Published in Nature · View the paper (DOI)
Researchers discover that cryptochrome 4, found in birds' retinas, is sensitive to magnetic fields and could be the long-sought magnetic sensor. The team deciphered the mechanism behind this sensitivity, which arises from electrons moving within the molecule after blue-light activation.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- Quantum birds University of Oldenburg · Jun 23, 2021 · first to report
- Light-sensitive protein in eye of birds is magnetic sensitive as well Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences · Jun 23, 2021