A ‘quantum’ sense has been found in a migratory bird for the first time, helping them find their way without a compass

For a bird as small as the robin Erithacus rubecula, it is a feat to cross an entire continent from Russia to the warmer climates of Southern and Western Europe for winter migration. The secret of this bird’s success lies in its ability to perceive position over long distances through a “quantum” sense.

Scientists have long speculated that these birds can sense the Earth’s magnetic field. Now this hypothesis has been confirmed by observing the unique response to light of a particular protein found in a bird’s eye.

A new study probed the response of cryptochrome proteins (a light receptor that helps birds respond to blue light) when exposed to continuous or cyclic blue light rays, in and out of a weak magnetic field. simulate the Earth’s magnetic field. Scientific reports have brought convincing evidence about the existence and role of magnetic field sensing in the ability to determine direction.

Earlier this year, a team at the University of Tokyo also found a similar protein in humans. Certain molecules in a protein chain with a single electron around the outermost orbital can accept another electron via a covalent bond, changing the properties of the molecule.

This process is influenced by the magnetic field. When a blue light is fired with a certain energy, the above bond will glow depending on the new properties of the molecule. In other words, the quantum relationship between two electrons in a given protein structure can use light as a signal to transmit information about changing magnetic field strength, even with weak fields such as the Earth’s magnetic field. .

This is a surprising finding, potentially providing an answer to the question of why some animals such as migratory birds have the ability to “see” landmarks in the Earth’s magnetic field, an ability. determine a particular direction.

The study also found the presence of similar cryptochromes in humans and chickens, a non-migratory bird that roams the yard. In addition, the researchers also found this protein in pigeons. Although not a migratory bird, pigeons display an extraordinary ability to find their way home after a long journey. It is possible that this sensory protein is not an evolutionary product isolated from migratory birds. However, experiments also found that the magnetic field sensing performance of cryptochrome in robins was stronger than that of chickens and pigeons.

What do birds “see” see when using this sense? Do they see blue more clearly when on the right path? Or is it just a vague feeling that flying in one direction is better than the other? Maybe we will only be able to imagine.

According to Science Alert