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A European robin on a tree branch
New Study Fuels Debate About Source of Birds’ Magnetic Sense
A detailed analysis of cryptochrome 4 shows that the protein is highly sensitive to magnetic fields in vitro, but some researchers dispute the authors’ assertion that the findings could help explain avian magnetoreception.
New Study Fuels Debate About Source of Birds’ Magnetic Sense
New Study Fuels Debate About Source of Birds’ Magnetic Sense

A detailed analysis of cryptochrome 4 shows that the protein is highly sensitive to magnetic fields in vitro, but some researchers dispute the authors’ assertion that the findings could help explain avian magnetoreception.

A detailed analysis of cryptochrome 4 shows that the protein is highly sensitive to magnetic fields in vitro, but some researchers dispute the authors’ assertion that the findings could help explain avian magnetoreception.

magnetoreception

Ten Minute Sabbatical
Emily Cox and Henry Rathvon | Jun 1, 2021 | 4 min read
Take a break from the bench to puzzle and peruse.
Solar Weather Linked to Gray Whale Strandings
Jef Akst | Feb 26, 2020 | 2 min read
When the sun’s atmosphere is stormy, more whales end up on the beach, according to a new study. Biologists speculate it may have to do with navigation or health.
magnetogenetics neuroscience techniques
Two Studies Fail to Replicate Magnetogenetics Research
Katarina Zimmer | Sep 20, 2019 | 9 min read
The new work calls into question the idea that neurons can be genetically engineered to fire in response to magnetic fields, a setback for the budding technique.
super navigators david barrie
Making Sense of Magnetic Navigation
David Barrie | Jun 1, 2019 | 3 min read
A new book about remarkable feats of migration by animals explores the front lines of research into how they do it.
Quantum Biology
Quantum Biology May Help Solve Some of Life’s Greatest Mysteries
Catherine Offord | Jun 1, 2019 | 10+ min read
From the remarkable speed of enzyme-catalyzed reactions to the workings of the human brain, numerous biological puzzles are now being explored for evidence of quantum effects.
quantum biology infographic
Infographic: Quantum Explanations for Biological Phenomena
Catherine Offord | Jun 1, 2019 | 4 min read
Weird effects on the scale of subatomic particles may play roles in enzyme catalysis, photosynthesis, and avian magnetoreception.
Can Humans Sense Magnetic Fields?
Carolyn Wilke | Mar 19, 2019 | 5 min read
A study of people’s brainwaves hints at their unconscious ability to perceive the Earth’s magnetic field.
Worms’ Magnetic Sense Questioned
Abby Olena, PhD | Apr 25, 2018 | 5 min read
Unsuccessful attempts to reproduce the results of a 2015 study reporting that C. elegans orient themselves by Earth’s magnetic field spark debate among researchers.
Zebrafish and Medaka Can Sense Magnetic Fields
Shawna Williams | Mar 19, 2018 | 3 min read
Unlike in some animals, their sense of magnetoreception appears to be independent of blue light.
Migratory Eels Use Magnetoreception
Kerry Grens | Apr 14, 2017 | 2 min read
In laboratory experiments that simulated oceanic conditions, the fish responded to magnetic fields, a sensory input that may aid migration.
Smart Skin Enables Magnetoreception
Jef Akst | Sep 1, 2016 | 3 min read
Researchers develop a wearable technology that can detect magnetic fields and translate the signal into a visual display—a first step toward equipping humans with an entirely new sense.
Notable Science Quotes
The Scientist | Sep 1, 2016 | 2 min read
Sensory discoveries, open-access publishing, and candidates on climate changes
A Cornucopia of Sensory Perception
Mary Beth Aberlin | Sep 1, 2016 | 3 min read
Forget what you learned about humans having five senses. That goes double for non-human animals.
Sensory Biology Around the Animal Kingdom
The Scientist | Sep 1, 2016 | 10+ min read
From detecting gravity and the Earth’s magnetic field to feeling heat and the movement of water around them, animals can do more than just see, smell, touch, taste, and hear.
Opinion: Acquiring Extra Senses
Bernd Fritzsch | Sep 1, 2016 | 3 min read
Animals’ diverse sensory abilities will guide a technology-based revolution that gives humans perception beyond our natural senses.
A Panoply of Animal Senses
The Scientist | Aug 31, 2016 | 2 min read
Animals have receptors for feeling gravity, fluid flow, heat, and electric and magnetic fields.
Animal Magnetism
Catherine Offord | May 1, 2016 | 2 min read
A photosensitive protein behind the retinas of cockroaches plays a role in light-dependent, directional magnetosensitivity.
Biological Compass
Bob Grant | Nov 16, 2015 | 4 min read
A protein complex discovered in Drosophila may be capable of sensing magnetism and serves as a clue to how some animal species navigate using the Earth’s magnetic field.
Alleged Scoop Sours Magnetoreceptor Collaboration
Kerry Grens | Sep 21, 2015 | 2 min read
University administrators request a retraction upon learning that one researcher scooped another’s results despite having agreed not to.
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