There are potential mechanisms; > Human cryptochrome exhibits light-dependent magnetosensitivity > "Humans are not believed to have a magnetic sense, even tho

There are potential mechanisms; > Human cryptochrome exhibits light-dependent magnetosensitivity > "Humans are not believed to have a magnetic sense, even though many animals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation. One model of magnetosensing in animals proposes that geomagnetic fields are perceived by light-sensitive chemical reactions involving the flavoprotein cryptochrome (CRY). Here we show using a transgenic approach that human CRY2, which is heavily expressed in the retina, can function as a magnetosensor in the magnetoreception system of Drosophila and that it does so in a light-dependent manner. The results show that human CRY2 has the molecular capability to function as a light-sensitive magnetosensor and reopen an area of sensory biology that is ready for further exploration in humans." > https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms1364 https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms1364 And I have heard of studies getting some effect by looking at people's orientation when lost, with and without big magnets strapped to their head, though I don't seem to be able to find it just now.