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Study points to pigeon liver as a possible magnetic sensor

A new study argues the liver may play a role in how pigeons detect Earth’s magnetic field during long-range navigation.

Key Takeaways

The study links the liver to pigeons' ability to navigate over long distances.
If confirmed, the finding could reshape where scientists look for magnetoreception in animals.

DT Editorial Team·May 30, 2026·via interestingengineering.com

Pigeon study points to liver cells as a possible magnetic navigation sensor

Researchers say iron-containing immune cells in pigeon livers may help explain how birds detect Earth’s magnetic field, offering a new candidate mechanism for one of animal navigation’s longest-running mysteries.

Key Takeaways

Researchers identified iron-containing liver macrophages as a magnetoreception candidate.
The cells appear to sit near or contact nerve fibers.

DT Editorial Team·May 29, 2026·via refractor.io