can cause mismatches. Patrick Lewin, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Oxford, noted that jet‑lag can lead to navigational errors, making birds misjudge their position and intended destination. The study highlights how birds’ internal clocks are similar to humans’ and may inform future research on circadian biology.

Published 2026-10-29 20:14:44 UTC · Published by JQJO

Published by JQJO Editorial Desk · AI assisted

More context

Timeline

On October 28 2026 Arizona announces first confirmed screwworm case.

Why it matters

Immediate US impact: Immediate monitoring of livestock and pets Possible long-term US impact: Long‑term control measures for invasive species Most affected groups: Pet owners and livestock farmers Reader priority: High priority for animal health officials

Coverage notes

Center: Coverage from abcnews.com, aol.com, aphis.usda.gov frames this as a developing news story: Seabirds Jet‑Lag Causes Navigation Errors. Reporting emphasizes verified facts, named sources, and near-term impact for readers. Left: Left-leaning desks covering the same development typically emphasize public impact, institutional accountability, and who is most affected. Right: Right-leaning desks covering the same development typically emphasize practical outcomes, market or security stakes, and institutional response.