Animal magnetism and other quackery

For many years there have been suspicions that magnets and low frequency electromagnetic fields might have effects on biological processes. Most researchers favour the interaction between long distance flying birds and the Earth's magnetic field to explain their ability to navigate great distances. Theories involving the Sun, stars and other heavenly bodies have abounded, but since the discovery of quantities of magnetite in the brains of these birds the magnetic field theory has been favoured. Lately significant deposits of magnetite have been found in human brains and although humans do not seem to experience navigational abilities nor exhibit magnetically affected thoughts, it might start to provide a mechanism of interaction. There are at present several court cases in progress in the USA where the alleged harm from low frequency electromagnetic fields is cited. There are apocryphal tales abut the effects of mobile telephones on the user's brains. This being the biological effects not the psychological ones from exposure to prolonged meaningless conversations. It is unfortunate that centuries of charlatanism and quackery have placed the proper scientific investigation of the biological effects out of bounds for genuine scientific investigators.