Physics

Neuroscience

Circadian clock

Biology

Magnetic field

Circadian rhythm

Cryptochrome

Earth's magnetic field

Retina

Magnetoreception

Quantum mechanics

Cell biology

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Current Biology

Günther et al. suggest that Cry4 could be the magnetoreceptive protein in night-migratory songbirds. Cry4 seems to bind Flavin, shows only weak circadian oscillations, is specifically located in double cones and long-wavelength single cones, and is upregulated during the migratory season in night-migratory European robins but not in chicken.

Double-Cone Localization and Seasonal Expression Pattern Suggest a Role in Magnetoreception for European Robin Cryptochrome 4