We Solved the Mystery of the Dying Birds

In the southeastern US, bald eagles were dying from a mysterious cause. Initially, researchers couldn't identify the toxin responsible. By 2005, they linked the deaths to a cyanobacteria growing on the invasive hydrilla weed. The bacteria produced a toxin, AETX, when exposed to bromine. This toxin accumulated in the food chain, affecting eagles and other wildlife. Researchers discovered that environmental conditions like temperature changes increased toxin production. The findings led to recommendations for managing bromine levels and controlling hydrilla to protect ecosystems.

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