Work

An iron compass in the liver: superparamagnetic macrophages give homing pigeons a magnetic sense

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: In a recent study published in Science, Lisowski et al. identified superparamagnetic, iron-loaded macrophages in the pigeon liver and showed that depletion of clodronate-sensitive phagocytic cells impaired homing under overcast skies, when solar cues were unavailable. 1 Together, these observations point to a light-independent magnetoreceptive system outside the head and broaden current models of magnetoreception beyond receptors based on cryptochrome, magnetite, and ion channels in the eye and beak. 2

Source: Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy

DOI: 10.1038/s41392-026-03004-9

Authors: Yun Liu, Jincheng Fang, Roman Sankowski

Institution: University of Freiburg

Language: English

Topic: Characterization and Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,790