Pigeons could have a ‘gut feeling’ in their liver to help them navigate, study suggests
A recent study suggests that pigeons may use iron-rich immune cells in their livers to detect Earth's magnetic field, aiding their navigation. This discovery adds to the ongoing mystery of how birds orient themselves during long flights. Researchers believe that similar mechanisms could exist in other animals, but further investigation is needed to confirm these findings.
- ▪Pigeons might use specialized immune cells in their livers to navigate using Earth's magnetic field.
- ▪When researchers stripped pigeons of these immune cells, the birds struggled to find their way.
- ▪The study suggests that the liver's iron-rich cells may transmit magnetic signals to the brain.
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Open this photo in gallery:Pigeons might be using iron rich immune cells in their livers to detect Earth’s magnetic field, playing a role in their sense of direction.Christian Ziegler/The Associated PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountA surprising gut feeling may help pigeons find their way home. Animals use various techniques to navigate including following the stars and remembering key landmarks. Birds, fish and turtles orient themselves using Earth’s magnetic field as a compass. But it’s not yet clear how exactly they do this.Pigeons are a well-known group of frequent flyers that can traverse hundreds of miles (hundreds of kilometres) in a single day.
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