While you may not see the positives that pigeons can bring to the world, researchers at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom do. The researchers have developed a tiny set of sensors that can be strapped onto the backs of pigeons in order to collect data on urban microclimate.
It may sound strange, but considering that pigeons are the ultimate city dwellers, placing sensors on them can be an extremely effective way to measure block-by-block variations in temperature, humidity, and wind that affect living conditions in major cities, all of which are measurements that can help scientists combat air pollution and track climate change in cities. And just so you know, when designing the sensors, the team followed strict guidelines to make sure they didn’t ruffle any metaphorical feathers. The entire package is less than 3 percent of the pigeon’s body weight, as is standard when fitting wild animals with scientific equipment.
