Researchers at the University of Basel have, for the first time, successfully measured the magnetic properties of individual bacteria, confirming how these microorganisms use the Earth’s magnetic field for navigation. The findings, published February 17, 2026, detail the mechanism behind “magnetotaxis,” the process by which certain bacteria align themselves with the planet’s magnetic field lines.
The study focused on Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense, a bacterium known to possess a chain of magnetic nanoparticles called magnetosomes. These magnetosomes function as a biological compass, enabling the bacteria to systematically search for optimal living conditions in aquatic environments and moist sediments. According to the University of Basel, without this magnetic orientation, the bacteria’s movements would be more random, increasing the time and energy required to locate ideal oxygen levels.
The team, led by Argovia-Professor Martino Poggio from the Swiss Nanoscience Institute and the Department of Physics, utilized single-cell magnetometry to observe the alignment of the bacteria. This technique allowed for precise measurement of the magnetic characteristics of individual bacterial cells. The research builds on earlier discoveries; magnetotactic bacteria were first observed in 1963 by Salvatore Bellini, though the rediscovery and formal study of the phenomenon occurred in 1975 by Richard Blakemore.
Magnetotactic bacteria are polyphyletic, meaning they do not share a single common ancestor, but have independently evolved the ability to sense and respond to magnetic fields. These bacteria contain organelles called magnetosomes, which house crystals of magnetic iron minerals. The alignment with the Earth’s magnetic field is believed to assist these organisms in reaching areas with suitable oxygen concentrations, as noted in Wikipedia’s entry on magnetotactic bacteria.
The potential applications of this research extend beyond fundamental biology. Researchers suggest these bacteria could be developed into magnetically controllable “microrobots” for targeted drug delivery. Further investigation into magnetosome biosynthesis, as outlined in a recent Nature article, is as well revealing the complexity of these bacterial structures and their potential for biotechnological applications. The Nature study highlights the intricate process of magnetosome formation and organization within the cell, emphasizing the diversity and potential of these organelles.
The University of Basel team’s operate represents a significant step toward harnessing the capabilities of magnetotactic bacteria, opening avenues for exploration in technology, environmental research and medicine. Ongoing research continues to investigate the genetic and structural complexities of magnetosome biosynthesis, with a focus on two established magnetospirilla model species.
