Research Projects

The study explores the impact of artificial light at night (ALAN) on avian gut microbiome, which is influenced by host genetics, evolutionary history, ecological factors, and seasonal dietary fluctuations. The study also investigates the dynamic transcriptional activity in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), which exhibit seasonal changes in response to changes in metabolism. It also investigates whether the gut microbiome exhibits similar daily/seasonal fluctuations. The study aims to understand the mechanistic level of the impact of urbane light environment on microbial diversity and seasonal physiology in songbirds using abundantly distributed tree sparrows (Passer montanus). The key question is how changes in the natural day-night cycle and alterations in physiology interact with the gut microbiome and the internal timing system. The study has potential ecological significance as there is limited information on the pervasiveness of ALAN. It may yield information on the effects of a species' reproductive potential in an ecosystem with increased light illumination at night, potentially helping to compare species' success in urban, semi-urban, and natural environments. Additionally, the study could help speculate on the possible impact on disruption in metabolism and essential functional pathways in humans directly or indirectly due to their diet consisting of unbalanced microbiota. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between the natural day-night cycle, gut microbiome, and urban light environment on bird behavior and physiology.