Geomagnetic field detection in rodents.
In addition to behavioral evidence for the detection of "earth-strength" magnetic fields (MF) by rodents, recent investigations have revealed that electrophysiological and biochemical responses to MF occur in the pineal organ and retina of rodents. In addition, ferrimagnetic deposits have been identified in the ethmoidal regions of the rodent skull. These findings point to a new sensory phenomenon, which interfaces with many fields of biology, including neuroscience, psychophysics, behavioral ecology, chronobiology and sensory physiology.
Olcese
J
J
Department of Biology, Rhodes College, Memphis, TN 38112.
Reuss
S
S
Semm
P
P
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D055593:Geological Phenomena; D005844:Geology; D008280:Magnetics; D010870:Pineal Gland / Q000502:physiology; D012377:Rodentia / Q000502:physiology*