Bio and Tech sciences

A protein in the eyes of birds is what gives them their internal compass allows them to navigate using  the Earth's magnetic field . Birds can sense Earth's magnetic field which allows them to navigate and Embark on migrations that span tens of thousands of kilometers . Researchers thought Iron rich cells in birds'' beaks acted as microscopic compasses.But new studies have found increasing evidence that certain proteins in birds eyes .Might be what allows them to see magnetic fields.The studies examined 39 zebra finches European robins .Both single out a protein called Cry4 (cryptochromes) , a light sensitive protein found in the retina.The team found that while levels of Cry1 and Cry2 rose and fell over the day. Cry4 levels remained constant indicating the protein was being produced steadily .This is the first that such a molecule has been identified in animals A specific molecule that is responsible for the detection of magnetic fields. Cry4 is a ...