Right or left, up, but maybe
down….sometimes our sense of direction is all out of wack for no reason. Or
maybe not? Scientists may have discovered a protein responsible for your sense
of direction, or lack there of. Labeled Mag-R cryptochrome, this tiny biological
protein forms a cluster that acts like an innate compass.
Cryptochromes are a class of
flavoproteins that are involved in the sensation of magnetic fields, as well
the circadian rhythm of animals and plants, and the sensation of blue light. Cryptochromes
are believed to detect the geomagnetic field through the quantum behavior of
electrons produced when light makes contact with retinal proteins. However,
many scientists argue that cryptochromes cannot navigate on their own. In
combination with the rod-like proteins of Mag-R, the formation of protein
clusters is believed to form a type of magnetic sensor. It is believed these clustered
proteins form rod-like shapes that will align themselves with the Earth’s
geomagnetic field, moving with this magnetic field. This movement creates a
stimulus that sends information to the nervous system to enable a sense of
direction. Fruit flies and similar species use this information to navigate,
determining their direction in flight.
While this idea that animals
have the capability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field has long been proposed,
scientists are still unsure the exact mechanism. Although it is possible for
this protein to form within wide variety of species, this protein is yet to be
discovered in humans. Although a human’s sense of direction is likely far more
complex in comparison to a fruit fly, the possibility still remains. If humans
do indeed possess Mag-R cryptochrome, it would be interesting to know if more
of the protein enabled better sensory reception and an overall better sense or
direction.
Currently this information
regarding innate compasses is being used to advance scientific technology. This
year alone, UK quantum technology will spend close to 150 Euro on sensory
systems. Using nature as a model, this discovery of Mag-R cryptochromes could be
used to develop improved field sensor technology.
Sample, I. (2015). Tiny
protein ‘compasses’ found in fruit flies – and potentially humans. The Guardian. Retrieved from
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/nov/16/tiny-protein-compasses-found-in-fruit-flies-and-potentially-humans?CMP=twt_a-science_b-gdnscience?CMP=twt_a-science_b-gdnscience
This is a truly interesting discovery that may have huge implications into explaining a largely misunderstood phenomena of animal life: large scale migration. It is not well documented how animals such as butterflies, migratory birds, whales, and many other animals know exactly which direction to travel in when it comes time to migrate. For years scientists have inferred that a magnetic field component may be at play, which would be explained by this idea. Humpback whales, for example, exhibit unbelievable navigation skills. In 2011 scientists tracked a particular humpback whale as it migrated from the Atlantic Ocean near Brazil, to New Caledonia in the Pacific Ocean. The whale traveled a total of 1386 miles and only veered off its course by a maximum of 0.4 degrees, which is astounding. Scientists who support the idea that whales likely use a magnetic field "navigation system" still have a confounding problem to deal with however. Over the course of this and other whales migratory journies, scientists have recorded wide magnetic field variations, with magnetic north changing by as much as 12 degrees. Supporters of magnetic field navigation point then to the idea that whales use the sun as a beacon of direction, however whales have been repeatedly seen to maintain accurate headings regardless of the sun placement, or if clouds block its view. Perhaps a combination of light, magnetic cues, and additional factors are play that we are yet to understand. Regardless, the likelihood that quantum mechanics may be involved seems strong, and this research is an impressive step towards understanding inherent navigation abilities of the brain..
ReplyDeleteHumpback Whale Navigation Article
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