Are birds developing a cigarette habit? Researchers across multiple continents have discovered that birds are putting cigarette butts in their nests. Apparently, the toxins in tobacco help ward off parasites.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 closed lower on Thursday, but trimmed steeper losses from earlier in the session after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was helping with US efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices retreated from an earlier spike after attacks on Iranian and Qatari energy facilities. The Russell 2000 closed higher.