Some animals can sense the Earth’s magnetic field to aid with behaviors such as homing and migration. Details of the biophysical basis of this remarkable ability are only just beginning to emerge and point towards a quantum effect of magnetic fields on a radical pair reaction in the signaling protein, cryptochrome. Prof. Jones will focus on how a magnetic effect on protein activity might transduce a signal through the nervous system to result in a behavioral response, and discuss how this might inform the engineering of magnetic modulation technologies for targeted stimulation in biology.
Prof. Jones is Principal Scientist in Biometrology at the National Physical Laboratory, UK and Honorary Professor of Biological Physics at University College London. His research interests focus on sensory biology, investigating how biomolecules respond to light and magnetic fields and using this to inform the development of new measurement methods. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and Trustee and Advisor to the scientific charities: The Colt Foundation and The Daphne Jackson Trust.
Biological and Environmental Science Seminar 5.3.2026
Departmental Seminar by Visiting Professor Alex Jones from National Physical Laboratory, UK on the topic of "Animal Magnetoreception: Nature’s Quantum Sensor?"
Open to everyone interested. The event offers a great opportunity to learn, share ideas, and connect with colleagues across disciplines. Welcome!
Coffee will be served at 1:45 PM before the seminar - come early to grab a cup and mingle!
Open to everyone interested. The event offers a great opportunity to learn, share ideas, and connect with colleagues across disciplines. Welcome!
Coffee will be served at 1:45 PM before the seminar - come early to grab a cup and mingle!
The seminar will be held at Ylistönrinne, where the Department of Biological and Environmental Science is located.
Event information
Event date
-
Event type
Public lectures, seminars and round tables
Event language
English
Event organizer
Department of Biological and Environmental Science
Communications and Community
Event payment
Free of charge
