How pigeons exploit magnetic fields for navigation
Summary
Scientists studied how homing pigeons use the Earth's magnetic fields to find their way. They discovered that iron-rich immune cells in the pigeons’ livers may help them sense magnetic fields and send signals to their brains, aiding navigation.Key Facts
- Birds, including pigeons, use Earth's magnetic fields to navigate, especially in low light or cloudy conditions.
- Scientists are unsure exactly where and how birds sense magnetic fields inside their bodies.
- Researchers found strong magnetic responses in the iron-rich cells of pigeon livers.
- The study involved training pigeons to fly a set route and then removing certain liver cells in some pigeons.
- Pigeons with these liver cells removed had trouble finding their way when the sun was hidden by clouds.
- Images showed liver immune cells (macrophages) connected to nerves, suggesting they send magnetic information to the brain.
- This finding offers a new idea that liver cells, not just beak or eyes, may help birds sense magnetism.
- The research was published in the journal Science by a team from the University of Bonn and University Hospital Bonn.
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