Scientists discover some bees have tiny magnetic, internal compasses helping them navigate the world

A study published in Science Advances found magnetic properties in 74 out of 96 bee species tested, revealing that magnetoreception is an ancient, widespread trait across both social and solitary bee lineages, challenging prior assumptions about the origin and necessity of this navigation ability.

The study demonstrates magnetic response as a proxy for magnetoreception, but the researchers note that definitively proving magnetoreception in living bees requires challenging experiments removed from natural environments.