Search
Menu
Zurich Instruments AG - Boost Your Optics 1-24 LB

Birds May Use Molecular GPS

Facebook X LinkedIn Email
TUCSON, Ariz., May 5, 2008 -- A sophisticated molecule may be what drives a bird's internal global positioning system (GPS). Under illumination, the molecule is sensitive to both the magnitude and the direction of magnetic fields as tiny as the Earth’s -- which is about one-twenty thousandth stronger than a refrigerator magnet. Scientists from Arizona State University (ASU) and the University of Oxford who have synthesized and studied the molecule said their results "provide clear proof of principle that the magnetic compass sense of migratory birds is based on a magnetically sensitive chemical reaction whose...Read full article

Related content from Photonics Media



    Articles


    Products


    Photonics Handbook Articles


    White Papers


    Webinars


    Photonics Dictionary Terms


    Media


    Photonics Buyers' Guide Categories


    Companies
    Published: May 2008
    Glossary
    photonics
    The technology of generating and harnessing light and other forms of radiant energy whose quantum unit is the photon. The science includes light emission, transmission, deflection, amplification and detection by optical components and instruments, lasers and other light sources, fiber optics, electro-optical instrumentation, related hardware and electronics, and sophisticated systems. The range of applications of photonics extends from energy generation to detection to communications and...
    Arizona State UniversityASUBasic ScienceBiophotonicsCommunicationsenergygeographic position systemGPSNews & Featuresphotonics

    We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.