Magnetic map processing in the brain of migratory birds (Neu03)

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To achieve a comprehensive understanding of magnetoreception and vertebrate navigation, it is important to identify the brain regions and neuroanatomical pathways that are involved in processing the magnetic sensory information arriving in the brain from the peripheral nervous system. This project aims to reveal the entire neuronal circuitry underlying trigeminally mediated magnetoreception from distal terminations in the beak until magnetic information reaches the telencephalon (for multisensory integration). We will use a combination of neuronal tracing techniques and the detection of magnetic field-triggered expression of immediate early genes reflecting neuronal activation. To unequivocally show the biological relevance of each of the trigeminal components, we will combine microsurgical approaches with behavioural orientation experiments.