Genome Stability vs. Deprivation or Enrichment of the Geomagnetic Field

Summary This study suggested that cell-cycle kinetics, DNA replication and DNA repair react to magnetic fields differently. During their culture growth cycle, which lasted about five days, Friend erythroleukemia cells were either kept in the absence of magnetic fields in a magnetically shielded room or irradiated in a solenoid with 70 μT at 50 Hz plus 45 μT DC of the Earth: some cells grew without inducer of in vitro differentiation; others were induced to differentiate hemoglobin through dimethylsulfoxide. It emerged that, during a single culture growth cycle, while proliferation was slightly accelerated by the magnetic-field irradiation achieved in the solenoid both in undifferentiating and dimethylsulfoxide-differentiating cells, DNA replication did not appear to significantly depend on the magnetic-field deprivation achieved in the magnetically shielded room. However, as a result of a 318-day long magnetic-field irradiation in the solenoid, DNA replication remained unchanged in undifferentiating cells and partially inhibited in dimethylsulfoxide-differentiating cells. Following the same long magnetic-field irradiation in the solenoid, the amount of labelled repair patches in the parental DNA strands was slightly reduced.     

What need to be known about the therapy with static magnetic fields

During the last three decades the interest toward clinical application of magnetic and electromagnetic stimulation increased worldwide. Numerous publications have discussed the possibility of exogenous magnetic fields to initiate beneficial effects on various biological processes, which are of critical importance for healing of different injuries and pathologies. Today, magnetic and electromagnetic fields are increasingly utilized for the treatment of numerous musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies. For example, selected magnetic fields were reported to be beneficial in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries and post-surgical, post traumatic and chronic wounds, reduction of edema, in the acceleration of pain and stress relief, and thus contribute to healing processes. The application of this modality could be facilitated by establishing the exact dosimetry of application and by searching for biophysical mechanisms of action, as well. It should be remembered that “not all magnets are equal”, therefore the specific medical problem requires a proper diagnostics, a selection of the magnetic field to be applied and a design of the appropriate protocol for treatment. The paper advised that every study and report should carefully explain both the medical problem and the parameters of the applied magnetic field and cautions against generalized statements like “Magnetic field does/does not cause biological response”.     

Systemic Effect: A New Approach to Magnetic Field Therapy

Summary Despite of decades of successful worldwide use of magnetic/electromagnetic field therapy, the answer to the question of possible mechanisms of action is still lacking. Scientific reports of successful therapeutic use of magnetic/electromagnetic fields are worldwide; however, our understanding of the underlying mechanism is limited. This paper presents a new hypothesis that therapeutic benefit of magnetic fields might result from effects that originated on the level of important systems in human body. It is known now that the life is an electromagnetic event in aqueous medium. Therefore, an appropriate choice of magnetic and/or electromagnetic field may be expected to initiate systemic changes that result in efficacious effects distant from the point of application. Observations of this phenomenon have been reported in at least two forms: (1) neutralization of the pain experience distant to the point of magnetic field exposure; and, (2) various alterations of T-lymphocytes in response to pain and to magnetic fields. Extrapolating these observations to the level of blood-vessel system, one might hypothesize that a “healthy” cell does not respond as readily to the applied fields as do abnormal cells (which are in a disease or injury state).     

How living systems recognize applied electromagnetic fields

Natural and man-made magnetic and electromagnetic fields are important factors in the contemporary life. The paper discusses the role of environmental magnetic and electromagnetic fields in origin and evolution of life. A brief review of the characteristics of Earth magnetic field, Earth magnetosphere, and their role as a shield for cosmic radiation follows. The role of endogenous and exogenous magnetic fields is discussed in respect of the clarification of the potential hazard and benefit of electromagnetic fields. The second part of the paper discusses the mechanisms of detection and response to exogenous electromagnetic fields, as well as threshold versus window hypothesis for mechanisms of interactions. Finally, the necessity of accurate dosimetry at the target site and the importance of relevant research and clinical protocols in studying biological responses are pointed out.     

50 Hz alternating extremely low frequency magnetic fields affect excitability,firing and action potential shape through interaction with ionic channels in snail neurones

In spite of growing concern about the influence of magnetic fields on biological systems, the interaction between extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF magnetic fields) and biological structures at the cellular level remains obscure. The aim of this study was to investigate if 50 Hz magnetic fields could have an effect on the neuronal excitability and firing responses. Under Current-Clamp condition, exposure to 50 Hz ELF magnetic fields at 2 mT or 0.8 mT intensities resulted in an increase in the peak amplitude of action potential and after hyperpolaization potential in a time dependent manner. Both magnetic field intensities decreased also the firing frequency and the duration of action potential. Taken together, these data suggest that 50 Hz ELF magnetic fields at 2 mT or 0.8 mT intensities may change the electrophysiological behavior of neuronal cells and underlying ion channel currents.     

Therapeutic application of static magnetic fields

The interest toward clinical application of magnetic and electromagnetic stimulation increases worldwide. Numerous publications discussed the possibility exogenous magnetic and electromagnetic fields to initiate effects on various biological processes, which are of critical importance for healing of different injuries and pathologies. Today, magnetic and electromagnetic fields are increasingly utilized for treatment of various musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies. For musculoskeletal injuries and post-surgical, post traumatic and chronic wounds, reduction of edema is a major therapeutic factor in the acceleration of pain and stress relief, and thus contribute to healing processes. Electromagnetic and magnetic fields appear to be unique in their safety during clinical use. The application of this new modality will be facilitated by searching for biophysical mechanisms of action as well as by establishing exact dosimetry of application. In that respect basic science research needs to be developed in parallel with clinical applications. Magnetotherapy provides a non-invasive, safe, and easy method to directly treat the site of injury, the source of pain and inflammation, and other types of injury. Unfortunately, there are many obstacles that magnetotherapy has to overcome—both from the mainstream medicine as well as from the manufacturers and distributors of magnetic devices. The physical principle of magnetism as well as the physiological bases for the use of magnetic field for tissue repair are subjects of this review.     

Choice of parameters for passive shielding of power-frequency magnetic fields

Epidemiological studies suggesting the possibility of harmful effects on human (specifically children’s leukaemia) due to long-term exposure to magnetic fields of extremely low frequency (e.g. 50/60 Hz) and relatively low values (i.e. over the microtesla range) have stirred high activity in the topic of magnetic field mitigation. To reduce these fields, it is common to use passive metal screens (e.g. plates made of aluminium or steel). To design them, effective and fast numerical computations are highly desirable. In this article, a method is presented, which computes various parameters of screens in a given shielding problem and yields magnetic field distribution and shielding factors. The method takes into consideration the 3D field distribution and is able to solve systems with large aspect ratios (thin thickness in comparison with its other dimensions); this is a common problem where other methods such as finite elements often experience difficulties. The presented method computes separately the field inside and outside the screens. Afterwards, the solutions are “stitched” together along the border of the subregions. Two practical examples are given of the developed numerical method.     

Nonthermal mechanism of interactions between electromagnetic fields and biological systems: a calmodulin example

The possible mechanisms of interactions of electromagnetic fields (EMF) with biological systems are often discussed in bioelectromagnetics in light of thermal versus nonthermal mechanisms. This paper attempts to show the principle difference between the biophysical and engineering approaches to biological mechanisms of EMF initiated bioeffects. While biophysical approach is based on experimentally obtained data on biological responses to the applied EMF, the engineering approach strongly relies on specific absorption rate (SAR) value. With experimental data, comparing effects of low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields, discussing modulation of radiofrequency (RF) signals, the author demonstrates the superiority of the nonthermal approach. Biological windows, resonance mechanism, and various reported biological effects of geomagnetic fields are also in favor of the nonthermal mechanisms. Finally, one potential nonthermal mechanism involving the role of calmodulin in cellular functions is shown in this paper.     

Influence of DC electric and magnetic fields on silicon solar cells/modules

ABSTRACT

In this study, the impact of DC electric and magnetic fields on the output power, open-circuit voltage, and photocurrent density of a silicon photovoltaic (PV) cell/module is assessed. In this regard, the influence of DC electric and magnetic fields is first evaluated in theory by formulating and discussing related basis and concepts. Then, experimental measurements and data obtained from two different sets of experiments are given that verify theoretical results. In theory and practice, it is shown that depending on the direction of a DC electric field applied to a silicon PV cell/module, it causes an increase or reduction in the output power and open-circuit voltage of the PV cell/module. In detail, when the DC electric field points in the direction of the junction electric field of the PV cell(s), the output power and open-circuit voltage of the silicon PV cell/module increase, otherwise the output power and open-circuit voltage decrease. Regarding the magnetic field, it is proved that depending on the direction of a DC magnetic field applied to a silicon PV cell/module, different effects are observed. In detail, when the DC magnetic field points along the junction electric field of the PV cell(s), it has no effect on the output power and open-circuit voltage of the silicon PV cell/module. But, the output power and open-circuit voltage of the silicon PV cell/module decrease when the DC magnetic field points in the other directions. Moreover, the reduction in the output power and open-circuit voltage reaches its peak when the DC magnetic field is applied in the direction perpendicular to the junction electric field.     

Environmental and social impacts of electricity utilization: broadening the debate

Exposure of small laboratory animals to power-frequency high-voltage electric fields was reported to have endocrinological effects, including changes in pineal melatonin levels. It has been assumed that these results are directly attributable to electric-field effects, but this article suggests that air ionization, produced by corona activity at the animals’ body surfaces, may have been biologically active and could be relevant to the interpretation of some epidemiological and other studies. Although presently a matter of dispute, there is evidence that atmospheric ionization may be biologically active and could provide an alternative explanation for at least some apparent electromagnetic field interactions with biological subjects. Consideration of the electricity utilization environment as a whole, rather than one selected component, could allow the introduction of lower-cost, precautionary and putative hazard remediation measures.     

Evolution of hybrid functional imaging in bioelectromagnetics research

The field of bioelectromagnetics, consisting of the study of the interaction between electromagnetic fields and biological systems, has been rapidly expanding in the recent years. One important factor that contributes importantly to the development of this field is the continuing advances in technology allowing researchers to investigate different endpoints, or to more precisely measure changes, if any. Hybrid functional imaging is a rapidly maturing field that opens new, important horizons for bioelectromagnetics research. Indeed, unraveling the interaction mechanisms of electromagnetic fields on biological systems (with an emphasis on the brain) requires a monitoring of electrical, functional, and metabolic activity of living tissue at different temporal and spatial scales. Individual tools (e.g., electroencephalography, EEG; functional magnetic resonance imaging, fMRI) are limited in their ability to detect the effects of electromagnetic interaction at specific temporal and spatial scales, so combining these imaging methods offers a unique opportunity to provide a more comprehensive view of effects in living tissue. In this paper, we will present the different imaging techniques that are available to bioelectromagnetics researchers, including their capabilities and how they are complemented by simultaneous hybrid imaging. Future possibilities of hybrid imaging technologies are discussed.     

Graphical Presentation of 50/60 Hz Magnetic Field Contours as an Engineering Tool for Minimizing ELF Fields

Summary Since IARC classified ELF magnetic field as Possibly Carcinogenic to Human the fear from 50/60 Hz magnetic field exposure had been increased to the state of public “panic”. Subsequently, environment quality preservation organizations increased their pressure on their government to adopt the “precautionary principle” and to reduce the allowable ELF Magnetic Field exposure to much lower values than are recommended by ICNIRP-1998. As an example the present Environmental Ministry in Israel recommendation is to lower the ELF Field exposure to 10 mG averaged over 24 h. As a result of this stringent exposure guideline imposed by the government, electrical engineers who are involved in the deployment and installation of large and medium electrical utilities, such as overhead power lines, transformers, UPS systems, electrical public transportation, switching stations, etc., are much more aware to the need to employ special measures and methods for reducing the magnetic fields that might be emitted from such utilities. There are few computer codes that are capable of analyzing with great accuracy magnetic and electric fields surrounding single phase and three phase electrical utilities in a 3-D system. The best presentations of the analysis results are by equi-value contours depicting electric and magnetic fields. This graphical presentation is a powerful design tool that enables better deployment and installation design aided to reduce the magnetic field emissions from high-power electrical utilities. This paper describes the various types of graphical presentations available for ELF field contours, the dependent and independent variants and parameters, magnetic field animation for optimization of power line installation and routing, and finally an example that demonstrates the usefulness of the graphical presentation tools.     

Clinical aspects of static magnetic field effects on circulatory system

Increased knowledge of the magnetic field influence on hemodynamic function may have significant therapeutic potential and possible health effects. For example, magnetic field therapy using moderate intensity static magnetic fields (SMF) in the mT range (in particular, 1–600 mT) could be useful for circulatory diseases, including ischemic pain, inflammation, and hypertension, primarily due to the modulation of blood flow and/or blood pressure through the nervous system. We suggested that the mechanisms of SMF effects on the circulatory system in the mT range could be mediated by suppressing or enhancing the action of biochemical effectors, thereby inducing homeostatic effects biphasically. The potent mechanisms of SMF effects have often been linked to nitric oxide pathway, Ca²⁺-dependent pathway, sympathetic nervous system (e.g., BRS and the action of sympathetic agonists or antagonists), and neurohumoral regulatory system (e.g., production and secretion of angiotensin II and aldosterone). Thus, this review mainly focuses on the experimental studies of SMF effects on the circulatory system in animals and may provide the physiological basis for future clinical investigations of SMF therapy.     

Exposure to electromagnetic fields in the magnetic resonance imaging environment in South Africa

Occupational exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and static magnetic fields at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suites is of continuing concern to personnel who routinely work in this environment. Questions regarding the levels of occupational RF and static field exposure have increased with the increasing demand for anesthetics to be administered in this environment. The present study was thus designed towards addressing the above-mentioned problem by gaining information regarding exposure levels of clinical personnel at MRI units in South Africa. Three 1.5 MRI units in Bloemfontein, South Africa were utilized to evaluate the exposure of clinical personnel to the electromagnetic fields present in the MRI environment over a period of time and during different clinical MRI procedures. Three rounds of measurements of RF fields in the MRI environment were done. All the three measurement rounds were focused on the low frequencies, 5 Hz–32 kHz, as well as on the high frequencies, 300 kHz–40 GHz. First round measurements were done to establish the background of the RF fields in and around the magnet room during an MRI examination. Second round RF field measurements were done at a specific location, 1 m away from the bore on the right-hand side of the bed, in the MRI room. The third round measurements were of the same format as the second round, but the specific location was against the magnet bore. Two pieces of Narda Safety Test Solution instruments, the EFA-300 and EMR-300, were used to measure the electromagnetic and magnetic exposure fields generated from the MRI scanners. Results of the measurements indicate that the electromagnetic fields measured during different clinical procedures do not exceed the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (2000) guidelines in these units. Results from round two and three showed that the RF and gradient exposure 1 m and up against the bore entrance does not exceed these guidelines (rms average over 6 min). Ongoing new developments in MRI scanning create the need for continuously monitoring exposure of patients and workers to the EMF fields in the MRI environment.     

Influence of static magnetic fields on nerve regeneration in vitro

Our research involves determining how non-invasive electric and magnetic fields influence neuronal growth in vitro. In previous studies we have shown that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) as well as direct current (DC) alone stimulate neurite outgrowth from dorsal root ganglion explants [Sisken et al. 1984; Sisken et al. (Restor Neurol Neurosci 1:303–309, 1990); Greenebaum et al. (Bioelectromagnetics 17:293–302, 1996)]. A maximum response was obtained when nerve growth factor (NGF) was also present in the medium. The results of our experiments using static magnetic fields of different strengths are presented below and indicate that fields of high magnetic strength (450–900 gauss) with added NGF stimulate neurite outgrowth comparable to the response obtained with PEMF plus NGF.     

Reduction of Pain in Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) Associated with Objective Biochemical Changes in Circulating Lymphocytes

Summary In an effort to explain the benefit of therapeutic use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) a systemic effect has been proposed by us. To assess the efficacy of this approach, an objective biochemical approach was developed. Ten patients with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) were clinically evaluated, and lymphocytes were isolated from their blood samples obtained before and after exposure of the uninvolved limb to an EMF. Utilizing a SpectraCell method that includes radio labeled molecules and protein-free media for culturing the lymphocytes, an elevation of the content of fructose, serine, glycine, and calcium cellular metabolic uptake were found following in the culture to EMF in comparison with non-exposed lymphocytes (p < 0.01). In addition, the pain level was determined by a conventional visual analogue scale (VAS) before and after EMF exposure, evidencing a significant pain relief. Specifically, after exposure to 120 pps semi sinewave, 1500Gauss EMF, generated by a THERAMAG^∘ledR device, an improvement in the flexibility of the limb and a reduction in swelling of the affected extremity were detected clinically. These findings are in concert with the new hypothesis that, with relief of pain, lymphocytes are predominately altered in their cell cycle from M phase to S phases associated with increased structuring of intracellular water. A consideration of the basic understanding of the role lymphocytes may be inferred from this preliminary study. An extensive review of the literature on the basic science and therapeutic use of magnetic fields in humans is provided in an attempt to understand the relevance of magnetic therapy of specific pain syndromes.     

Occupational risk from static magnetic fields of MRI scanners

The health care staff operating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners are exposed to static magnetic field of significant spatial heterogenity and high level of flux density—usually existing permanently during the shift. The personnel can also be exposed to pulses of magnetic field of high rate of rise/fall, so-called gradient fields, which exist only during examination of patients. The level of workers’ exposure depends both on the type of the magnet and on the ergonomical characteristic of design of the particular MRI scanner. This paper presents the current state of the art on occupational exposure to static magnetic field health effects, gaps in scientific data, MRI workers’ exposure characteristics, research needs, and suggestions for the exposure assessment protocol for future investigations.     

In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Effects on Human Keratinocytes Exposed to 900 MHz Electromagnetic Field

Summary The biological effects of electromagnetic radiation at ultra high frequency on human keratinocytes were investigated. HaCaT cell system, a spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes cell line, was chosen as model since skin is usually exposed to electromagnetic radiation at considered frequency more than inner tissues. HaCaT cells were exposed to a pure sinusoidal field at a frequency of 900 MHz (average SAR levels ranging from 0.04 to 0.08 W/kg) in plane wave condition inside a GTEM chamber for time intervals of 18 hours at a controlled temperature of 37^∘C. Growth curves were obtained for exposed and control cells, and a reduction in the number of exposed cells in comparison to unexposed ones was found; however the number of dead cells was not significantly different in exposed and unexposed samples. In order to investigate whether the reduction in cell proliferation of exposed cells was due to the activation of a differentiative process, the expression of two hallmarks of differentiation was examined. Both keratin 1 and involucrin expression was increased in exposed in comparison to unexposed cells. These results suggest that this protocol of exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic field can trigger a differentiation program in HaCaT cells.     

The bioeffects of extremely weak power-frequency alternating magnetic fields

We report the results of a study of the influence of extremely-weak alternating magnetic fields (EW AMF) directed co-linearly to the static Earth’s magnetic field on the rate of regeneration in planarians and also on the rate of gravitropic response in the stem segments of flax. In particular we obtained the data on the dependence of the value of bioeffects on the amplitude (at fixed 60 Hz—frequency) and on the frequency (at fixed 1.6 μT—amplitude) of the alternating component. Our data show unambiguously that EW AMF substantially affect the properties of the biosystems. The experimental data may be approximated by the theoretical expression following directly from a general formula, derived in the theory of magnetic parametric resonance. Our data indicate that the nuclear spins of hydrogen atoms serve as the primary targets for the action of the EW AMF on the biosystems. The values of bioeffects of combined magnetic fields with extremely weak alternating component are completely determined by the parameter , where γ = 42.578 Hz/μT—gyromagnetic ratio of the nuclear spins of hydrogen atoms, and and f correspond to magnetic induction and frequency of the alternating magnetic component. The dependence of bioeffect’s value on —parameter is polyextremal: well expressed maxima are observed at and minor maxima at . The bioeffects are absent at , 3.8, 5.3, 6.7. At the values of the bioeffect changes its sign—activation of planarian’s regeneration starts to be replaced by its inhibition. The inhibition takes place for the range of the amplitudes from 10 to 140 μT. The observed change in the sign of the effect may result to the prevalence of the effects caused by the induction of the alternating currents in the test-system at relatively high —amplitudes. These results provide the basis for planning of the epidemiological studies and interpretation of the corresponding results.     

Peroxidase activity,lignification and promotion of cell death in tobacco cells exposed to static magnetic field

Bio-effects of static magnetic fields on cell growth and cell death have been investigated in suspension-cultured tobacco cells as undifferentiated, embryonic plant cell model. The cells in their logarithmic growth phase were exposed to static magnetic field with the magnitudes of 10 mT and 30 mT for 5 h/day. Exposure to static magnetic field ceased the growth and caused an increase in cell death of exposed tobacco cells compared to those cells which were not treated with the field. Promotion of cell death was accompanied by a harmonized increase in the activity of peroxidase and increase of lignifcation of cell walls.