Researchers discover quantum effects in bird navigation
A new study from the University of Oxford reveals that birds may use quantum entanglement to sense Earth's magnetic field for navigation. The findings, published in Nature, challenge classical explanations of avian migration. This breakthrough opens doors to understanding quantum processes in biology.
In a study released on September 29, 2025, scientists at the University of Oxford announced evidence that European robins exploit quantum entanglement in their visual systems to detect geomagnetic fields. The research, detailed in the journal Nature, builds on previous observations that birds possess cryptochromes—proteins sensitive to magnetic fields—in their eyes.
The team, led by Dr. Erik J. Heller, conducted experiments on 20 robins in controlled environments. They exposed the birds to manipulated magnetic fields and observed navigational disruptions when quantum coherence was theoretically disrupted. 'Our models show that entanglement between electron pairs in cryptochromes allows robins to 'see' the magnetic compass,' Heller stated in the paper. This mechanism persists even in low-light conditions, explaining long-distance migrations during night flights.
Background context traces back to 1970s experiments confirming birds' magnetic sense, but the quantum link remained speculative until recent advances in spectroscopy. The Oxford study used ultrafast laser pulses to probe cryptochrome reactions, confirming entanglement lifetimes of up to 100 microseconds—long enough for navigation signals.
No direct contradictions appear in the source, though the authors note limitations: the experiments were lab-based, and field trials are needed. Implications extend to quantum biology, potentially inspiring technologies like quantum sensors for GPS alternatives. Broader perspectives include ethical considerations for bird conservation amid climate-driven migration shifts, as quantum sensitivity might make species vulnerable to electromagnetic pollution.
The discovery underscores the intersection of physics and biology, with Heller adding, 'This isn't just about birds; it's a window into nature's quantum toolkit.' Future research will test the model in other animals, like sea turtles.