Story perspectives

Pigeons Use Liver Macrophage Magnetic Compass, Study Shows

5/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Scientists discovered that homing pigeons use liver macrophages as a magnetic compass when the sun is hidden.
Clodronate liposomes removed macrophages from half of 34 pigeons released 19 km away, causing birds with macrophages to return home in ~70 minutes while birds waited for sunlight.
Magnetic tests showed the liver’s macrophages had the highest iron content and magnetic response, with electron microscopy placing them next to nerve fibers, implying a brain pathway.

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Story summary

Scientists discovered that homing pigeons use liver macrophages as a magnetic compass when the sun is hidden.
Clodronate liposomes removed macrophages from half of 34 pigeons released 19 km away, causing birds with macrophages to return home in ~70 minutes while birds waited for sunlight.
Magnetic tests showed the liver’s macrophages had the highest iron content and magnetic response, with electron microscopy placing them next to nerve fibers, implying a brain pathway.