Archive
85 postsActive matter as the underpinning agency for extraordinary sensitivity of biological membranes to electric fields
This biophysics paper presents a nonequilibrium (active matter) statistical mechanics model for electromechanical biological membranes. It argues that energy-driven activity in membranes could enable detection of electric fields far below equilibrium thermal-noise limits, and reports that the model can reproduce experimental observations by tuning activity. The abstract frames this as a potential mechanistic link between weak electromagnetic fields and biological responses, while also noting future modeling directions and possible implications for exposure safety discussions.
Electromagnetic wireless remote control of mammalian transgene expression
This animal proof-of-concept study describes an engineered nanoparticle–cell interface (EMPOWER) enabling wireless regulation of transgene expression using a 1-kHz magnetic field. Chitosan-coated multiferroic nanoparticles reportedly generate intracellular ROS that activates KEAP1/NRF2 biosensors connected to ROS-responsive promoters. In a mouse model of type 1 diabetes, implanted engineered cells expressing an EMPOWER-controlled insulin system reportedly normalized blood glucose in response to a weak magnetic field.
Sleep and Arousal Hubs and Ferromagnetic Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Nanoparticle Motion Under Electromagnetic Fields: Neurodegeneration, Sleep Disorders, Orexinergic Neurons, and Air Pollution in Young Urbanites
This review/overview argues that ultrafine particulate matter and industrial nanoparticles can reach the brain and accumulate in sleep and arousal regulatory regions, including orexinergic neuron hubs. It reports that ferromagnetic particles in these regions show motion responsive to low-intensity electromagnetic fields (30–50 μT) and describes links to sleep disturbances and neurodegenerative disease markers in young urban residents. The authors frame combined air pollution nanoparticle exposure and low-level EMF as a significant threat and call for monitoring and protective strategies.
Impact of expectancy on fatigue by exposure to the fifth generation of mobile communication signals
This randomized sham-controlled study in 21 healthy participants tested whether routine-level 5G RF-EMF exposure affects fatigue and EEG power, while manipulating expectancy via correct, false, or no information about exposure order. The study reports no change in EEG power with real versus sham exposure. However, self-reported fatigue varied with the conveyed information about being exposed, suggesting an expectancy/psychological priming effect on symptom reporting.
The effect on rat peripheral nerve morphology and function of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field applied in the prenatal period
This animal study exposed pregnant Sprague Dawley rats to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field for 1 hour daily throughout gestation and assessed offspring outcomes postnatally. Sciatic nerve analyses at postnatal day 60 indicated persistent morphological alterations attributed to prenatal EMF exposure. However, the reported changes were not severe enough to significantly affect measured functional outcomes (including electrophysiology and locomotor tests).
The Frequency of a Magnetic Field Determines the Behavior of Tumor and Non-Tumor Nerve Cell Models
This in vitro study exposed glioblastoma (CT2A), neuroblastoma (N2A), and non-tumor astrocyte (C8D1A) cell models to a 100 μT magnetic field across 20–100 Hz for 24–72 hours. The abstract reports decreased viability and proliferation in the tumor cell models within a frequency window centered at 50 Hz, while astrocyte viability increased at 20 and 40 Hz. The authors conclude that frequency is a key determinant of cell-type-specific responses consistent with a “biological window” model.
Enhancement Effect of Static Magnetic Field on Bactericidal Activity
This in vitro study reports that a static magnetic field (SMF) combined with paramagnetic calcium-polypyrrole nanoparticles (Ca-PPy) markedly increases bactericidal activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The authors attribute the enhanced killing to increased reactive oxygen species generation and associated membrane disruption, with computational analysis suggesting altered radical-pair transitions under magnetic fields. The abstract frames SMF as potentially biocompatible and useful for bactericidal applications, while also noting broader biological impacts of electromagnetic fields.
20 kHz Magnetic Field Emission of Induction Cooking Heaters
This exposure assessment measured 20 kHz magnetic field leakage from induction cooking heaters across four models and compared results with ICNIRP general public limits. The maximum reported magnetic flux density was 16 µT at a specified measurement point using two S-type pans. Field leakage depended on pan size and configuration, and finite element modeling was reported to align closely with measurements.
Biological effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields: a review
This review summarizes reported biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields, describing them as significant and often acting as stressors. Reported outcomes include metabolic, hormonal, and body weight changes in rodents, lethality at high exposure levels in mice and insects, and increased mitotic index in mouse tissues/cells under specified exposure conditions. The review suggests many effects may be mediated through neuroendocrine, nervous system, or behavioral responses to field exposure.
Evaluation of Electrochemical Information Transfer System: I . Effect of Electric Fields on Living Organisms
This 1976 animal study evaluated the effects of weak ELF electric fields similar to those associated with Project Seafarer on mice. The abstract reports that electric field exposure acted as a biological stressor, with effects involving the central nervous and endocrine systems. It is presented as part of broader research assessing potential physiological changes from high-power, low-frequency electromagnetic communication systems.