Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria |16 March 2026

Seychelles Warbler

Island birds reveal surprising link between immunity and gut bacteria

Scientists at the University of East Anglia have uncovered a hidden link between gut health and the immune system, all thanks to a tiny island bird.
Researchers studied the Seychelles warbler, a small songbird found on Cousin Island.

They collected the birds’ poo to analyse their gut bacteria and found that their immune genes influence which gut microbes thrive.
According to the scientists, their work sheds light on how animal immune systems and communities of beneficial gut bacteria evolve together, including in humans.

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