His research into magnetotaxy in humans (by way of neurophilic magnetotactic bacterial symbiotes, noticeable through their green bioluminescence in the retina of the host) was published in 1984. It was a seminal work, paving the way for later studies in mammalian magnetotaxy.* Apparently Shepard also wrote some magic-realism science fiction.
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* The Czech group** have been particularly prolific, finding evidence of magnetoception in practically every species they've examined.
Dog fooled into thinking that a wireframe
parasol is providing privacy while it poops
parasol is providing privacy while it poops
Most recently they reported that dogs like to be aligned with the Earth's magnetic field when they poop, which is a useful thing to know if you are lost in the wilderness with a canine companion as your only help for orienting yourself. It is also a useful excuse if someone demands to know why you are following them around the dog-exercise park with a camera.The Czechs also recorded urinary activity from the dogs they watched. If their Table 11 is to be believed, one male Borzoi provided more piddle events than the other 69 dogs combined.
** From the Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences.