Abstract

Overview

Understanding the sensory mechanisms allowing migratory birds to detect Earth's magnetic field has been a long-standing scientific mystery. The radical-pair mechanism, involving magnetically sensitive intermediaries formed by the photoexcitation of cryptochrome proteins in the retina, is a leading hypothesis in this research area.

Findings

• This study primarily aims to bridge the gap between biologists and physicists by explaining the chemical and physical aspects of the radical-pair mechanism.
• A comprehensive tutorial form is used to review current knowledge and facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation.

Conclusion

The researchers aspire to encourage further experimental and theoretical work to unravel additional insights into magnetoreception, highlighting its importance and complexity in sensory biology.