Mercury compromises stress hormones in tree swallow hatchlings.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/mercury-from-insects-skews-hormones-in-tree-swallow-young/
"New research in Virginia reports that levels of hormones key for growth and controlling stress were skewed in older tree swallow nestlings contaminated with mercury. The study finds some of the highest mercury levels ever measured in wild songbird nestlings. The researchers point to the birds' insect food as the source of contamination. The birds had higher levels of corticosterone stress hormones and lower thyroid hormones when compared to a less contaminated population. Younger nestlings did not show the effects."
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/newscience/mercury-from-insects-skews-hormones-in-tree-swallow-young/
"New research in Virginia reports that levels of hormones key for growth and controlling stress were skewed in older tree swallow nestlings contaminated with mercury. The study finds some of the highest mercury levels ever measured in wild songbird nestlings. The researchers point to the birds' insect food as the source of contamination. The birds had higher levels of corticosterone stress hormones and lower thyroid hormones when compared to a less contaminated population. Younger nestlings did not show the effects."
