Proc Biol Sci March 2023 PMID 36919426

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait.

Maria Grace P Burton, Roger B J Benson, Daniel J Field

Mentions

70
Peak: 51 in Mar 2023
across 5 sources since Mar 2023

Extended reach

233,169
potential audience

Total likes

278

Video views

1,869

Mentions per month

Mar 2023 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter60 posts
  • News3 articles
  • Blogs3 articles
  • YouTube2 videos
  • Facebook2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone reflects a positive reception, with many posts celebrating the publication and emphasizing its importance, such as mentions of the 'extensive illustration of avian skeletal pneumatisation' and the 'direct quantification' approach. The enthusiasm in words like 'excited' and 'congrats,' along with references to the study's contribution to understanding bird evolution, highlight both high interest and engagement, although the impact is viewed as significant but part of a larger scientific conversation.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions show enthusiasm and support for the research's findings, indicating strong agreement on its significance.

InterestHigh interest

Participants express high curiosity, citing the novelty of the methods and the evolutionary implications of skeletal pneumaticity in birds.

EngagementHigh engagement

Posts include personal milestones, such as sharing publications and celebrating first authorship, demonstrating engaged and meaningful involvement.

ImpactModerate impact

The discussions suggest the research has notable influence within the fields of ornithology and evolutionary biology, though some mention it's a step in ongoing research rather than a game-changer.

Abstract in brief

  • This study uses microCT scans to directly measure the amount of air-filled space in bird bones, specifically the humerus, helping to better understand how this trait evolved and functions in birds.
  • The findings show that larger bird bones tend to have more internal air space, and factors like body size, diving behavior, and pneumaticity independently influence bone thickness, indicating multiple factors shape this trait.
  • Overall, the research suggests that the common ancestor of modern birds likely had a highly air-filled humerus, offering new insights into the evolution of skeletal pneumaticity in avian history.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess https://t.co/ooXLep580d #Biomechanics #Evolution @fieldpalaeo https://t.co/ywgUdWUSW3

Mar 15, 2023 · 67 likes · 15 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Grace Burton
@mgraceburton · X

It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we directly quantify skeletal #pneumaticity in the humerus of living #birds, out now in @RSocPublishing, w/ @fieldpalaeo & @BensonLabOxford https://t.co/eU5QkM1Oqh

Mar 15, 2023 · 51 likes · 16 shares · 118 followers View post →
Harriet Carroll: Long Covid Scientific Consultancy
@angryhacademic · X

Fun fact: birds have super efficient respiratory systems & unusual lung set up, including their bones being an extension of their respiratory system, helping to store oxygen https://t.co/I1YIm32ZKC https://t.co/hdeCpDvn9S https://t.co/tWmb8mqVkU Explainer: https://t.co/0WhsVXSjHm

Jun 4, 2025 · 42 likes · 5 shares · 8,778 followers View post →
Alberta Claw
@albertonykus · X

Quantification of avian humeral pneumaticity: https://t.co/kjht661ag2 Congrats to @mgraceburton for getting her Master's project published! #birds #dinosaurs https://t.co/TKXVkAycMb

Mar 15, 2023 · 28 likes · 4 shares · 6,910 followers View post →
Field Palaeobiology Research Group
@fieldpalaeo · X

Ides of March delivered two publications from junior lab members—@mgraceburton published her master's research on the evolution of hollow bird skeletons, and @joelgayford published his final-year undergrad project on shark growth! https://t.co/Of5LNmpS8A https://t.co/Y0qUL2htNT https://t.co/HPANCxEdMG

Mar 16, 2023 · 14 likes · 5 shares · 2,095 followers View post →
Cambridge Earth Sciences
@EarthSciCam · X

"Our work provides a clearer illustration of the extent of avian skeletal pneumatisation than we had before, clarifying a number of long-standing questions related to the functional benefits of filling the avian skeleton with air." Read more here: https://t.co/uew4mQzKAJ

Mar 15, 2023 · 11 likes · 6 shares · 5,008 followers View post →

All mentions

waqar dahri
@Dahri85Waqar · X

RT @angryhacademic: Fun fact: birds have super efficient respiratory systems & unusual lung set up, including their bones being an extensio…

Nov 3, 2025 · 5 shares · 458 followers View post →
Mangomania
@Mangomania111 · X

RT @angryhacademic: Fun fact: birds have super efficient respiratory systems & unusual lung set up, including their bones being an extensio…

Aug 5, 2025 · 5 shares · 409 followers View post →
Kenneth Currie
@KennethCurrie10 · X

RT @angryhacademic: Fun fact: birds have super efficient respiratory systems & unusual lung set up, including their bones being an extensio…

Jun 16, 2025 · 5 shares · 2,183 followers View post →
Allium
@snacklesbian · X

RT @angryhacademic: Fun fact: birds have super efficient respiratory systems & unusual lung set up, including their bones being an extensio…

Jun 11, 2025 · 5 shares · 3,006 followers View post →
Kenneth Currie
@KennethCurrie10 · X

RT @angryhacademic: Fun fact: birds have super efficient respiratory systems & unusual lung set up, including their bones being an extensio…

Jun 6, 2025 · 5 shares · 2,183 followers View post →
Harriet Carroll: Long Covid Scientific Consultancy
@angryhacademic · X

Fun fact: birds have super efficient respiratory systems & unusual lung set up, including their bones being an extension of their respiratory system, helping to store oxygen https://t.co/I1YIm32ZKC https://t.co/hdeCpDvn9S https://t.co/tWmb8mqVkU Explainer: https://t.co/0WhsVXSjHm

Jun 4, 2025 · 42 likes · 5 shares · 8,778 followers View post →
Shots de Ciencia
@shotsdeciencia · X

Referencias de interés: https://t.co/vopw9EcDSE https://t.co/b8P6e4RaF7 https://t.co/7oQxT1HzJF https://t.co/XpSGjqzZLf https://t.co/8BKM8PIfu7

Aug 15, 2023 · 2 likes · 13,351 followers View post →
Mario
@L_ssar · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

May 13, 2023 · 16 shares · 2,864 followers View post →
Hiroto NAKATSUBO
@ostealmania · X

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait - https://t.co/Vk2c6xxjl5 #ScholarAlerts

Apr 2, 2023 · 663 followers View post →
BOU
@IBIS_journal · X

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait | https://t.co/mDZ0n1u9Fq | Proceedings of the Royal Society B | #ornithology https://t.co/k9ttVkAfbe

Mar 29, 2023 · 2 likes · 21,477 followers View post →
fernanda castano
@ferwen · X

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences https://t.co/Gv1g799GEW

Mar 20, 2023 · 1 like · 2,701 followers View post →
Negra
@FariasssDebora · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 18, 2023 · 15 shares · 5,042 followers View post →
Nicole Robertson
@NicoleR56426190 · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 17, 2023 · 15 shares · 824 followers View post →
Marcos K. Pinheiro / "Marcos Wyvern" (Marcosaurus)
@BongMarcosaurus · X

RT @TomHoltzPaleo: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait | Proceedings of the…

Mar 17, 2023 · 1 share · 1,006 followers View post →
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr.
@TomHoltzPaleo · X

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences https://t.co/x7pCG9M4rO

Mar 17, 2023 · 4 likes · 1 share · 32,049 followers View post →
Kuzco
@Kuzco297 · X

RT @fieldpalaeo: Ides of March delivered two publications from junior lab members—@mgraceburton published her master's research on the evol…

Mar 17, 2023 · 5 shares · 284 followers View post →
Joel Gayford
@JoelGayford · X

RT @fieldpalaeo: Ides of March delivered two publications from junior lab members—@mgraceburton published her master's research on the evol…

Mar 16, 2023 · 5 shares · 86 followers View post →
Juned Zariwala
@PaleoJZ · X

RT @fieldpalaeo: Ides of March delivered two publications from junior lab members—@mgraceburton published her master's research on the evol…

Mar 16, 2023 · 5 shares · 870 followers View post →
Grace Burton
@mgraceburton · X

RT @fieldpalaeo: Ides of March delivered two publications from junior lab members—@mgraceburton published her master's research on the evol…

Mar 16, 2023 · 5 shares · 118 followers View post →
Emily G Mitchell
@EGMitchell · X

RT @fieldpalaeo: Ides of March delivered two publications from junior lab members—@mgraceburton published her master's research on the evol…

Mar 16, 2023 · 5 shares · 2,631 followers View post →
Field Palaeobiology Research Group
@fieldpalaeo · X

Ides of March delivered two publications from junior lab members—@mgraceburton published her master's research on the evolution of hollow bird skeletons, and @joelgayford published his final-year undergrad project on shark growth! https://t.co/Of5LNmpS8A https://t.co/Y0qUL2htNT https://t.co/HPANCxEdMG

Mar 16, 2023 · 14 likes · 5 shares · 2,095 followers View post →
Brian Beatty
@Vanderhoofius · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 16, 2023 · 16 shares · 1,579 followers View post →
Hashtag Filosofia
@hashtagfilosofi · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 16, 2023 · 15 shares · 3,325 followers View post →
Cambridge Earth Sciences
@EarthSciCam · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 16, 2023 · 16 shares · 5,008 followers View post →
Kabir Chatterjee
@Logicoraptor · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 142 followers View post →
Kabir Chatterjee
@Logicoraptor · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 142 followers View post →
Kabir Chatterjee
@Logicoraptor · X

RT @EarthSciCam: "Our work provides a clearer illustration of the extent of avian skeletal pneumatisation than we had before, clarifying a…

Mar 15, 2023 · 6 shares · 142 followers View post →
Cl1FF
@Cl1ffDynos · X

RT @albertonykus: Quantification of avian humeral pneumaticity: https://t.co/kjht661ag2 Congrats to @mgraceburton for getting her Master's…

Mar 15, 2023 · 4 shares · 280 followers View post →
Julianne Kiely - Commissions Open
@PalaeoJules · X

RT @albertonykus: Quantification of avian humeral pneumaticity: https://t.co/kjht661ag2 Congrats to @mgraceburton for getting her Master's…

Mar 15, 2023 · 4 shares · 3,639 followers View post →
Pedro Mocho
@PD_Mocho · X

RT @albertonykus: Quantification of avian humeral pneumaticity: https://t.co/kjht661ag2 Congrats to @mgraceburton for getting her Master's…

Mar 15, 2023 · 4 shares · 1,790 followers View post →
Juned Zariwala
@PaleoJZ · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 870 followers View post →
Field Palaeobiology Research Group
@fieldpalaeo · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 2,095 followers View post →
Angel Giovanni Becerra Rodríguez
@GiovanniBece · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 1,629 followers View post →
Angel Giovanni Becerra Rodríguez
@GiovanniBece · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 1,629 followers View post →
Professor John R. Hutchinson
@JohnRHutchinson · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 14,062 followers View post →
birdy
@antoineloucha62 · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 750 followers View post →
Juan Benito
@J_BenitoMoreno · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 707 followers View post →
Kuzco
@Kuzco297 · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 284 followers View post →
Kuzco
@Kuzco297 · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 284 followers View post →
Andrzej Wolniewicz
@ASWolniewicz · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 1,823 followers View post →
Gary Ritchison
@GaryRitchison · X

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait https://t.co/hlVWieYO9O

Mar 15, 2023 · 327 followers View post →
Dr. Oliver Demuth
@OliverDemuth · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 2,091 followers View post →
Grace Burton
@mgraceburton · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 118 followers View post →
Grace Burton
@mgraceburton · X

RT @albertonykus: Quantification of avian humeral pneumaticity: https://t.co/kjht661ag2 Congrats to @mgraceburton for getting her Master's…

Mar 15, 2023 · 4 shares · 118 followers View post →
Matthieu Chotard
@ChotardMatthieu · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 111 followers View post →
Grace Burton
@mgraceburton · X

RT @EarthSciCam: "Our work provides a clearer illustration of the extent of avian skeletal pneumatisation than we had before, clarifying a…

Mar 15, 2023 · 6 shares · 118 followers View post →
Alberta Claw
@albertonykus · X

RT @mgraceburton: It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we dire…

Mar 15, 2023 · 16 shares · 6,910 followers View post →
Grace Burton
@mgraceburton · X

It's out! Super excited to share my first paper as lead author and the culmination of my master's work! Read how we directly quantify skeletal #pneumaticity in the humerus of living #birds, out now in @RSocPublishing, w/ @fieldpalaeo & @BensonLabOxford https://t.co/eU5QkM1Oqh

Mar 15, 2023 · 51 likes · 16 shares · 118 followers View post →
Alberta Claw
@albertonykus · X

Quantification of avian humeral pneumaticity: https://t.co/kjht661ag2 Congrats to @mgraceburton for getting her Master's project published! #birds #dinosaurs https://t.co/TKXVkAycMb

Mar 15, 2023 · 28 likes · 4 shares · 6,910 followers View post →
Naoto HANDA
@Nao_hnd · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 1,383 followers View post →
Matthieu Chotard
@ChotardMatthieu · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 111 followers View post →
David Evans
@DavidEvans_ROM · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 14,060 followers View post →
Dr. Oliver Demuth
@OliverDemuth · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 2,091 followers View post →
マンブルV2/フォアグラ
@V2manburu · X

RT @EarthSciCam: "Our work provides a clearer illustration of the extent of avian skeletal pneumatisation than we had before, clarifying a…

Mar 15, 2023 · 6 shares · 2,173 followers View post →
Alexandra Houssaye
@HoussayeCnrs · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 702 followers View post →
Juned Zariwala
@PaleoJZ · X

RT @EarthSciCam: "Our work provides a clearer illustration of the extent of avian skeletal pneumatisation than we had before, clarifying a…

Mar 15, 2023 · 6 shares · 870 followers View post →
Mario
@L_ssar · X

RT @RSocPublishing: Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess h…

Mar 15, 2023 · 15 shares · 2,864 followers View post →
Royal Society Publishing
@RSocPublishing · X

Direct quantification of skeletal pneumaticity illuminates ecological drivers of a key avian trait #ProcB #OpenAccess https://t.co/ooXLep580d #Biomechanics #Evolution @fieldpalaeo https://t.co/ywgUdWUSW3

Mar 15, 2023 · 67 likes · 15 shares · 38,703 followers View post →
Dr. Oliver Demuth
@OliverDemuth · X

RT @EarthSciCam: "Our work provides a clearer illustration of the extent of avian skeletal pneumatisation than we had before, clarifying a…

Mar 15, 2023 · 6 shares · 2,091 followers View post →
Cambridge Earth Sciences
@EarthSciCam · X

"Our work provides a clearer illustration of the extent of avian skeletal pneumatisation than we had before, clarifying a number of long-standing questions related to the functional benefits of filling the avian skeleton with air." Read more here: https://t.co/uew4mQzKAJ

Mar 15, 2023 · 11 likes · 6 shares · 5,008 followers View post →