The EMF-induced changes in aqua medium’s properties depend on background ionizing radiation, illumination and temperature

The effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) and ELF-modulated millimeter waves (MMW) on physicochemical properties of physiological solution (PS) at different environmental medium were studied. The existence of frequency “windows” at 4 Hz and 8 Hz frequencies of ELF EMF and ELF-modulated MMW which have different effects on heat fusion period (HFP), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) formation and oxygen (O₂) content of water solution and different dependency on temperature, background radiation (BGR) and illumination was shown. The obtained data allow us to suggest that cell bathing medium serving as a target through which the biological effects of ELF EMF and ELF-modulated MMW on cells are realized is extra sensitive to environmental factors. Therefore, the variability of experimental data on EMF biological effects, obtained in different laboratories can be explained by different environmental conditions of experiments, which very often are not considered adequately.     

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.     

Immune stimulation in fish and chicken through weak low frequency electromagnetic fields

A hypothesis is proposed how Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (LF EMF) exposure can stimulate an immune response, based on recent insights in immunology. We hypothesize that the Immunent EMF treatment induces mild stress to cells, which then produce cytokines that function as alarms or so called danger signals for the immune system. In this way EMF treatment takes the place of multiplying pathogens, and the damage these cause, in the triggering of an immune response. In a first series of experiments in␣vitro common carp head kidney-derived phagocytes were used to determine ROS production as a measure for immune activation. Exposure to LF EMF signals (200–5,000 Hz) at 5 μT or 1.5 mT led to 42 or 33% increase in immune activity, respectively, compared to negative control values. EMF could also additionally stimulate chemically pre-stimulated samples up to 18% (5 μT) or 22% (1.5 mT). Significance of increase in ROS production in the total series was: p < 0.0001. In a second series of experiments in␣vitro commercial goldfish were used. Groups of fish were housed under equal conditions in at least four control tanks and 8–16 EMF-exposed tanks. Exposure was done with a predominantly vertical field at field strengths (rms) between 0.15 and 50 μT. Without treatment mortality was about 50% after 18 days, while the treatment at 5 μT reduced it to 20% on average. At field strengths 0.15, 0.5, 1.5, 5, 15 and 50 μT an equally strong effect was found. Reducing the field strength to 0.05, 0.06, 0.01 and 0.003 μT showed a gradually decreasing effect, which only at 0.003 μT is no longer statistically significant. Finally, in␣vitro experiments were done with 560 commercial broiler chickens exposed to infection pressure from coccidiosis. EMF exposure at 6.5 μT reduced intestinal lesions by 40% and improved feed conversion by 8%.     

Biological evidences than human osteoarthritic chondrocytes could be affected by electromagnetic fields with extremely low-frequency or new TAMMEF system

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative condition involving the joints caused by metabolic changes in chondrocytes metabolism. Treatment with magnetic fields (EMFs) produces benefits to patients affected by this pathology. The present research has the aim to investigate, by a proteomic approach, the effect of magnetic fields on cultured chondrocytes, because EMFs interferes greatly with OA chondrocytes metabolism. Human osteoarthritic chondrocytes were obtained from the femur head of osteoarthritis adult patients and were cultured under standard conditions and exposed for precise times both to extremely low-frequency (ELF; 100-Hz) electromagnetic fields and to the Therapeutic Application of Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Fields (TAMMEF), which are characterized by variable frequencies, intensities, and wave shapes. We tested the effects of the different exposure by 2-DE analysis and demonstrated that chondrocytes metabolism was highly influenced by the treatment with EMFs; in fact many proteins change their expression after the stimulation, but differently, depending on whether we use ELF or TAMMEF system.     

Trigger points and systemic effect for EMF therapy

The use of magnetic fields (MFs), in general, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), in specific, as therapeutic modalities is becoming very common. In the USA, EMFs are mostly used in orthopedics, followed by pain relief and the wound-healing arena. Even though a substantial literature exists worldwide, we are still lacking the accepted comprehensive mechanism(s) of action. In general, it is thought that the best therapeutic effects are achieved when the stimulation is applied directly to the target area. Since the beginning of this century, however, more and more evidence has been collected indicating that effects of the MF stimulation may also be observed at site(s) different from the site of application of the signal. A primary purpose of this paper is to propose a link between the systemic and direct effects. The functional units known as trigger points are discussed as possible “doors” allowing the stimulation to be delivered to the target tissue/organ. A second purpose is to suggest some possible modes of action.     

The frequency-dependent effect of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field and mechanical vibration at infrasound frequency on the growth, division and motility of Escherichia coli K-12

The aim of this work was to investigate the frequency-dependent effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) and mechanical vibration at infrasound frequency (MV at IS frequency or MV) on growth and development of Escherichia coli K-12, by using classical microbiological (counting colony forming units), isotopic, spectrophotometric and electronmicroscopic methods. The frequency-dependent effects of MV and ELF-EMF were shown that they could either stimulate or inhibit the growth and the division of microbes depending on the periods following exposure. However, the mechanism through which the MV and ELF-EMF effects affect the bacteria cell is not clear yet. It was suggested that the aqua medium could serve a target through which the biological effect of MV and ELF-EMF on microbes could be realized. To check this hypothesis, the frequency-dependent effects (2, 4, 6, 8, 10 Hz) of both MV and ELF-EMF on the bacterial growth, division and their motility in cases of exposure, the preliminary treated microbes-free medium and microbes containing medium were studied. Both MV and ELF-EMF effect on microbes have frequency and post-exposure period duration-dependent characters. The [ ³ H]-thymidine involving experiments shown that EMF at 4 Hz exposure has pronounced stimulation effect on cell proliferation while 4 Hz MV has inhibition effect. But at 8–10 Hz, the both EMF and MV have inhibitory effects on cell proliferation. It is suggested that 4 and 8 Hz EMF have different biological effects on microbes.     

Informing the development of decision support tools for risk management: the case of electrical and magnetic fields

This paper describes tools developed through a community consultative process to help decision makers manage electrical and magnetic fields (EMF) health risk. The process involved in‐depth interviews with experts (N=12) and focus group discussions with seven different stakeholder groups. The results reveal commonly held intense public concerns about the long‐term health effects of EMF. These concerns were further reinforced by the lack of public trust in both government and industry with regards to EMF risk management. Overall, the participants wanted tools that can be used to manage EMF information, scientific uncertainty about EMF and the complex environment in which EMF issues are embedded. The findings contributed to a mapping out of response formats to address public concerns related to risk, hazard, trust, accountability and fairness across a range of stakeholder groups. These tools and their roles in the management of complex and variable risks, involving new circumstances (e.g. privatization) and information (e.g. new scientific studies) are presented. The importance of recognizing and working with uncertainty through adaptive management strategies, using qualitative approaches, is also discussed.     

Alteration of brain electrical activity by electromagnetic field

To better understand the affect of different levels of EMF on one’s brain activity, the Hodgkin–Huxley model has been used to describe the generation of an active potential in the nerve cell membrane. The theoretical calculations have shown that by the simultaneous affect of both passing an electrical potential and external very low frequency AC, one’s excitation pulses may be suppressed beginning with a certain level of external current. The level of this current depends on the frequency. It is postulated that to eliminate this suppression, the brain increases its normal level relatively to the lower limit. It is also postulated that the brain “tunes up” in the presence of external AC, by increasing the amplitude of its own excitation signals so that suppression does not occur. It is possible that this “tuning” process lasts some time after removing the external EMF as the brain adapts. This has been observed experimentally.     

Influence of the Interaction of a 900 MHz Signal with Gender on EEG Energy: Experimental Study on the Influence of 900 MHz Radiation on EEG

Summary The effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by cellular phones on human electroencephalogram (EEG) were studied during an auditory memory task. The experimental method and the experimental setup are introduced as a credible measurement method of EEG. 19 normal subjects (10 women and 9 men) performed the memory task both with and without exposure to a 900 MHz signal, emitted by a dipole antenna placed near the subjects' head. The energy of the EEG signals was calculated at the time domain. A Fourier transform of the EEG signals was done and the EEG energy was also calculated at the frequency domain. As the Parseval's theorem anticipates the energies were identical. The EEG energy was found concentrated at the four basic bands (α (8–13 Hz), β(14–30 Hz), δ (0–4 Hz) and θ(5–7 Hz)). The primary concern of the present study was the gender related influence of EMF on the spectral energy of EEG. The results show evidence of a strong gender—radiation interaction effect on the EEG energy and on the peak amplitudes within each of the four rhythms. Without radiation the spectral power of males is greater than of females, while under exposure the situation is reversed. Under the influence of EMF the spectral power of the males EEG is decreased while that of the females is increased. In conclusion both the baseline EEG and the changes effected to the EEG power spectrum under the influence of EMF seem to be gender dependent.     

Magnetically treated water at 4?Hz and 2.5?mT as a modulator of cisplatin effect on cell hydration and ouabain binding of sarcoma-180 tissue

There are many data about the extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) therapeutic use, especially in the field of oncology. Recent data suggest that 4 Hz EMF having dehydration effect on tissues has a pronounced antitumor activity on sarcoma-180 in mice. It was shown that 4 Hz EMF have pronounced effects on physicochemical properties of water and water solution. Therefore, the aim of the present work was the comparative study of the modulation effect of ELF-EMF on cisplatin-induced changes cell hydration and number of ouabain receptors in membrane of sarcoma-180 tumor tissues. Tissue hydration was measured as wet weight/dry weight and expressed as a water content of g/g in dry weight. The number of ³H-ouabain receptors in membrane was counted by isotope scintillation counter. In conclusion, ELF-EMF can be a possible tool for stimulation of cisPt antitumor effect.     

Ecological scenarios analyzed and evaluated by a shallow lake model

We applied the complex ecosystem model EMMO, which was adopted to the shallow lake Müggelsee (Germany), in order to evaluate a large set of ecological scenarios. By means of EMMO, 33 scenarios and 17 indicators were defined to characterize their effects on the lake ecosystem. The indicators were based on model outputs of EMMO and can be separated into biological indicators, such as chlorophyll-a and cyanobacteria, and hydro-chemical indicators, such as phosphorus. The question to be solved was, what is the ranking of the scenarios based on their characterization by these 17 indicators? And how can we handle high quantities of complex data within evaluation procedures? The scenario evaluation was performed by partial order theory which, however, did not provide a clear result. By subsequently applying the hierarchical cluster analysis (complete linkage) it was possible to reduce the data matrix to indicator and scenario representatives. Even though this step implies losses of information, it simplifies the application of partial order theory and the post processing by METEOR. METEOR is derived from partial order theory and allows the stepwise aggregation of indicators, which subsequently leads to a distinct and clear decision. In the final evaluation result the best scenario was the one which defines a minimum nutrient input and no phosphorus release from the sediment while the worst scenario is characterized by a maximum nutrient input and extensive phosphorus release from the sediment. The reasonable and comprehensive results show that the combination of partial order, cluster analysis and METEOR can handle big amounts of data in a very clear and transparent way, and therefore is ideal in the context of complex ecosystem models, like that we applied.     

电磁干扰信号频谱分析

在电磁兼容测试过程中,针对某些产品仅因印制板上某些脉冲信号引起辐射骚扰超标导致产品认证失败的问题,首先介绍了与傅里叶变换有关的3个不等式及证明过程,利用这些不等式对不规则脉冲信号的频谱包络进行了详细推导,并用一个具体的不规则脉冲信号进行了频谱包络验证。结果表明:工程上对一些不用精确求取不规则脉冲信号频谱的应用时,利用以上3个不等式即可大大简化频谱包络求取过程,掌握这些脉冲信号的频谱包络特征,对于优化印制板布局、布线具有十分重要的工程指导意义。     

Effects of in vitro exposure to GSM900 electromagnetic field on human erythrocytes

High frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) are widely used for transmitting of radio and TV signals, in wireless communications, etc. A huge number of people are exposed so the possible risk to human health from telecommunication technologies could be significant even if biological effects are slight. The study of the biological effects of RF EM radiation could contribute to better understanding of the possible health hazards. The levels of released hemoglobin serve as an indicator of hemolysis, caused by increased membrane fragility. This study was designed to investigate the alterations in hemoglobin release after in vitro exposure of human erythrocytes to GSM900 electromagnetic field. Erythrocyte suspensions with two different cell concentrations (hematocrit 20% and 40%) were exposed to EM radiation from GSM mobile phone (carrier frequency 902 MHz, 2 W output power in pulse) for 20 min in two different positions in relation to telephone antenna: Position 1 is in the centre of the major lobe of the azimuth antenna pattern and Position 2 is between major and back lobes. Alterations in hemolysis were registered 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min after the treatment. Hemolysis was determined by measuring the absorbance of hemoglobin at 413 nm in the supernatant obtained by centrifuging the suspensions. Hemolysis was expressed as hemoglobin concentration. Our data indicated decrease in the hemoglobin level in irradiated suspensions. The GSM900 EMF exposure probably stabilized erythrocyte membrane and caused reduction in the hemolysis depending on the EMF parameters, on the suspension water content (hematocrit) and on the time elapsed after irradiation.     

Electromagnetic fields in clinical practice of physical and rehabilitation medicine: a health hazard assessment of personnel

The importance of the assessment of the electromagnetic fields /EMF/ background as a health risk factor for the physiotherapy personnel is discussed in this paper. Wide frequency and amplitude ranges as well as large variety of design prescribed in the rehabilitation program form complicated work conditions. In this paper, we attempt to present and classify this specific work environment, i.e., low intensive EMF background with non homogenous frequency and modulation characteristics, stochastic changes running during day, ground or even underground units’ placement and professional specifics, i.e., chronic EMF expositions, personnel’s trunk and hands exposure, dose-measurement absence, lack of program for prevention and prophylaxis for the assessment of the relatively insufficiently elucidated potential of EMF as a harmful factor for medical staff. Our “Study of the biological effects of the EMF among medical staff from PRM wards—potential of risk reduction”/initialized in 1999/and the original survey card structure are presented in general here first. It has been shown the importance to extend the “native” studies among homogenous professional groups, two of them presented there, as well as the study of the biological effects of EMF in their different aspects, especially taking into account the elevated levels of ionizing and non-ionizing radiation in the environment. This includes the special attention on the exposure of medical staff from PRM units and creation of adequate methods for prevention of unnecessary exposure to these physical factors.     

Non-stationary electromagnetic field measurements accuracy improvement

Electromagnetic field (EMF) measurements, for labor safety and environment protection purposes, are performed in the near-field. Inaccuracy of the far-field EMF measurements oscillates around ±1 dB or bit worse; in the near-field measurements, errors at the level of ±6 dB must be sometimes accepted. In the case of non-stationary EMF measurements, their sense may be changed from quantitative to qualitative ones. In order to make it possible an estimation of the non-stationary EMF measurement accuracy, it is proposed new method of the meters calibration. The method is based upon a standard excitation with identical signal as the measured one. A set for the purpose includes a pulse generator (of frequency and pulse rating identical with the radiation source) and computer-controlled amplitude modulator that reflects the radiation pattern of an antenna (e.g. radar one) and its rotations. Contrary to calibration using monochromatic continuous wave (CW) excitation, proposed method should be repeated for any radiation source. The disadvantage is compensated by a possibility to estimate (additional) error of the method. Calculations show it at the level of 10%.     

Influence of a 1,800 MHz electromagnetic field on the EEG energy

The present study investigated the influence of electromagnetic fields (EMF), similar to that emitted by mobile phones, on brain activity. Ten women and ten men, matched for age and educational level, performed a short memory task (Wechsler test), with simultaneous Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings at 15 scalp electrodes, both without (baseline) and with exposure to an 1,800 MHz signal. The EEG energy was found concentrated at the four basic EEG bands [α (8–13 Hz), β (14–30 Hz), δ (0–4 Hz), and θ (5–7 Hz)]. The analysis revealed that in the presence of EMF, the energy of the β band was significantly greater for females than for males at the majority of the electrodes. Since beta oscillation is associated with the shift of attention during the perception, these findings may indicate that the particular EMF (1,800 MHz signal) exerts an influence on this brain activity, which appears to be gender-related.     

Encouraging ‘Environmental Action’ by Exhortation: Evidence from a Study in Devon

National and local campaigns to encourage ‘Environmental Action’ use a range of media to increase the levels of activities such as recycling, energy saving and water conservation. These are conventionally focused on the population as a whole. The research reported in this paper suggests that such an approach, based on a belief that general campaigns are effective, might not be very effective and could be modified to take account of how different groups of people behave. In addition, the focus of campaigns on sectoral activities like water and energy saving might also be inappropriate given our findings, which are based on a survey of 1265 households in Devon. This found that three major types of behaviour characterise ‘Environmental Action’: purchasing, habitual activities and recycling behaviour. In addition, demographically and attitudinally defined clusters of individuals point to very different types of behaviour across the population. These findings suggest that more focused campaigns and a re-evaluation of how ‘Environmental Action’ is segmented would greatly assist policy makers in developing effective strategies for enhancing ‘Environmental Action’.     

Flood area and damage estimation in Zhejiang,China

A GIS-based method to estimate flood area and damage is presented in this paper, which is oriented to developing countries like China, where labor is readily available for GIS data collecting, and tools such as, HEC-GeoRAS might not be readily available. At present local authorities in developing countries are often not predisposed to pay for commercial GIS platforms. To calculate flood area, two cases, non-source flood and source flood, are distinguished and a seed-spread algorithm suitable for source-flooding is described. The flood damage estimation is calculated in raster format by overlaying the flood area range with thematic maps and relating this to other socioeconomic data. Several measures used to improve the geometric accuracy and computing efficiency are presented. The management issues related to the application of this method, including the cost-effectiveness of approximate method in practice and supplementing two technical lines (self-programming and adopting commercial GIS software) to each other, are also discussed. The applications show that this approach has practical significance to flood fighting and control in developing countries like China.     

The Magic Bullet Criticism of Agricultural Biotechnology

One common method of criticizing genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is to label them as “magic bullets.” However, this criticism, like many in the debate over GMOs, is not very clear. What exactly is the “magic bullet criticism”? What are its origins? What flaw is it pointing out in GM crops and agricultural biotechnology? What is the scope of the criticism? Does it apply to all GMOs, or just some? Does it point to a fatal flaw, or something that can be fixed? The goal of this paper is to answer these questions and clarify the magic bullet criticism of agricultural biotechnology. It is hoped that the results of this exercise will be helpful in advancing deliberation over the role GMOs and agricultural biotechnology should play in 21st century agriculture.     

Safe alternative cancer therapy using electromagnetic fields

This article highlights recent research on the beneficial use of selected low frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) as a safe alternative therapy for treatment of cancer and other health problems. It is shown that EMF therapy provides a safe alternative and adjunct modality for the treatment of cancer and other health problems, and therefore, research in this field deserves more support. The paper also discusses some reports and hypothesis of potential risk of human exposure to low frequency EMF, mainly to the power line frequency of 60 Hz.