Trending science: ‘Protein compass’ could explain animal navigation and boost research
These ‘compasses’ – lumps of protein that align with the Earth’s geomagnetic field lines – were discovered in fruit flies by researchers at Peking University led by Professor Can Xie. The researchers discovered a protein they named MagR, which forms rod-like clumps with light-sensitive proteins called cryptochromes. Xie and his team suggest that movements of these rod-like structures feed information to the nervous system, creating a sense of direction. Previous research has suggested that cryptochromes play a key role in magnetic sensing abilities. However, Dr Xie and his colleagues reasoned that these proteins would need to ‘team up’ with other proteins in order to actually form a compass. In a series of follow-up experiments, the scientists were also able to show that these MagR-cryptochrome compasses can form in a range of species, including monarch butterflies, pigeons, more rats, minke whales and humans. The Peking University team is now investigating the role these miniscule ‘compasses’ might play in aiding human navigation. Reporting on the study, which was published in Nature Materials this week, the UK’s Guardian noted that the idea that animals can sense the Earth’s magnetic field was once widely dismissed. Though this ability has now been well established – at least among some species – exactly how the sensing is achieved remains a mystery. These findings are therefore significant in that they could help scientists explain the mechanisms of how animals such as birds and insects sense magnetism. Furthermore, the findings could also lead to the development of new technologies that allow scientists to control cell processes and influence animal behaviour with magnetic fields. Over the past decade for example, scientists have used the light-sensing capacity of some proteins to manipulate neurons, usually by inserting a fibre-optic cable directly into the brain — a tool called optogenetics. Other industries also stand to benefit. Cheaper, smaller and more robust field sensors are also in high demand for a range of applications such as mining survey systems and mobile phone navigation apps. Another possibility being put forward by Xie and his team is that the cryptochrome proteins, which play a crucial role in forming the ‘compass’, may harness significant quantum effects in order to convert the Earth’s weak magnetic field into a signal to the animal’s brain. This could be of significant interest to quantum technology start-ups, who are looking at ways of applying quantum physics in order to develop high tech sensors. For further information please visit: ‘A magnetic protein compass’
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