Brain & Nervous System759 citations
2015. Anthropogenic electromagnetic noise disrupts magnetic compass orientation in a migratory bird. Nature 509: 353
Bioeffects Seen
Engels S, N-L Schneider, N Lefeldt, et al. · 2015
Anthropogenic electromagnetic noise impairs migratory birds' magnetic compass navigation abilities.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
This 2015 study examined how anthropogenic electromagnetic noise affects magnetic compass orientation in migratory birds. The research found that electromagnetic noise disrupts the birds' ability to use magnetic compass orientation for migration.
Why This Matters
Magnetic compass orientation is critical for bird migration across long distances. This finding suggests that human-generated electromagnetic pollution may have significant ecological consequences for migratory species.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Cite This Study
Engels S, N-L Schneider, N Lefeldt, et al. (2015). 2015. Anthropogenic electromagnetic noise disrupts magnetic compass orientation in a migratory bird. Nature 509: 353.
Show BibTeX
@article{2015_anthropogenic_electromagnetic_noise_disrupts_magnetic_compass_orientation_in_a_migratory_bird_nature_509_353_ce4876,
author = {Engels S and N-L Schneider and N Lefeldt and et al.},
title = {2015. Anthropogenic electromagnetic noise disrupts magnetic compass orientation in a migratory bird. Nature 509: 353},
year = {2015},
doi = {10.1146/annurev-biophys-032116-094545},
}Quick Questions About This Study
Anthropogenic electromagnetic noise disrupts birds' ability to detect Earth's magnetic field, interfering with their natural compass orientation system. This can cause navigation errors and potentially affect migration routes and timing.
Human-made electromagnetic sources like radio transmitters, power lines, electronic devices, and urban infrastructure generate electromagnetic noise that interferes with birds' magnetic field detection abilities during navigation.
Yes, electromagnetic noise from urban environments can disrupt birds' magnetic compass orientation. This interference may contribute to navigation difficulties for birds flying through or near heavily electrified areas.
The leading scientific hypothesis suggests birds detect magnetic fields through radical pairs formed in cryptochrome proteins in their retinas. This quantum biological process appears vulnerable to electromagnetic interference from human sources.
Birds' magnetic navigation demonstrates that biological systems can detect and respond to electromagnetic fields. Disruption of this natural ability by human EMF sources suggests broader potential impacts on biological processes.