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"Magnetic Cells" Isolated For First Time

Posted by Unknown on from the designer-babies-with-builtin-compasses dept.

sciencehabit writes "For the first time, researchers have isolated magnetic cells in an animal. The cells--found in this case in rainbow trout--may help the fish respond to Earth's magnetic fields, allowing it to find its way home after spending 3 years at sea and traveling up to 300 kilometers away. The advance may help researchers get to the root of magnetic sensing in a variety of creatures, including birds."

6 of 72 comments (clear)

  1. In Humans by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    My brother-in-law, Big Ed, has a metal plate in his head from when he was kicked by a mule, and he can tell the difference between Miller and Miller Light without looking at the labels. Also he has a magnetic memory.

    1. Re:In Humans by PopeRatzo · · Score: 5, Funny

      My brother-in-law, Big Ed, has a metal plate in his head from when he was kicked by a mule

      That's nothing. I've got an uncle with a wooden leg and an aunt with a cedar chest.

      --
      You are welcome on my lawn.
    2. Re:In Humans by socceroos · · Score: 2, Funny

      woodn't you like to know.

  2. Get rich quick! by cervesaebraciator · · Score: 3, Funny

    I think I'll patent magnetic flies and lures to better attract trout. Of course, it doesn't work that way but the point is it can be marketed as though it does.

  3. Re:I could have told them that. by bill_mcgonigle · · Score: 4, Funny

    Yes, but how many of them have a license to gill?

    --
    My God, it's Full of Source!
    OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
  4. The human male has magnetic cells too. by Kaz+Kylheku · · Score: 3, Funny

    They are located in the dermis of the upper lip and produce a feature called "moustache".

    This produces an irresistible magnetic attraction in the opposite sex.