Migrating birds may actually “see” earth’s magnetic fields
Migrating birds may actually “see”
earth’s magnetic fields
Migrating birds, it seems, can “see” the
Earth’s magnetic field which they use as a compass to guide them around the
globe.
Specialized neurons in the eye, sensitive to magnetic direction, have been shown for the first time to connect via a specific brain pathway to an area in the forebrain of birds responsible for vision.
Magnetic sensing molecules in the eye, known as cryptochromes, appear to stimulate photoreceptors depending on the orientation of the magnetic field.
This strongly suggests migratory birds perceive the magnetic field as a visual pattern, the researchers said.
Imagine being able to see magnetic fields!
Specialized neurons in the eye, sensitive to magnetic direction, have been shown for the first time to connect via a specific brain pathway to an area in the forebrain of birds responsible for vision.
Magnetic sensing molecules in the eye, known as cryptochromes, appear to stimulate photoreceptors depending on the orientation of the magnetic field.
This strongly suggests migratory birds perceive the magnetic field as a visual pattern, the researchers said.
Imagine being able to see magnetic fields!
Posted: Wed - September 26, 2007 at 10:23 AM