Can Theta Burst Electromagnetic Fields Disrupt Learning in Planaria? Evidence of Impaired Fear-Conditioned Responses.

Abstract

This study explored the impact of low-intensity theta burst patterned electromagnetic fields (TBEMF) on fear-related learning in the flatworm species Planaria, a simple model organism known for its regenerative properties and ability to demonstrate basic learning behaviors. Planaria were exposed to an aversive stimulus (light) in a T-maze, and changes in their behavior, including time taken to select an arm and preferred arm selections, were assessed over the course of several days. The TBEMF consisted of five pulsed bursts at 100 Hz with alternating amplitudes and an intensity of 1 μT. In the group exposed to aversive light, a significant decrease in preferred arm selections was observed (p < 0.001), indicating that the planaria successfully learned to avoid the arm associated with the aversive stimulus. However, planaria exposed to TBEMF, either before or after the light exposure phase, did not show the same behavioral adaptation, as their arm selections remained stable, indicating that no fear learning occurred. These findings suggest that TBEMF disrupts the processes involved in fear-related learning, likely by interfering with theta rhythm-dependent mechanisms that are crucial for memory encoding and retrieval. Further exploration of EMF's effects on more complex organisms could reveal additional insights into its broader applications and implications for both basic neuroscience and clinical practice. Bioelectromagnetics. 00:00-00, 2025. © 2025 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

Planaria exposed to aversive light showed a significant decrease in preferred arm selections (p < 0.001), consistent with learning to avoid the aversive arm. Planaria exposed to low-intensity theta burst patterned electromagnetic fields (1 μT; five pulsed bursts at 100 Hz with alternating amplitudes), either before or after the light exposure phase, did not show this behavioral adaptation and their arm selections remained stable, indicating no fear learning occurred.

Outcomes measured

• Fear-related learning/conditioning in a T-maze (arm selection preference)
• Time taken to select a T-maze arm

Limitations

• Sample size not reported in the abstract
• Exposure duration and timing details are not fully specified beyond occurring over several days and being applied before or after light exposure
• Only a simple model organism (planaria) and a specific learning paradigm were assessed; generalizability to other organisms is not addressed in the abstract

{
    "study_type": "animal",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "ELF",
        "source": "other",
        "frequency_mhz": null,
        "sar_wkg": null,
        "duration": "over the course of several days (exact duration not specified)"
    },
    "population": "Planaria (flatworms)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "Fear-related learning/conditioning in a T-maze (arm selection preference)",
        "Time taken to select a T-maze arm"
    ],
    "main_findings": "Planaria exposed to aversive light showed a significant decrease in preferred arm selections (p < 0.001), consistent with learning to avoid the aversive arm. Planaria exposed to low-intensity theta burst patterned electromagnetic fields (1 μT; five pulsed bursts at 100 Hz with alternating amplitudes), either before or after the light exposure phase, did not show this behavioral adaptation and their arm selections remained stable, indicating no fear learning occurred.",
    "effect_direction": "harm",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in the abstract",
        "Exposure duration and timing details are not fully specified beyond occurring over several days and being applied before or after light exposure",
        "Only a simple model organism (planaria) and a specific learning paradigm were assessed; generalizability to other organisms is not addressed in the abstract"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7399999999999999911182158029987476766109466552734375,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "theta burst patterned electromagnetic fields",
        "TBEMF",
        "1 μT",
        "100 Hz",
        "planaria",
        "flatworm",
        "fear conditioning",
        "learning",
        "memory",
        "T-maze",
        "behavior"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": []
}

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