Magnetism the 6th Sense. Do Humans Have It?

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Dozens of animal species, including cattle, have demonstrated the ability to detect the geomagnetic field for navigation. Recent research has identified potential organs responsible for this magnetic sense, suggesting that some animals may utilize microscopic magnetic particles or quantum effects in their eyes. A notable study by Sabine Begall found that cattle tend to align themselves along a north-south axis, indicating a preference for magnetic north rather than true north. However, the validity of this study has been questioned due to its reliance on satellite images and the absence of controlled observational data. Critics argue that the study does not account for various environmental factors that could influence cattle behavior. While there is substantial evidence supporting magnetoreception in various animal species, the evidence for mammals, including humans, remains inconclusive. Further research is needed to establish whether humans possess a similar magnetic sense and to clarify the mechanisms behind magnetoreception in animals.
  • #31
This got me to thinking about google maps. I did not find any cows, but I think I found cow shadows.
http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=29.557732,-95.151641&spn=0.000652,0.000862&t=h&z=20
The image seems fast enough to capture cars on the interstate.

As far as the original question, I read in Scientific American about Birds using the difference in the polarized sky, to tell direction. I tried it and in fact the north/south sky
looks very different than the east/west sky.
 
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  • #32
.Here in Bali the natives have excellent sense of direction. It would be worth testing. I'd do it myself, but a rigorous experiment is too expensive. It takes a soundproof room and some sort of randomized mechanically rotating chair, I think. All directional clues other than mag must be removed.

Come to think of it, not even that would work if the clues come from natural sunlight. How could that experiment be done? I don't know.
 

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