The stimulation came in two forms: pulses of electricity and pulses of chemicals that mimic the action of serotonin and dopamine, two molecules that transmit messages between nerve cells.

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Wildlife groups are lobbying the government to press for international action to stop chemicals being discharged which affect seabirds.

BBC: Calls to stop PIB discharges at sea after bird deaths

And if the foreign companies who supplied the chemicals can be identified, might some kind of action be considered?

BBC: Magazine

At least 38 states have taken action to control one or more of these chemicals.

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This problem is compounded by the possible presence of multiple chemicals which together have an additive effect that greatly increases the lethal action of any single chemical.

CNN: Chemicals killing Florida birds, fish

As is the case for many other industries, chemicals companies recognize the need to move beyond basic analytical applications to those than can enable predictive action, and move towards more real-time response.

FORBES: Risk Analytics: Insights for Chemicals Companies