Cows seem to have it...researchers say it's no bull! Cattle seem to know how to find north and south. A team of researchers studied satellite photos of thousands of cows around the world. Their report says most cattle that were grazing or resting tended to align their bodies in a north-south direction, and the finding held true no matter what continent they were on. The scientists concluded that the magnetic field of the Earth has to be a factor. But the challenge is, why do these critters align to the magnetic field?

They've also questioned if human beings have this same spontaneous behaviour? and what consequences does it have?

The researcher surmize that the cows want to stay "comfortable" and do not like to get hot (their body temperature is already a normal of 102 F), in essence have a leather coat on, and likely standing north-south could keep them cooler! On cold days, they naturally seek out the sun. Well this whole magnetic theory has apparently been observed in deer, honeybees and termites...you know, some sort of special sensory organ or something like that! Researchers are apparently going to study rats, sheep, goats, horses, and wild boar. (I better not find out that they are using government-funded grants for this instead of healthcare!).

Seriously though, I think we do have a "built-in compass" about decisions we make everyday in the healthcare setting, that "gut feeling" about a clinical assessment and intervention, a "call" we make about what direction we will take and strategy we will implement, and the good Lord has given us a conscience and insight to do the right things...just need to choose to do them! I hope that we work in an environment that fosters collegial discussions, friendly debate, and promotes quality and safety. Oh well, we can pontificate "'til the cows come home" and I hope we recognize good sense decisions on a regular basis.