A professor from Rowan University, New Jersey, is hoping homing pigeons hold the key to Alzheimer's and other human diseases.
Dr G. Hough , assistant professor of biological sciences and psychology, and three of his students are conducting a variety of non-invasive experiments to determine why pigeons are able to do what they do so well: finding their way home.
‘A major problem we have now as people is the population is getting older, one of the first things that goes is learning and memory.’ Hough believes that also to be true of pigeons, and he hopes his work with them with teach him something about the human condition.
A 12’ x 6’ loft has been constructed on the roof of Bosshart Hall, Rowan’s former science building, where 15 birds will be housed.
Experiments will include training the birds to find food hidden in various places, using ultraviolet light, landmarks and the position of the sun in the sky.
With the room darkened, they are focusing ultraviolet light on a food bowl they want the birds to travel to and see if it works as a beacon for them, possibly providing an indication of how it is the birds can find their home in overcast weather with few typical cues visible. ‘People say birds use ultraviolet light in part to know where to go, but no one’s done an experiment in an arena to see how’ Hough said.
Hough, who conducted post-doctoral research at Bowling Green State University on spatial information in the hippocampus of homing pigeons and has published extensively on the topic, believes the research will translate into valuable findings that may benefit humans.
Most studies done on memory loss and learning involve rats and mice. The problem is they’re using a model species that is nocturnal and tends to use smell, not sight, to guide them, so their view of the world and the way they get around the world may be completely different than humans,” Hough said.
Hough, who estimates there are only seven to 10 labs in the world conducting this type of research, will work with students on the study for at least two years.
