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3 min learnNew DelhiJun 13, 2026 09:00 PM IST
Homing pigeons have lengthy fascinated scientists with their potential to seek out their method again over lengthy distances. However precisely how they do it has remained one in every of nature’s greatest mysteries. Nonetheless, a brand new research printed within the journal Science suggests the birds could depend on an sudden navigation software: iron-rich immune cells of their liver.
Many animals, together with birds, sea turtles, sharks and canine, are believed to make use of Earth’s magnetic discipline to navigate. Scientists have proposed numerous explanations through the years, from magnetic particles appearing like tiny compass needles to particular proteins within the eyes serving to animals detect magnetic fields.
The brand new research factors to a stunning various. Researchers discovered that immune cells known as macrophages within the livers of homing pigeons comprise giant quantities of iron saved in a protein known as ferritin. These cells had been situated near nerve cells, suggesting they might assist detect magnetic data and cross it on to the mind.
To check the thought, scientists educated 34 homing pigeons to fly a 19-kilometre route. They then used a drug to quickly take away these iron-rich immune cells in a few of the birds.
Why the birds obtained misplaced on cloudy days
The outcomes had been hanging. When the handled pigeons had been launched on closely overcast days, they turned disoriented and struggled to seek out their method house. Birds that had not acquired the therapy flew again usually.
Nonetheless, when the identical handled pigeons had been launched on sunny days, they navigated efficiently utilizing the Solar as a information. This means the liver cells could particularly assist pigeons sense Earth’s magnetic field when different navigation cues are unavailable.
Scientists are nonetheless making an attempt to grasp precisely how the method works. One chance is that the iron saved contained in the cells responds to Earth’s magnetic discipline and sends indicators to close by nerves, which then relay the data to the mind.
Specialists who weren’t concerned within the analysis have known as the findings “mind-blowing” and “terribly thrilling,” although they warning that extra research are wanted.
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If confirmed, the invention may have implications far past pigeons. Researchers consider related mechanisms could exist in different animals that depend on magnetic navigation, from bees and bats to whales and sharks.
For now, the research presents a captivating new clue about how some animals handle one in every of nature’s most exceptional feats: all the time discovering their method house!
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