Pigeons' immune system can sense Earth’s magnetic field, study suggests
Researchers at the University of Bonn have discovered that homing pigeons may use superparamagnetic properties in their liver white blood cells to sense Earth's magnetic field. This interdisciplinary study bridges immunology and physics to explain the long-standing mystery of avian navigation.
Why it matters
Understanding magnetoreception provides insights into animal behavior and potential new applications for biological sensing mechanisms.
Some animals could sense Earth s magnetic field by using the superparamagnetic properties of white blood cells in their livers, a new interdisciplinary study has revealed. Led by Clivia Lisowski at the University of Bonn, the team s insights into homing pigeon navigation could help scientists resolve the decades-old mystery of how animals can sense magnetic fields. The research also shines new light on the inner workings of the immune system.
The article is a scientific report summarizing research findings without any political or social bias.
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