Light-independent and pulsing-sensitive magnetic compass responses in planarians
Leif Moritz, Evelyn Schmidt, Bénédicte Darbon, Aarya J Pawar, Floriane Bureau, Pia Schürmann, Cigdem Ilayda Kalyon, Sybille Wolf-Kümmeth, Yannick Menger, Aude Chambodut, Hervé Cadiou, Erich Pascal Malkemper
This study shows planarians have a light-independent magnetic compass that can be disrupted by magnetic pulses, suggesting a magnetite-based mechanism.
bioRxiv · Oct 2, 2026 · PreprintAnimal Behavior & Cognition