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Study: Lobsters Possess Homing Abilities

Research published in the current issue of the science journal Nature shows that lobsters use the earth's magnetic fields to navigate the ocean. Scientists believe the lobsters -- and other animals with homing instincts such as birds -- have tiny amounts of a mineral in their body that actually pick up the magnetic field. NPR's Eric Niiler reports.

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Eric Niiler
Eric Niiler reports for NPR's national desk. His work can be heard on All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and other NPR newsmagazines. Before moving to his current post, Niiler was a reporter for NPR's Day to Day program, and also filed pieces for NPR's national and science desks.