A new study has shed light on the long-standing mystery of how pigeons navigate with such precision, revealing that specialized immune cells in their liver play a central role in this ability.

The $30 million discovery

A team of researchers from the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior made the groundbreaking discovery after conducting experiments on pigeons.

The study, published in Science,found that pigeons who had their liver cells temporarily removed lost their navigational ability, particularly on overcast days.

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The findings suggest that pigeons may be using a similar magnetic GPS system to navigate ,a theory that could have far-reaching implications for our understanding of sensory biology across species.

However, external experts caution that further validation is needed to confirm this liver-based mechanism and to fully understand how magnetic signals are transmitted to the brain.

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The study proposes that other birds and even mammals might share a similar magnetic GPS system,but more research is needed to confirm this theory.

The discovery has opened new avenues for understanding sensory biology across species and has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how animals navigate.

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The researchers identified specialized immune cells within the liver that break down red blood cells and store iron, which they believe helps sense Earth's magnetic field.

The immune cells are situated near nerve fibers, potentially providing a direct line to the brain to relay directional information.

Broader context

The study's findings challenge previous theories that suggested light-sensitive molecules in the eyes or the beak were responsible for pigeons' magnetic navigation .

The discovery has significant implications for our understanding of sensory biology and has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of how animals navigate.

Open questions

However, the study's authors acknowledge that further research is needed to fully understand how magnetic signas are transmitted to the brain and to confirm the liver-based mechanism.

The study also raises questions about the existence of multiple, complementary systems for magnetoreception in different parts of the body.