Researchers identify liver as potential magnetic navigation organ in pigeons.
A study published in the journal Science by researchers from the University of Bonn and the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior suggests pigeons may use magnetic sensors in their livers to navigate. The researchers identified superparamagnetic macrophages, immune cells that accumulate iron, in pigeon livers. Experiments showed pigeons stripped of these cells had difficulty finding their way home.
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Divergence score
2 outlets covered it, splitting into 2 framing camps across 1 bias group.
2 camps
1 bias group
The spectrum · how 2 outlets placed this story
LeftCenterRight
Deutsche Welle
Globe and Mail
Supportive of action
Neutral
Dismissive
Critical
Alarmist
International angle
The split, in one line
Both outlets report the same core finding, with Deutsche Welle emphasizing the magnetic sensors in livers mechanism while Globe and Mail highlights the gut feeling angle and experimental evidence.
How each outlet covered it
No left-right split here
Coverage clusters in the center and international press. Here is each take as it stands.
Center & international coverage
“Pigeons' livers may enable magnetic navigation when the sun doesn't shine, study finds”
“Pigeons could have a 'gut feeling' in their liver to help them navigate, study suggests”
Tracked claims from across the political spectrum
Fact ledger
Corroborated
Disputed