Cardioprotection from stress conditions by weak magnetic fields in the Schumann Resonance band

Response of photosynthesis and electrical reactions of wheat plants upon the action of magnetic fields in the Schumann resonance frequency band

Alternating magnetic fields (MF) with Schumann resonance frequencies accompanied the development of living organisms throughout evolution, but today it remains unclear whether they can have a special biological effect in comparison with surrounding non-resonant frequencies. This work shows some stimulating effect of extremely low-frequency MFs on morphometric parameters and the activity of physiological processes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). It is shown that the MF effect is more pronounced for transient processes - photosynthesis reactions and changes in electrical potential caused by turning on light. For light-induced electrical reactions, the dependence of the severity of the effect on the frequency of the applied MF was demonstrated. It is shown that the most pronounced effect occurs in the 14.3 Hz field, which corresponds to the second harmonic of the Schumann resonance. The predominant sensitivity of signal-regulatory systems gives reason to assume the influence of MFs with Schumann resonance frequencies on the interaction of plants with environmental factors under conditions of a changed electromagnetic environment. Such conditions can occur, for example, with an increase in lightning activity caused by climate change, which serves as the basis for the generation of Schumann resonances, and with the development of artificial ecosystems outside the Earth's atmosphere.

Effects of Schumann resonance on the proliferation and migration of normal human epidermal keratinocytes and the expression of DEFB1 and SIRT1

BACKGROUND

When the skin is damaged and its barrier function is disrupted, the proliferation and migration of epidermal keratinocytes are vital for repairing the damaged area. The Schumann resonance at 7.8 Hz has been reported to protect rat cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress and inhibit the proliferation of B16 mouse melanoma cells. However, its effect on the skin is unknown.

AIMS

In this study, we applied 7.8-Hz electromagnetic waves to normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) and investigated its effects on cell proliferation and migration, β-defensin (DEFB1) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) expression.

METHODS

We performed cell proliferation assay, cell migrationassay and gene expression analysis of DEFB1 and SIRT1.

RESULTS

We found that the application of 7.8-Hz electromagnetic waves caused a 2.8-fold increase in NHEK proliferation, enhanced cell migration, and increased the expression of DEFB1 and SIRT1 by 2.4-fold and 4.9-fold, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the application of 7.8-Hz electromagnetic waves may contribute to improving the skin barrier function and skin ulcer.

Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Worldwide, insects are declining at an alarming rate. Among other causes, the use of pesticides and modern agricultural practices play a major role in this. Cumulative effects of multiple low-dose toxins and the distribution of toxicants in nature have only started to be investigated in a methodical way. Existing research indicates another factor of anthropogenic origin that could have subtle harmful effects: the increasingly frequent use of electromagnetic fields (EMF) from man-made technologies. This systematic review summarizes the results of studies investigating the toxicity of electromagnetic fields in insects. The main objective of this review is to weigh the evidence regarding detrimental effects on insects from the increasing technological infrastructure, with a particular focus on power lines and the cellular network. The next generation of mobile communication technologies, 5G, is being deployed - without having been tested in respect of potential toxic effects. With humanity's quest for pervasiveness of technology, even modest effects of electromagnetic fields on organisms could eventually reach a saturation level that can no longer be ignored. An overview of reported effects and biological mechanisms of exposure to electromagnetic fields, which addresses new findings in cell biology, is included. Biological effects of non-thermal EMF on insects are clearly proven in the laboratory, but only partly in the field, thus the wider ecological implications are still unknown. There is a need for more field studies, but extrapolating from the laboratory, as is common practice in ecotoxicology, already warrants increasing the threat level of environmental EMF impact on insects.

Linkages Between Geomagnetic Activity and Blood Pressure

This review aims to critically examine and present evidence for and against potential linkages between geomagnetic activity and its effects on blood pressure (BP). Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers written in English: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Biomedical Reference Collection. Retrieved titles were first screened for potential relevance followed by an abstract review for further clarifications if warranted. The preponderance of the reported evidence is consistent with the concept that space weather and related events that cause sufficiently large changes in the geomagnetic field (GMF) can impact BP. The associated BP change in most but not all cases is one in which both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure increase, with SBP appearing to be more consistently involved. The magnitude of the reported BP increase ranges from about 3 to 8 mmHg depending on the intensity of the geomagnetic activity. The initiation of these BP changes has been variably reported to occur shortly before the GMF change or in synchrony with the abrupt change in the GMF. Such GMF-linked BP changes are not present in all persons and there appears to be increased sensitivity in women and in persons with co-existing hypertension. The utility of these findings in assessing or treating persons with known or suspected hypertension remains to be determined via future research. Further, research directed at determining the factors that determine responders from non-responders to GMF changes is warranted.

The Effect of an Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field on the Drought Sensitivity of Wheat Plants

Extremely low-frequency magnetic fields are thought to be capable of modulating the resistance of plants to adverse factors, particularly drought. Magnetic fields in this frequency range occur in nature in connection with so-called Schumann resonances, excited by lightning discharges in the Earth-ionosphere cavity. The aim of this work was to identify the influence of a magnetic field with a frequency of 14.3 Hz (which corresponds to the second Schumann harmonic) on the transpiration and photosynthesis of wheat plants under the influence of drought. The activity of photosynthesis processes, the crop water stress index, relative water content and leaf area were determined during drought intensification. At the end of the experiment, on the 12th day of drought, the length, and fresh and dry weight of wheat shoots were measured. The results obtained indicate a protective effect of the magnetic field on plants in unfavorable drought conditions; the magnetic field delayed the development of harmful changes in the transpiration and photosynthesis processes for several days. At the same time, in the absence of the stressor (drought), the effect of the electromagnetic field was not detected, except for a decrease in relative transpiration. In favorable conditions, there were only minimal modifications of the photosynthetic processes and transpiration by the magnetic field.

Influence of electromagnetic fields on the circadian rhythm: Implications for human health and disease

Living organisms have evolved within the natural electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of the earth which comprise the global atmospheric electrical circuit, Schumann resonances (SRs) and the geomagnetic field. Research suggests that the circadian rhythm, which controls several physiological functions in the human body, can be influenced by light but also by the earth's EMFs. Cyclic solar disturbances, including sunspots and seasonal weakening of the geomagnetic field, can affect human health, possibly by disrupting the circadian rhythm and downstream physiological functions. Severe disruption of the circadian rhythm increases inflammation which can induce fatigue, fever and flu-like symptoms in a fraction of the population and worsen existing symptoms in old and diseased individuals, leading to periodic spikes of infectious and chronic diseases. Possible mechanisms underlying sensing of the earth's EMFs involve entrainment via electrons and electromagnetic waves, light-dependent radical pair formation in retina cryptochromes, and paramagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Factors such as electromagnetic pollution from wireless devices, base antennas and low orbit internet satellites, shielding by non-conductive materials used in shoes and buildings, and local geomagnetic anomalies may also affect sensing of the earth's EMFs by the human body and contribute to circadian rhythm disruption and disease development.

Effect of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields on light-induced electric reactions in wheat

Magnetic field oscillations resulting from atmospheric events could have an effect on growth and development of plants and on the responsive reactions of plants to other environmental factors. In the current work, extremely low-frequency magnetic field (14.3 Hz) was shown to modulate light-induced electric reactions of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Blue light-induced electric reaction in wheat leaf comprises depolarization and two waves of hyperpolarization resulting in an increase of the potential to a higher level compared to the dark one. Fluorescent and inhibitory analysis demonstrate a key role of calcium ions and calcium-dependent H⁺-ATPase of the plasma membrane in the development of the reaction. Activation of H⁺-ATPase by the increased calcium influx is suggested as a mechanism of the influence of magnetic field on light-induced electric reaction.

Influence of Schumann Range Electromagnetic Fields on Components of Plant Redox Metabolism in Wheat and Peas

The Schumann Resonances (ScR) are Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) electromagnetic resonances in the Earth-ionosphere cavity excited by global lightning discharges. ScR are the part of electromagnetic field (EMF) of Earth. The influence of ScR on biological systems is still insufficiently understood. The purpose of the study is to characterize the possible role of the plant cell redox metabolism regulating system in the Schumann Resonances EMF perception. Activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase, their isoenzyme structure, content of malondialdehyde, composition of polar lipids in leaf extracts of wheat and pea plants treated with short-time (30 min) and long-time (18 days) ELF EMF with a frequency of 7.8 Hz, 14.3 Hz, 20.8 Hz have been investigated. Short-time exposure ELF EMF caused more pronounced bio effects than long-time exposure. Wheat catalase turned out to be the most sensitive parameter to magnetic fields. It is assumed that the change in the activity of wheat catalase after a short-term ELF EMF may be associated with the ability of this enzyme to perceive the action of a weak EMF through calcium calmodulin and/or cryptochromic signaling systems.

Correlation of local lightning activity with extra low frequency detector for Schumann Resonance measurements

A dedicated extremely low frequency (ELF) detector has been constructed and used successfully for Schumann Resonance (SRs) measurements in N.W. Greece. The main objective of this work was to investigate the effect of local lightning activity on the signal of our ELF detector and consequently on the estimated SRs parameters, namely the power, the frequency and the quality factor of each mode. Therefore, several measurements were taken into account for the ELF signal continuously recorded and the lightning intensity in a specific range around the ELF detector. Additionally, a simple filtering technique was used, in order to reject the distorted SRs spectra. The statistical analysis performed showed a positive and statistically significant correlation between the lightning events and the recorded magnetic component of the ELF signal. It was found that local lightnings have a significant impact on the SRs measurements, and it is necessary to be removed from the background signal.

Weak Electromagnetic Fields Accelerate Fusion of Myoblasts

Weak electromagnetic fields (WEF) alter Ca²⁺ handling in skeletal muscle myotubes. Owing to the involvement of Ca²⁺ in muscle development, we investigated whether WEF affects fusion of myoblasts in culture. Rat primary myoblast cultures were exposed to WEF (1.75 µT, 16 Hz) for up to six days. Under control conditions, cell fusion and creatine kinase (CK) activity increased in parallel and peaked at 4–6 days. WEF enhanced the extent of fusion after one and two days (by ~40%) vs. control, but not thereafter. Exposure to WEF also enhanced CK activity after two days (almost four-fold), but not afterwards. Incorporation of ³H-thymidine into DNA was enhanced by one-day exposure to WEF (~40%), indicating increased cell replication. Using the potentiometric fluorescent dye di-8-ANEPPS, we found that exposure of cells to 150 mM KCl resulted in depolarization of the cell membrane. However, prior exposure of cells to WEF for one day followed by addition of KCl resulted in hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. Acute exposure of cells to WEF also resulted in hyperpolarization of the cell membrane. Twenty-four hour incubation of myoblasts with gambogic acid, an inhibitor of the inward rectifying K⁺ channel 2.1 (K_ir2.1), did not affect cell fusion, WEF-mediated acceleration of fusion or hyperpolarization. These data demonstrate that WEF accelerates fusion of myoblasts, resulting in myotube formation. The WEF effect is associated with hyperpolarization but WEF does not appear to mediate its effects on fusion by activating K_ir2.1 channels.

The Possible Effect of Space Weather Factors on Various Physiological Systems of the Human Organism

A systematic review of heliobiological studies of the last 25 years devoted to the study of the potential influence of space weather factors on human health and well-being was carried out. We proposed three criteria (coordinates), according to which the work on solar–biospheric relations was systematized: the time scale of data sampling (years, days, hours, minutes); the level of organization of the biological system under study (population, group, individual, body system); and the degree of system response (norm, adaptation, failure of adaptation (illness), disaster (death)). This systematic review demonstrates that three parameters mentioned above are closely related in the existing heliobiological studies: the larger the selected time scale, the higher the level of estimated biological system organization and the stronger the potential response degree is. The long-term studies are devoted to the possible influence of solar activity on population disasters, i.e., significant increases in morbidity and mortality. On a daily scale, a probable effect of geomagnetic storms and other space weather events on short-term local outbreaks of morbidity is shown as well as on cases of deterioration in people functional state. On an intraday scale, in the regular functioning mode, the heart and brain rhythms of healthy people turn to be synchronized with geomagnetic field variations in some frequency ranges, which apparently is the necessary organism’s existence element. The applicability of different space weather indices at different data sampling rates, the need to take into account the contribution of meteorological factors, and the prospects for an individual approach in heliobiology are discussed. The modern important results of experiments on modeling the action of magnetic storms in laboratory conditions and the substantiation of possible theoreical mechanisms are described. These results provide an experimental and theoretical basis for studies of possible connections of space weather and human health.

[Effects of weak low-frequency electromagnetic field on sleep structure during daytime sleep]

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that weak electromagnetic fields of low frequencies (0.5-26 Hz) could affect daytime sleep features and structure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Parameters of daytime sleep continuity were compared in the study with counterbalanced control/exposition (40 min exposure to electromagnetic field at 1 Hz/0.004 μT) scheme in 22 healthy volunteers. Nonlinear regression model was used to assess daytime sleep continuity.

RESULTS

Exposure to a weak electromagnetic field of ultra-low frequency significantly improved the quality of sleep, assessed by the indicator of sleep continuity, namely, there were fewer transitions from the second and deeper stages of sleep to the first stage and to the state of wakefulness (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The results can be used to develop non-pharmacological methods of sleep correction, as well as to improve the quality of short-term sleep and its positive effect on well-being, cognitive function and working capacity.

Influence of Magnetic Field with Schumann Resonance Frequencies on Photosynthetic Light Reactions in Wheat and Pea

Photosynthesis is an important target of action of numerous environmental factors; in particular, stressors can strongly affect photosynthetic light reactions. Considering relations of photosynthetic light reactions to electron and proton transport, it can be supposed that extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELFMF) may influence these reactions; however, this problem has been weakly investigated. In this paper, we experimentally tested a hypothesis about the potential influence of ELFMF of 18 µT intensity with Schumann resonance frequencies (7.8, 14.3, and 20.8 Hz) on photosynthetic light reactions in wheat and pea seedlings. It was shown that ELFMF decreased non-photochemical quenching in wheat and weakly influenced quantum yield of photosystem II at short-term treatment; in contrast, the changes in potential and effective quantum yields of photosystem II were observed mainly under chronic action of ELFMF. It is interesting that both short-term and chronic treatment decreased the time periods for 50% activation of quantum yield and non-photochemical quenching under illumination. Influence of ELFMF on pea was not observed at both short-term and chronic treatment. Thus, we showed that ELFMF with Schumann resonance frequencies could influence photosynthetic light processes; however, this effect depends on plant species (wheat or pea) and type of treatment (short-term or chronic).

Natural ELF fields in the atmosphere and in living organisms

Most electrical activity in vertebrates and invertebrates occurs at extremely low frequencies (ELF), with characteristic maxima below 50 Hz. The origin of these frequency maxima is unknown and remains a mystery. We propose that over billions of years during the evolutionary history of living organisms on Earth, the natural electromagnetic resonant frequencies in the atmosphere, continuously generated by global lightning activity, provided the background electric fields for the development of cellular electrical activity. In some animals, the electrical spectrum is difficult to differentiate from the natural background atmospheric electric field produced by lightning. In this paper, we present evidence for the link between the natural ELF fields and those found in many living organisms, including humans.

Possible molecular and cellular mechanisms at the basis of atmospheric electromagnetic field bioeffects

Mechanisms of how electromagnetic (EM) field acts on biological systems are governed by the same physics regardless of the origin of the EM field (technological, atmospheric...), given that EM parameters are the same. We draw from a large body of literature of bioeffects of a man-made electromagnetic field. In this paper, we performed a focused review on selected possible mechanisms of how atmospheric electromagnetic phenomena can act at the molecular and cellular level. We first briefly review the range of frequencies and field strengths for both electric and magnetic fields in the atmosphere. Then, we focused on a concise description of the current knowledge on weak electric and magnetic field bioeffects with possible molecular mechanisms at the basis of possible EM field bioeffects combined with modeling strategies to estimate reliable outcomes and speculate about the biological effects linked to lightning or pyroelectricity. Indeed, we bring pyroelectricity as a natural source of voltage gradients previously unexplored. While very different from lightning, it can result in similar bioeffects based on similar mechanisms, which can lead to close speculations on the importance of these atmospheric electric fields in the evolution.

Challenges in coupling atmospheric electricity with biological systems

The atmosphere is host to a complex electric environment, ranging from a global electric circuit generating fluctuating atmospheric electric fields to local lightning strikes and ions. While research on interactions of organisms with their electrical environment is deeply rooted in the aquatic environment, it has hitherto been confined to interactions with local electrical phenomena and organismal perception of electric fields. However, there is emerging evidence of coupling between large- and small-scale atmospheric electrical phenomena and various biological processes in terrestrial environments that even appear to be tied to continental waters. Here, we synthesize our current understanding of this connectivity, discussing how atmospheric electricity can affect various levels of biological organization across multiple ecosystems. We identify opportunities for research, highlighting its complexity and interdisciplinary nature and draw attention to both conceptual and technical challenges lying ahead of our future understanding of the relationship between atmospheric electricity and the organization and functioning of biological systems.

The influence of circulation weather types on the exposure of the biosphere to atmospheric electric fields

We present an analysis of the impact of circulation weather types (CT) on a factor that might influence biological systems and the human condition, the electric state of the atmosphere. We present results on the influence of CT to the magnitude, the direction (positive or negative), the fluctuation magnitude, and the short-term peaks of the atmospheric electric field (potential gradient, PG), using data from a station in Greece. CTs with high vorticity centers over Greece are associated with high positive and negative excursions of the PG, higher PG variability, and rain events. CTs with thinner 850-500 hPa layer are associated with higher daily mean values of fair-weather PG. We also examine the influence of CT on the frequency and amplitude of the naturally occurring extremely low-frequency electric field fluctuations known as Schumann resonances (SR) using data from a station in Hungary. The first and second mode SR frequencies are increased during CTs associated with higher 500 hPa geopotential heights and higher 850-500 hPa layer thickness. This hints to a lower-upper atmosphere coupling. So, CTs not only influence the general temperature and humidity conditions to which the biosphere is exposed, but they also affect its exposure to atmospheric electric fields.

Associations between Quasi-biennial Oscillation phase, solar wind, geomagnetic activity, and the incidence of acute myocardial infarction

An increase in the daily rate of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been observed during days of geomagnetic storm (GS). However, the analysis of associations between the daily number of AMI and geomagnetic activity (GMA) over longer periods sometimes yields controversial results. The study aimed to detect the complex association between the daily numbers of AMI and weather, the Quasi-biennial Oscillation (QBO) phase, GMA, and solar wind variables. We used data of Kaunas population-based Ischemic Heart Disease Register of residents of Kaunas city (Lithuania) for 2000-2012. The associations between weather and space weather variables and the daily number of AMI were evaluated by applying the multivariate Poisson regression. A higher risk of AMI was positively associated with active-stormy local GMA (rate ratio (RR) = 1.06 (95% CI 1.01-1.10)), solar wind dynamic pressure with a lag of 4 days (RR = 1.02 (1.01-1.04) per 1 nPa increase), and solar wind speed with a lag of 3-7 days (RR = 1.03 (1.01-1.05) per 100 km/s increase). A positive association was found between the west QBO phase and the risk of AMI during winter (RR = 1.08 (1.01-1.16)), and a negative association was observed between them during March-November (RR = 0.93 (0.90-0.97)). The risk of AMI positively associated with the GS due to stream interaction regions with a lag of 0-2 days during the east QBO phase (RR = 1.10, p = 0.046) and was negatively associated with them during the west QBO phase (RR = 0.82, p = 0.024). These results may help understand the population's sensitivity under different weather and space weather conditions. The QBO phase may modify the effect of GS.

Schumann resonance and cardiovascular hospital admission in the area of Granada, Spain: An event coincidence analysis approach

The study of bio-effects of Schumann resonances is a very complex issue. There is a need to identify mechanisms and pathways that explain how Extremely Low Frequency magnetic fields affect biology or human health. This particular study tries to identify statistical associations between ELF magnetic fields in the province of Granada (Spain) and cardiovascular related hospital admission in the same province for the period April, 1st 2013 to March, 31st 2014. Research is developed under an epidemiological approach based on an Event Coincidence Analysis statistical method. Clustered events, statistically significant (ECA shuffle-surrogate test p = .01 and p < .01), were found for the minimum values of the first and the third Schuman resonances frequency on east-west and north-south directions, and for the amplitude parameter of the second resonance and the total signal energy in the north-south direction. Empirical measurements of SR parameters were recorded at the Sierra Nevada Mountain in Granada province (Spain). Results show a clear coincidence of the events for the minima amplitudes of Shuman resonances and energy in the north-south orientation and the number of the cardiovascular related hospital admissions. Further research is needed with longer temporal series and a new approach based on gender seems to be also interesting for future studies.

Design and Implementation of a Test Fixture for ELF Schumann Resonance Magnetic Antenna Receiver and Magnetic Permeability Measurements

This paper presents a prototype test fixture for the absolute calibration and estimation of the equivalent magnetic flux noise of the extremely low frequency (ELF) Schumann resonant (SR) magnetic antenna receiver and rods’ magnetic permeability measurement. The test fixture, for ELF the SR detector’s calibration, consists of a constructed coil, the signal generator, and the oscilloscope. The ELF SR detector used has been operating since 2016 near the Doliana village in the Ioannina prefecture, Northwestern Greece. At precisely this spot, far away from electromagnetic noise, the whole setup and experiment took place. The experiments performed with the proposed test fixture showed a sensitivity of 70 nV/pT/Hz and an apparent magnetic permeability at around 250 for the magnetic antenna. The total sensitivity of the ELF receiver was 210 mV/pT near 20 Hz, while the total input noise was around 0.04 pT.

Revisiting the Photon/Cell Interaction Mechanism in Low-Level Light Therapy

Objective: Several reports claim that the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) is the primary absorber for red-to-near-infrared (R-NIR) light in cells and causal for mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) upregulation, and that pulsed R-NIR light has frequent therapeutic effects, which are superior to those of the continuous wave (CW) mode used in low-level light therapy (LLLT). Background data: Convincing evidence that the absorption of R-NIR photons by CCO is involved in mitochondrial ATP upregulations as well as a coherent explanation for the superiority of the pulsed irradiation mode is presently lacking in the literature. Methods: A comprehensive literature search and rigorous analysis of the data published on the idea that CCO is the primary absorber for R-NIR light, and of the claim that the effectivity of the pulsed irradiation mode can be derived from the absorption of R-NIR photons by CCO, reveal a number of severe inconsistencies. Results: A systematical analysis covering both the theory that CCO is the primary acceptor for R-NIR light and of its use to interpret differences between the biological effect of pulsed light and CW casts doubt on the general validity of the CCO-based hypothesis. Instead, we are offered a simple and conflict-free model accounting for both ATP upregulation and superiority of the pulsed mode in LLLT, which is in agreement with the results of recent laboratory experiments. Conclusions: CCO is not the primary acceptor for R-NIR light.