Can We Relearn the Lost Human Sense: Magnetoreception?

Björn Keyser

€4,518 Raised

from €5,000 (90%)

Closed

About This Project

I'm studying the potential for humans to consciously perceive magnetic fields using sensory substitution. Building on evidence of subconscious brain responses to magnetic fields and the presence of magnetic particles in the human brain, I aim to enhance these signals to enable conscious perception. This research could significantly advance our understanding of human sensory capabilities and neuroplasticity, offering insights into evolution and navigation.

What is the context of this research?

This study investigates magnetoreception, a sense found in many animals but until recently thought to be inactive in humans. Recent findings show magnetic particles in the human brainand subconscious EEG responses to Earth's Magnetic Field changes, implying a potential magnetoreceptive ability. Interestingly, Aboriginal tribes' directional language also hints at their natural magnetoreception. Using sensory substitution, the research aims to awaken and enhance this ancient sense for better navigation and interaction with the environment, potentially transforming our understanding of human sensory capabilities and our species' evolution.

What is the significance of this project?

This research offers a unique opportunity to leverage human neuroplasticity and could redefine our understanding of the human sensory world and our species' history. From a practical standpoint, there are many applications for enhancing magnetoreception. For example, this sense would be beneficial for marine and aerial pilots, who often suffer from spatial disorientation. But in general, I think the amazing thing is that it really is present in each one of us, and if we are successful, each of us has the potential to unlock this new, but more accurately, ancient sense. It could open doors for a new dimension of spatial awareness; however, like imagining a new color, we cannot even imagine what such a sense would feel like.

What are the goals of the project?

Subjects will use a sensory substitution device during the training phase. This wearable device will give the wearer a sense of direction, and by the mantra of "neurons that fire together, wire together", we hypothesize that - over time - the brain will rewire itself to strengthen the connections to our dormant magnetoreception, as it has been proven to do in other similar scenarios. Before and after this training phase we conduct measurements; subjects' EEG response will be measured, as well as their ability to guess which magnetic field rotation occurred (in a setting where the effects of rotating on the magnetic field are simulated without actually having to rotate). We hypothesize a significant difference in the response before and after.

Meet the Team

Dr. Maarten H. Lamers

(supervisor)

Academic researcher and educator with an interest in artificial intelligence, artificial creativity, robots, animal-computer interaction, hybrid bio-digital systems, and scientific playfulness. Public speaker on these topics. Also a game developer.

"I fully support Björns research crowd-funding initiative for the following (good :-) reasons:
- his hypothesis is truly new and potentially groundbreaking, as confirmed by Caltech’s research group
- only in Caltech’s lab can the experiment be done
- Björn has already approached and received funding from regular research/student funding agencies; but unfortunately, this doesn’t cover his costs
- I personally know Björn as a trustworthy and brilliant person and student." - Dr. Maarten H. Lamers

Björn Keyser

(MSc. Media Technology student, principal investigator)

After completing my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, I felt a desire to apply my knowledge to other domains of science, not restricting myself to computers, as I have always been interested in the "natural world" as well.

During my current Master's degree in Media Technology at Leiden University (Netherlands), I realized I was very interested in biology and in particular the brain, with a computational approach. When I stumbled upon the field of sensory substitution, I got hooked, as someone with an interest in the brain's adaptability, but no interest in the invasive surgical side of neuroscience.

Due to my horrible sense of direction, I got obsessed with the topic of human magnetoreception. Realizing sensory substitution might be suited to relearn this sense, I couldn't help but pursue the idea.

Additional info

Video about the research confirming an inactive subconscious magnetoreceptive ability in humans:

Video about the principles of sensory substitution:

Video about natural magnetoreception in the Aboriginal Gurindji tribe:

Video about Paul Bach-y-Rita's BrainPort device, restoring sight and balance in patients who lost those senses, using sensory substitution:

Latest blogs

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Magnetoreception in Humans: A Big Thank You for Supporting the First Steps 13-09-2024 | 13:20 Dear donors, I wanted to take a minute to thank all of you who made it possible for me to head out to Caltech and dive into this wild idea I had. Your generosity and belief in the potential of my work meant the world to me. So, here’s the scoop on what I’ve been up to and how things turned out. Just to jog your memory (because, let’s be honest, it’s been a while since the last update), my research was about whether humans might have a hidden ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field—just like birds, turtles, whales and many more do. It’s called magnetoreception. I figured that maybe we lost it over time because of our modern lifestyle, but with the right training, we might be able to bring it back. At Caltech, I worked on building and testing experiments to see if there was anything to that idea. Long story short: we made some important, preliminary discoveries that set the stage for the work, and Caltech is continuing to explore this. Now for the exciting part—we found some early signs that magnetoreception might actually play a role in how we visually perceive the world. This is the first time we’ve seen anything like this in humans, which is pretty wild! To be sure the effect is real, the experiment is still being run at Caltech with more and more participants. But let me be clear—this is just a starting point. We still have a long way to go before we can say we’re anywhere near being able to use this sense like other animals do. But that’s how science works—we build it up, piece by piece. And this first piece was essential, but only one of many. Looking back at when I started, I thought I’d have all the answers in just four months. Yeah, not so much. Turns out, I was a little overambitious. But that drive pushed me to accomplish way more than even the team expected. In those four months, we: Rebuilt the Faraday chamber (basically a fancy cage for testing this magnetism stuff), Designed and built four completely new experiments, and Pilot-tested all of them—with me as the only participant so far (couldn’t get permission for others yet). On top of that, I also developed a wearable headband that uses vibrations to help you feel where North is, like an internal compass. The idea was to see if wearing it could train magnetoreception. I only had time for a one-hour test (not weeks or months as I’d hoped), but even in that short window, we noticed some subtle changes in my magnetic sensitivity. If you’re into the details, it’s all in my thesis, which got me a solid 9 (out of 10)! What’s next? Well, we’re waiting to hear back about a grant that could let me work on this for a full year at Caltech. Fingers crossed! And one of the experiments we set up is — as I said — still running, and I’ve got a good feeling it will lead to a big publication down the road. This whole experience wasn’t just an academic success for me—it was personal, too. Working alongside the Caltech team taught me so much and reminded me of how much I still don’t know (a lot!). It was also fun to be able to ask questions freely, like a kid in a candy store—whether they were related to magnetoreception or entirely different topics (like "do you think dogs smell in color?", or "is it possible to tickle yourself?") —and I always received thoughtful, knowledgeable answers. When there were no clear answers, we sometimes came up with new experiments on the spot. I ended up with more ideas than time, which is not a bad problem to have. Anyway, I can’t thank you enough. Without your support, none of this would’ve happened. As I close this crowdfunding page, the blog will wrap up, too. If you want to stay in touch, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn. And if you ever see a news headline that says something like, “Scientists prove humans can use magnetic sense,” just remember—you helped make it happen. Cheers, Björn

We made it 19-02-2024 | 04:17 I am still having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that - after months of dreaming and planning and crowdsourcing and paperwork - I am in LA right now, and starting research at Caltech on Tuesday! Thank you so much to everyone who has supported, shared, and contributed to this idea. Your belief in this project and your generosity have been incredibly moving. Although we didn't reach our €5000 target, I was fortunate enough to receive an additional scholarship along the way, which enabled me to achieve my funding goal. Looking ahead, I'm mindful of the challenges that lie in completing enough research within 4 months to confidently answer my research question. But we will be able to poke at this question enough to lay the groundwork for a more comprehensive, fully-funded research project at Caltech, with a wider team of participants. In the meantime, I plan to undertake a preliminary version of the experiment using myself as the subject. I've refined my prototype compass hat and will wear it daily throughout my stay. By periodically assessing my magnetoreceptive abilities, I will track any enhancements. Thank you once again to all who have made this journey possible. :) PS. I've decided to keep the donation page active as a significant portion of the project's expenses have been covered out of my own pocket and loaned money.

Latest donations

Meijke de Boer 25-05-2024 | 10:09

Vuslat Topal I really like the initiative Björn took in contacting CalTech and his determination to further this project. I also like how he gave credit to his friend Kadir in the video! Read more 15-02-2024 | 21:36

Fleur van Dooren 15-02-2024 | 20:31

Nils Kappeyne Great research topic! Good luck with the project 11-02-2024 | 10:59

Vanessa Roeters van Lennep 07-02-2024 | 23:18

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