Chinese scientists uncover why birds tolerate sour tastes

Chinese scientists uncover why birds tolerate sour tastes

Chinese researchers have decoded the molecular mechanism behind birds' ability to tolerate highly acidic foods, a trait that has long puzzled scientists.Published in the journal Science on Friday, the study reveals that a key mutation in the sour taste

Chinese scientists reveal birds’ sour tolerance

Chinese researchers have uncovered the molecular mechanism that allows birds to tolerate highly acidic foods; an ability that has long puzzled scientists. According to a study published in the journal Science on Friday, a key genetic mutation in the OTOP1 gene, which is responsible for sour taste perception, enables songbirds to consume acidic fruits without experiencing aversion. Lai Ren, a researcher at the Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chines…