A new study published in Science proposes that homing pigeon livers contain magnetic immune cells that act as compasses to help the birds navigate using Earth's magnetic field. However, several independent experts question the findings, citing previous research suggesting the iron in these cells cannot respond strongly enough to Earth's weak magnetic field and noting the lack of explanation for how the signal would reach the brain.
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A new study published in Science proposes that homing pigeon livers contain magnetic immune cells that act as compasses to help the birds navigate using Earth's magnetic field. However, several independent experts question the findings, citing previous research suggesting the iron in these cells cannot respond strongly enough to Earth's weak magnetic field and noting the lack of explanation for how the signal would reach the brain.