Martin Wood Complex, Department of Physics, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3PU
Professor Christiane Timmel, University of Oxford
Quantum Travellers – the Role of the Radical Pair Mechanism in Avian Magnetoreception
Although it has been known for half a century that night‐migratory songbirds can detect the strength and direction of the Earth’s magnetic field for the purposes of orientation and navigation, the primary sensory mechanisms responsible for this fascinating feat are still obscure. Schulten’s suggestion in 1978 [1], that this capability might be driven by a quantum mechanical process involving a pair of photoinduced radicals, was long considered to be an exotic and highly unlikely hypothesis. However, with the discovery of cryptochromes [2], a family of blue light photoreceptor proteins, this radical pair hypothesis has taken centre stage in the discussion of animal magnetosensitivity.
In this talk, this quantum hypothesis of magnetoreception will be introduced and aspects from newest advances in zoology, chemistry and physics combined to produce a holistic understanding of this fascinating, interdisciplinary field.
[1] Schulten, K.; Swenberg, C. & Weller, A. Z. Phys. Chem., 1978, 111, 1–5.
[2] Ahmad, M. & Cashmore, A.R., Nature, 1993, 366, 162–166.
[3] Xu J. et al., Nature, 2021, 594, :535-540.
The event will be hosted by Professor Arzhang Ardavan.
This is a public event and everyone is welcome to attend in person or online via link https://zoom.us/j/96533109003
Refreshments will be served in the foyer afterwards.
Booking is now open, please register by clicking on the button below.