‘Mind-blowing’: Iron-rich immune cells help homing pigeons navigate

AI Insight

Researchers have discovered that homing pigeons use iron-rich immune cells to detect Earth's magnetic field for navigation. These specialized immune cells, called macrophages, contain iron particles and are located in specific regions of the pigeon's body where they can sense magnetic fields. This finding provides a new biological mechanism for magnetoreception, a sense that has long puzzled scientists studying animal navigation.

Why it matters

Understanding how animals detect magnetic fields could lead to advances in bio-inspired navigation technologies and help explain how migratory species orient themselves during long-distance travel. The discovery also suggests that the immune system may have unexpected sensory functions beyond fighting disease.