IMPROVED IDENTIFICATION TECHNIQUES of BIRD STRIKE REMAINS
A typical bird strike containing only tissue and blood with no feather
fragments for Microscopic or whole-feather comparisons. These types of samples
will be the focus of the DNA identification method.
The FAA and the United States Air Force jointly sponsored a 5 year program to
develop improved identification techniques for aircraft bird strike remains. The
focus of the research was the development of a DNA-based identification for bird
strike remains that lack morphological evidence for feather comparisons.
Identification via DNA sequencing is the "gold" standard, but other cheaper and
faster methods will likely emerge as a result of the database development.
Work is being conducted by the
Smithsonian Institution's Feather Identification Laboratory and has recently
been extended through Fiscal Year 2013. Rapid isolation of biological remains in
the field is critical, and testing of several user-friendly field collection
protocols is being be carried out to determine the highest probability of
success.
For more detailed information about this project visit the
Smithsonian Institution's Feather Lab page.
For more information on the FAA Wildlife R&D program visit the
Official FAA Wildlife R&D
website.
Contact Project Lead:
Ryan King
Last Update:03/28/11
|