Jiansen Lu
Can we sense magnetic fields like birds?
June 26th 2011 06:20
Birds, bats, turtles and sharks can sense the earth magnetic fields. It is important for their long distance migration. Can humans sense the earth magnetic fields?
Earth Magnetic Field
The researchers from University of Massachusetts Medical School researchers have found that the human retina protein cryptochrome, CRY2, is sensitive to the Earth’s magnetic field. Before it is assumed that humans do not have innate magnetic sense. Steven Reppert MD, the Higgins Family Professor of Neuroscienc used human CRY 2 protein to replace CRY protein in flies. These transgenic flies can still sense and respond to an electric-coil-generated magnetic field.
(Reference: Lauren E. Foley, Robert J. Gegear, Steven M. Reppert, Human cryptochrome exhibits light-dependent magnetosensitivity, Nature Communications, 2011; 2: 356)
Video: Anomaly in Magnetosphere may be causing bird and fish die-off
Scientists at Goethe-Universitat in Frankfurt, Germany, have discovered that a bird can see the Earth's magnetic fields through photoreceptor cells in the bird's right eye. The Goethe-Universitat study revealed that if birds could not see the magnetic field when migrating, they lost their "bearings" and could hurt themselves or even die.
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