Magnetic field and birds --- I saw several flocks of geese in V formation while in Pennsylvania and I remembered wondering, how do birds know which direction to go in at such great distances. Well, it may have to do with the Earth's magnetic field --- scientists in Germany found tiny iron oxide crystals in the skin lining of the upper beak of homing pigeons, laid out in a three dimentional (amazing) pattern that might help them read the magnetic field---independent of their posture, motion and geographical position. Similar iron containing cells have been found in the beaks of robins, and other birds---some scientists speculate it may be a universal feature of all birds. It reminds me of so many things that connect us to earth and beyond.
Polar explorers --- Two women launched an Arctic trek to bring attention to global warming but after 7 days had to turn around. Weather conditions had already started frostbite problems. They were going to post photography online of what they thought was evidence of global warming. Ann Bancroft of Minnesota and Liv Arnesen of Oslo---51 and 53, their ages are very inspiring for me!
(from Cathie Vonesh, 3/15/07)
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