Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the variations in intraperitoneal body temperature among different species including laboratory mice, Jungar hamsters, European greenfinch Chloris chloris, and starlings, reflecting the impact of environmental factors.

Findings

• Body temperature changes significantly correlated not only within the same species but also between birds and mammals which were isolated and maintained under different lighting conditions.
• External influences, not linked to light exposure, appear to affect the central thermal control mechanisms.
• Most notable body temperature rhythms, occurring every 8-9 and 12-13 minutes, often matched the phases of the geomagnetic field fluctuations within ±1 minute.
• The amplitude of body temperature oscillations seemed unaffected by the intensity of geomagnetic field oscillations.
• A key observation was the synchronization of body temperature changes with geomagnetic field oscillations at an amplitude of 0.4 nT.
• There was no observable change in body temperature in response to larger, more irregular geomagnetic disruptions (6-10 nT).

Conclusion

The study unveils a potential subtle yet significant impact of geomagnetic fields on the thermal regulation in both birds and mammals. It suggests a fascinating interlink between environmental electromagnetic fields and biological processes, underscoring the need for further research into these interactions.