Eyes are essential for magnetoreception in a mammal.

Several groups of mammals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation, but their magnetosensory organ remains unknown. The Ansell's mole-rat (Fukomys anselli, Bathyergidae, Rodentia) is a microphthalmic subterranean rodent with innate magnetic orientation behaviour. Previous studies on this species proposed that its magnetoreceptors are located in the eye. To test this hypothesis, we assessed magnetic orientation in mole-rats after the surgical removal of their eyes compared to untreated controls. Initially, we demonstrate that this enucleation does not lead to changes in routine behaviours, including locomotion, feeding and socializing. We then studied magnetic compass orientation by employing a well-established nest-building assay under four magnetic field alignments. In line with previous studies, control animals exhibited a significant preference to build nests in magnetic southeast. By contrast, enucleated mole-rats built nests in random magnetic orientations, suggesting an impairment of their magnetic sense. The results provide robust support for the hypothesis that mole-rats perceive magnetic fields with their minute eyes, probably relying on magnetite-based receptors in the cornea.

Peer counseling in depression care: A pilot study in a psychiatric inpatient setting.

To evaluate in a pilot study whether peer counseling is feasible and accepted for inpatients with depression. A one-to-one peer counseling intervention was implemented in an inpatient psychiatric department. Patients were invited to ask questions concerning their illness. Three trained counselors with a history of depressive episodes supervised peers. The patients evaluated the counseling and their mood. The peer counselors evaluated the counseling; in addition their depression stigma was assessed. Twenty-nine patients (F32 or F33 according to ICD-10, mean age 43 years, 58% female, hospitalized for three weeks minimum) participated. Main topics addressed were 'the patient himself' and 'treatment options, offers and services in the local area'. 94% would recommend peer counseling, 72% would like to take part again. Self-rated mood was significantly higher after than before the counseling. The findings suggest that peer counseling is a useful, additional offer for inpatients with depression as it appears to meet needs yet not addressed. Patients especially valued the counselor's personal experiences. Routine care of depression can be enhanced with peer counseling, e.g. by smoothing the transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment. Further, RCTs on peer counseling in depression should be conducted prospectively.