Magnetic field effects in biology from the perspective of the radical pair mechanism

Abstract

Magnetic field effects in biology from the perspective of the radical pair mechanism Zadeh-Haghighi Hadi, Simon Christoph. Magnetic field effects in biology from the perspective of the radical pair mechanism. J. R. Soc. Interface. Aug 3, 2022. 192022032520220325. doi: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0325. Abstract Hundreds of studies have found that weak magnetic fields can significantly influence various biological systems. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these phenomena remain elusive. Remarkably, the magnetic energies implicated in these effects are much smaller than thermal energies. Here, we review these observations, and we suggest an explanation based on the radical pair mechanism, which involves the quantum dynamics of the electron and nuclear spins of transient radical molecules. While the radical pair mechanism has been studied in detail in the context of avian magnetoreception, the studies reviewed here show that magnetosensitivity is widespread throughout biology. We review magnetic field effects on various physiological functions, discussing static, hypomagnetic and oscillating magnetic fields, as well as isotope effects. We then review the radical pair mechanism as a potential unifying model for the described magnetic field effects, and we discuss plausible candidate molecules for the radical pairs. We review recent studies proposing that the radical pair mechanism provides explanations for isotope effects in xenon anaesthesia and lithium treatment of hyperactivity, magnetic field effects on the circadian clock, and hypomagnetic field effects on neurogenesis and microtubule assembly. We conclude by discussing future lines of investigation in this exciting new area of quantum biology. Open access paper: royalsocietypublishing.org

AI evidence extraction

Main findings

This review summarizes reports that weak magnetic fields can significantly influence various biological systems and discusses static, hypomagnetic, and oscillating magnetic fields as well as isotope effects. It proposes the radical pair mechanism as a potential unifying explanation and reviews candidate radical-pair molecules and recent studies applying the mechanism to xenon anaesthesia isotope effects, lithium treatment of hyperactivity, circadian clock effects, and hypomagnetic-field effects on neurogenesis and microtubule assembly.

Outcomes measured

• physiological functions (various)
• isotope effects (xenon anaesthesia; lithium treatment of hyperactivity)
• circadian clock effects
• neurogenesis (hypomagnetic field effects)
• microtubule assembly (hypomagnetic field effects)

Limitations

• Underlying mechanisms are described as remaining elusive in the reviewed literature.
• No specific exposure metrics (e.g., field strengths, frequencies) are provided in the abstract.
• As a narrative review, conclusions depend on the quality and heterogeneity of the included studies (not detailed in the abstract).

Suggested hubs

• who-icnirp (0.2)
  Broad discussion of biological effects of weak magnetic fields and mechanisms; could be relevant to general EMF health assessment context, though no specific policy content is stated.

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    "effect_direction": "mixed",
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        "quantum biology",
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