A research team in Germany has published new data on how pigeons use magnetic fields as a navigation method when visibility is limited. A key part of the long-sought answer could lie in an unexpected organ, their livers.

...

But given the birds' inability to navigate magnetically without the assistance from their livers, the researchers concluded: "We propose that in homing pigeons, superparamagnetic macrophages in the liver are required for finding magnetic direction."

Macrophages are immune cells that break down old red blood cells. As part of this process, they accumulate iron, which may allow them to respond to magnetic fields.

Link to the paper

top 10 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] Bluefalcon@discuss.tchncs.de 25 points 2 days ago

So it's a gut feeling? Goodnight everyone!

[–] LetchLemon@lemmy.blahaj.zone 13 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

So what im hearing is researchera removed livers from pidegeons and they didnt navigate good. Look ill be honest you remove my liver and asked me to walk home. Probably wouldnt get there either.

[–] FTonsilStones@lemmy.ca 12 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Per the article, they didn't remove the livers, only depleted the macrophages:

"We found that after macrophage depletion, pigeons flying under overcast conditions lacked their usual orientation capabilities," they said.

Also:

When the sun was visible, the birds' orientation was unimpaired, suggesting that visual and solar-based cues were another of the pigeons' navigation methods.

[–] LetchLemon@lemmy.blahaj.zone 4 points 2 days ago

It was hyperbole.

[–] Reverendender@sh.itjust.works 11 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I, too, have a liver, and I would also like this ability.

[–] fonix232@fedia.io 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Technically you can get kiiinda something similar but with a magnet implant.

I've had one in my ring finger for a while and it was pretty dope.

[–] lacethespace@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I sense a story? Tell us more, why'd you get it and then remove it?

[–] fonix232@fedia.io 3 points 2 days ago

I got it because I thought it was cool. it was.

didn't want to remove it but it got irritated and flipped on its edge (disk shaped magnet) thanks to a new laptop which had magnets around its edges to secure the lid (at the time this was new).

[–] Staff@piefed.world 5 points 2 days ago

Liver and learn.

[–] ThePantser@sh.itjust.works 5 points 2 days ago

My high ass could only see a pidgin with a Mohawk.