First Sensor of Earth's Magnetic Field Uncovered in an Animal Reveals Internal GPS

Scientists have made a startling discovery. They've identified the first sensor of Earth's magnetic field in an animal: a tiny worm.

In this latest study, the researchers brought worms into the lab from other parts of the world. Surprisingly, not all of these worms moved down. Instead, depending on where they were from, they moved at a precise angle to the magnetic field that would have corresponded to "down" if they had been back home. For example, Australian worms moved upward in tubes.

"It's been a competitive race to find the first magnetosensory neuron," said Jon Pierce-Shimomura, one of the researchers, in a news release. "And we think we've won with worms, which is a big surprise because no one suspected that worms could sense the Earth's magnetic field."

The researchers discovered the worms had a neuron which sported a magnetic field sensor, called an AFD neuron. This neuron was already known to sense carbon dioxide levels and temperature. They found that worms that were genetically engineered to have a broken AFD neuron did not orient themselves up and down as normal worms.

"Chances are that the same molecules will be used by cuter animals like butterflies and birds," said Pierce-Shimomura. "This gives us a first foothold in understanding magnetosensation in other animals."

The findings may open up the possibility of manipulating magnetic fields to protect agricultural crops from harmful pests. In addition, it may pave the way for future studies in other animals, and may cause scientists to have a better idea of where to look for this same magnetic sensor in birds, insects and other animals.

The findings are published in the journal eLife.

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