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Muheim R, Phillips JB. Effects of low-level RF fields reveal complex pattern of magnetic input to the avian magnetic compass. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19970. [PMID: 37968316 PMCID: PMC10651899 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46547-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The avian magnetic compass can be disrupted by weak narrow-band and broadband radio-frequency (RF) fields in the lower MHz range. However, it is unclear whether disruption of the magnetic compass results from the elimination of the perception pattern produced by the magnetic field or from qualitative changes that make the pattern unrecognizable. We show that zebra finches trained in a 4-arm maze to orient relative to the magnetic field are disoriented when tested in the presence of low-level (~ 10 nT) Larmor-frequency RF fields. However, they are able to orient when tested in such RF fields if trained under this condition, indicating that the RF field alters, but does not eliminate, the magnetic input. Larmor-frequency RF fields of higher intensities, with or without harmonics, dramatically alter the magnetic compass response. In contrast, exposure to broadband RF fields in training, in testing, or in both training and testing eliminates magnetic compass information. These findings demonstrate that low-level RF fields at intensities found in many laboratory and field experiments may have very different effects on the perception of the magnetic field in birds, depending on the type and intensity of the RF field, and the birds' familiarity with the RF-generated pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Muheim
- Department of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden.
| | - John B Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
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Geomagnetic disturbance associated with increased vagrancy in migratory landbirds. Sci Rep 2023; 13:414. [PMID: 36624156 PMCID: PMC9829733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26586-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Rare birds known as "accidentals" or "vagrants" have long captivated birdwatchers and puzzled biologists, but the drivers of these rare occurrences remain elusive. Errors in orientation or navigation are considered one potential driver: migratory birds use the Earth's magnetic field-sensed using specialized magnetoreceptor structures-to traverse long distances over often unfamiliar terrain. Disruption to these magnetoreceptors or to the magnetic field itself could potentially cause errors leading to vagrancy. Using data from 2 million captures of 152 landbird species in North America over 60 years, we demonstrate a strong association between disruption to the Earth's magnetic field and avian vagrancy during fall migration. Furthermore, we find that increased solar activity-a disruptor of the avian magnetoreceptor-generally counteracts this effect, potentially mitigating misorientation by disabling the ability for birds to use the magnetic field to orient. Our results link a hypothesized cause of misorientation to the phenomenon of avian vagrancy, further demonstrating the importance of magnetoreception among the orientation mechanisms of migratory birds. Geomagnetic disturbance may have important downstream ecological consequences, as vagrants may experience increased mortality rates or facilitate range expansions of avian populations and the organisms they disperse.
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3
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 3. Exposure standards, public policy, laws, and future directions. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:531-558. [PMID: 34563106 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Due to the continuous rising ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMFs) used in modern societies-primarily from wireless technologies-that have now become a ubiquitous biologically active environmental pollutant, a new vision on how to regulate such exposures for non-human species at the ecosystem level is needed. Government standards adopted for human exposures are examined for applicability to wildlife. Existing environmental laws, such as the National Environmental Policy Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S. and others used in Canada and throughout Europe, should be strengthened and enforced. New laws should be written to accommodate the ever-increasing EMF exposures. Radiofrequency radiation exposure standards that have been adopted by worldwide agencies and governments warrant more stringent controls given the new and unusual signaling characteristics used in 5G technology. No such standards take wildlife into consideration. Many species of flora and fauna, because of distinctive physiologies, have been found sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. Such exposures may now be capable of affecting endogenous bioelectric states in some species. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that low-level EMF exposures have numerous adverse effects, including on orientation, migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance, defense, vitality, longevity, and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. A robust dialog regarding technology's high-impact role in the nascent field of electroecology needs to commence. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards should be set accordingly for wildlife, including, but not limited to, the redesign of wireless devices, as well as infrastructure, in order to reduce the rising ambient levels (explored in Part 1). Possible environmental approaches are discussed. This is Part 3 of a three-part series.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, USA
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Grüning G, Wong SY, Gerhards L, Schuhmann F, Kattnig DR, Hore PJ, Solov’yov IA. Effects of Dynamical Degrees of Freedom on Magnetic Compass Sensitivity: A Comparison of Plant and Avian Cryptochromes. J Am Chem Soc 2022; 144:22902-22914. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.2c06233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gesa Grüning
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Street 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Siu Ying Wong
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Street 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Luca Gerhards
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Street 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Fabian Schuhmann
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Street 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Daniel R. Kattnig
- Department of Physics and Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, U.K
| | - P. J. Hore
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, U.K
| | - Ilia A. Solov’yov
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University, Carl-von-Ossietzky-Street 9-11, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
- Research Center for Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
- Center for Nanoscale Dynamics (CENAD), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Institut für Physik, Ammerländer Heerstreet 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Low-level EMF effects on wildlife and plants: What research tells us about an ecosystem approach. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1000840. [PMID: 36505009 PMCID: PMC9732734 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1000840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is enough evidence to indicate we may be damaging non-human species at ecosystem and biosphere levels across all taxa from rising background levels of anthropogenic non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) from 0 Hz to 300 GHz. The focus of this Perspective paper is on the unique physiology of non-human species, their extraordinary sensitivity to both natural and anthropogenic EMF, and the likelihood that artificial EMF in the static, extremely low frequency (ELF) and radiofrequency (RF) ranges of the non-ionizing electromagnetic spectrum are capable at very low intensities of adversely affecting both fauna and flora in all species studied. Any existing exposure standards are for humans only; wildlife is unprotected, including within the safety margins of existing guidelines, which are inappropriate for trans-species sensitivities and different non-human physiology. Mechanistic, genotoxic, and potential ecosystem effects are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Blake Levitt
- National Association of Science Writers, Berkeley, CA, United States
| | - Henry C. Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Albert M. Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington, DC, United States
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Rivera PD, Fraley GS. Research Note: Retinal cryptochrome gene expression is not altered by presence of light in incubators. Poult Sci 2022; 102:102272. [PMID: 36402038 PMCID: PMC9673095 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2022.102272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cryptochromes are blue-, or ultraviolet-, light-absorbing proteins involved in the circadian clock, blue/ultraviolet light perception and potentially magnetoreception. At least 4 separate cryptochrome genes have been identified in avian species. The purpose of this study was to first determine if cryptochrome genes are expressed in the developing duck retina, and second to determine if the presence of lights in incubators affects the expression of cryptochrome genes. To accomplish these goals, duck eggs were placed in one of 2 commercial incubators (Buckeye, Single Stage Incubator, Model, SS-112) at Maple Leaf Farms, Inc., one with "poultry" LEDs obtained from a commercial source (Once Innovation, Agrishift) and the other in the absence of light (dark). Eggs in the incubators were placed on a reciprocating tray, tilting to 45° to simulate the rotation of eggs; thus all eggs spent 50% facing the light source and the other 50% of time facing 45° away from light source. Temperature gradients and humidity were maintained at industry standards. Retinal tissue samples from light and dark incubators were collected on days 3, 7, 11, 16, and 21 of incubation (extraction day, ED) known to be anatomical hallmarks of visual system development (n = 9-18 treatment group/ED timepoint). Samples were prepped and assayed for Cry2 and GAPDH gene transcription using qRT-PCR. Data were analyzed by using 2-ddCt method and a 2-way ANOVA was performed. No significant differences in Cry2 gene expression were observed between the lighted or dark incubator (P > 0.10). When combining light and dark treatment groups there is a significant 9 P < 0.05) increase in retinal Cry2 at ED 21, compared to ED 3 and 7. The presence of cryptochrome does not necessitate a migratory drive as evidenced by the fact that the Cry2 expression has been shown in non-migratory birds. However, since blue/ultraviolet wavelengths also activate the Cry2 photoreceptor, its presence could explain reports that suggest duck welfare can be improved if housed under lights that include ultraviolet wavelengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Rivera
- Biology Department, Hope College, Holland, MI 49422, USA
| | - G S Fraley
- Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Scientific evidence invalidates health assumptions underlying the FCC and ICNIRP exposure limit determinations for radiofrequency radiation: implications for 5G. Environ Health 2022; 21:92. [PMID: 36253855 PMCID: PMC9576312 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-022-00900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
In the late-1990s, the FCC and ICNIRP adopted radiofrequency radiation (RFR) exposure limits to protect the public and workers from adverse effects of RFR. These limits were based on results from behavioral studies conducted in the 1980s involving 40-60-minute exposures in 5 monkeys and 8 rats, and then applying arbitrary safety factors to an apparent threshold specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 W/kg. The limits were also based on two major assumptions: any biological effects were due to excessive tissue heating and no effects would occur below the putative threshold SAR, as well as twelve assumptions that were not specified by either the FCC or ICNIRP. In this paper, we show how the past 25 years of extensive research on RFR demonstrates that the assumptions underlying the FCC's and ICNIRP's exposure limits are invalid and continue to present a public health harm. Adverse effects observed at exposures below the assumed threshold SAR include non-thermal induction of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage, cardiomyopathy, carcinogenicity, sperm damage, and neurological effects, including electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Also, multiple human studies have found statistically significant associations between RFR exposure and increased brain and thyroid cancer risk. Yet, in 2020, and in light of the body of evidence reviewed in this article, the FCC and ICNIRP reaffirmed the same limits that were established in the 1990s. Consequently, these exposure limits, which are based on false suppositions, do not adequately protect workers, children, hypersensitive individuals, and the general population from short-term or long-term RFR exposures. Thus, urgently needed are health protective exposure limits for humans and the environment. These limits must be based on scientific evidence rather than on erroneous assumptions, especially given the increasing worldwide exposures of people and the environment to RFR, including novel forms of radiation from 5G telecommunications for which there are no adequate health effects studies.
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Rotov AY, Goriachenkov AA, Cherbunin RV, Firsov ML, Chernetsov N, Astakhova LA. Magnetoreceptory Function of European Robin Retina: Electrophysiological and Morphological Non-Homogeneity. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193056. [PMID: 36231018 PMCID: PMC9564291 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The avian magnetic compass allows orientation during migration and is shown to function properly under short-wavelength but not long-wavelength visible light. Therefore, the magnetoreceptive system is assumed to be light- and wavelength-dependent and localized in the retina of the eye. Putative candidates for the role of primary magnetosensory molecules are the cryptochromes that are known to be expressed in the avian retina and must be able to interact with phototransduction proteins. Previously, we reported that in migratory birds change in magnetic field direction induces significant effects on electroretinogram amplitude in response to blue flashes, and such an effect was observed only in the nasal quadrant of the retina. Here, we report new electroretinographic, microscopic and microspectrophotometric data on European robins, confirming the magnetosensitivity of the retinal nasal quadrant after applying the background illumination. We hypothesized that magnetoreceptive distinction of this region may be related to its morphology and analyzed the retinal distribution and optical properties of oil droplets, the filtering structures within cones. We found that the nasal quadrant contains double cones with the most intensely colorized oil droplets compared to the rest of the retina, which may be related to its magnetosensory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Yu. Rotov
- Laboratory of Evolution of the Sense Organs, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Arsenii A. Goriachenkov
- Laboratory of Evolution of the Sense Organs, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Roman V. Cherbunin
- Laboratory of Evolution of the Sense Organs, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Spin Optics Laboratory, Physics Faculty, St. Petersburg State University, 198504 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Michael L. Firsov
- Laboratory of Evolution of the Sense Organs, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Nikita Chernetsov
- Laboratory of Evolution of the Sense Organs, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Biological Faculty, St. Petersburg State University, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Ornithology Lab, Zoological Institute RAS, 199034 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Luba A. Astakhova
- Laboratory of Evolution of the Sense Organs, Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry RAS, 194223 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, Part 2 impacts: how species interact with natural and man-made EMF. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:327-406. [PMID: 34243228 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last five decades to become a ubiquitous, continuous, biologically active environmental pollutant, even in rural and remote areas. Many species of flora and fauna, because of unique physiologies and habitats, are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. This can lead to complex endogenous reactions that are highly variable, largely unseen, and a possible contributing factor in species extinctions, sometimes localized. Non-human magnetoreception mechanisms are explored. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that current low-level anthropogenic EMF can have myriad adverse and synergistic effects, including on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and on vitality, longevity and survivorship itself. Effects have been observed in mammals such as bats, cervids, cetaceans, and pinnipeds among others, and on birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, microbes and many species of flora. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed in laboratory research on animal models that can be extrapolated to wildlife. Unusual multi-system mechanisms can come into play with non-human species - including in aquatic environments - that rely on the Earth's natural geomagnetic fields for critical life-sustaining information. Part 2 of this 3-part series includes four online supplement tables of effects seen in animals from both ELF and RFR at vanishingly low intensities. Taken as a whole, this indicates enough information to raise concerns about ambient exposures to nonionizing radiation at ecosystem levels. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced - a subject explored in Part 3.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC Campus, USA
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Hanić M, Schuhmann F, Frederiksen A, Langebrake C, Manthey G, Liedvogel M, Xu J, Mouritsen H, Solov'yov IA. Computational Reconstruction and Analysis of Structural Models of Avian Cryptochrome 4. J Phys Chem B 2022; 126:4623-4635. [PMID: 35704801 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.2c00878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
A recent study by Xu et al. (Nature, 2021, 594, 535-540) provided strong evidence that cryptochrome 4 (Cry4) is a key protein to endow migratory birds with the magnetic compass sense. The investigation compared the magnetic field response of Cry4 from migratory and nonmigratory bird species and suggested that a difference in magnetic sensitivity could exist. This finding prompted an in-depth investigation into Cry4 protein differences on the structural and dynamic levels. In the present study, the pigeon Cry4 (ClCry4) crystal structure was used to reconstruct the missing avian Cry4 protein structures via homology modeling for carefully selected bird species. The reconstructed Cry4 structure from European robin, Eurasian blackcap, zebra finch, chicken, and pigeon were subsequently simulated dynamically and analyzed. The studied avian Cry4 structures show flexibility in analogous regions pointing to similar activation mechanisms and/or signaling interaction partners. It can be concluded that the experimentally recorded difference in the magnetic field sensitivity of Cry4 from different birds is unlikely to be due to solely intrinsic dynamics of the proteins but requires additional factors that have not yet been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Hanić
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Fabian Schuhmann
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Anders Frederiksen
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Corinna Langebrake
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven 26386, Germany
| | - Georg Manthey
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany.,Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven 26386, Germany
| | - Miriam Liedvogel
- Institute of Avian Research, An der Vogelwarte 21, Wilhelmshaven 26386, Germany.,Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany.,MPRG Behavioural Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, Plön 24306, Germany
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany.,Research Center for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany
| | - Ilia A Solov'yov
- Department of Physics, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany.,Research Center for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Carl-von-Ossietzky Straße 9-11, Oldenburg 26129, Germany.,Center for Nanoscale Dynamics (CENAD), Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, Institut für Physik, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
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Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville AM. Effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic fields on flora and fauna, part 1. Rising ambient EMF levels in the environment. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2022; 37:81-122. [PMID: 34047144 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Ambient levels of electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last 80 years, creating a novel energetic exposure that previously did not exist. Most recent decades have seen exponential increases in nearly all environments, including rural/remote areas and lower atmospheric regions. Because of unique physiologies, some species of flora and fauna are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that may surpass human reactivity. There is limited, but comprehensive, baseline data in the U.S. from the 1980s against which to compare significant new surveys from different countries. This now provides broader and more precise data on potential transient and chronic exposures to wildlife and habitats. Biological effects have been seen broadly across all taxa and frequencies at vanishingly low intensities comparable to today's ambient exposures. Broad wildlife effects have been seen on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and longevity and survivorship. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have been observed. The above issues are explored in three consecutive parts: Part 1 questions today's ambient EMF capabilities to adversely affect wildlife, with more urgency regarding 5G technologies. Part 2 explores natural and man-made fields, animal magnetoreception mechanisms, and pertinent studies to all wildlife kingdoms. Part 3 examines current exposure standards, applicable laws, and future directions. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as 'habitat' so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Blake Levitt
- National Association of Science Writers, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Henry C Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Albert M Manville
- Advanced Academic Programs, Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Environmental Sciences and Policy, Johns Hopkins University, Washington DC Campus, USA
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Phillips J, Muheim R, Painter M, Raines J, Anderson C, Landler L, Dommer D, Raines A, Deutschlander M, Whitehead J, Fitzpatrick NE, Youmans P, Borland C, Sloan K, McKenna K. Why is it so difficult to study magnetic compass orientation in murine rodents? J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:197-212. [PMID: 35094127 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A magnetic compass sense has been demonstrated in all major classes of vertebrates, as well as in many invertebrates. In mammals, controlled laboratory studies of mice have provided evidence for a robust magnetic compass that is comparable to, or exceeds, the performance of that in other animals. Nevertheless, the vast majority of laboratory studies of spatial behavior and cognition in murine rodents have failed to produce evidence of sensitivity to magnetic cues. Given the central role that a magnetic compass sense plays in the spatial ecology and cognition of non-mammalian vertebrates, and the potential utility that a global/universal reference frame derived from the magnetic field would have in mammals, the question of why responses to magnetic cues have been so difficult to demonstrate reliably is of considerable importance. In this paper, we review evidence that the magnetic compass of murine rodents shares a number of properties with light-dependent compasses in a wide variety of other animals generally believed to be mediated by a radical pair mechanism (RPM) or related quantum process. Consistent with the RPM, we summarize both published and previously unpublished findings suggesting that the murine rodent compass is sensitive to low-level radio frequency (RF) fields. Finally, we argue that the presence of anthropogenic RF fields in laboratory settings, may be an important source of variability in responses of murine rodents to magnetic cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Phillips
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA.
| | - Rachel Muheim
- Dept of Biology, Lund University, Biology Building, 223 62, Lund, Sweden
| | - Michael Painter
- Dept of Biology, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, 33161, USA
| | - Jenny Raines
- University of Virginia, 409 Lane Road, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Chris Anderson
- Electrical Engineering Dept, US Naval Academy, 105 Maryland Ave, Annapolis, MD, 21402, USA
| | - Lukas Landler
- Institute of Zoology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU), Gregor-Mendel-Straße 33/I, 1180, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dave Dommer
- University of Mount Olive, 5001 South Miami Boulevard, Durham, NC, 27703, USA
| | - Adam Raines
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | - Mark Deutschlander
- Dept of Biology, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, 300 Pulteney St., Geneva, NY, 14456, USA
| | - John Whitehead
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | | | - Paul Youmans
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
| | - Chris Borland
- Civic Champs, 642 N. Madison St., Suite 116, Bloomington, IN, 47404, USA
| | - Kelly Sloan
- Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, 3333 Sanibel Captiva Rd, PO Box 839, Sanibel, FL, 33957, USA
| | - Kaitlyn McKenna
- Dept of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061-0406, USA
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Jandačka P, Burda H, Ščučka J. Investigating the impact of weak geomagnetic fluctuations on pigeon races. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:177-184. [PMID: 35088124 PMCID: PMC8918452 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01534-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The existence of avian magnetic orientation has been proved by many experimental studies, however, evidence for the use of magnetic cues by homing pigeons remains controversial. To investigate magnetic orientation by homing pigeons, we analyzed the results of pigeon races relative to weak fluctuations in the geomagnetic field, assuming that such disturbances could impact navigational efficiency if based on magnetoreception. Whereas most of the previous studies recorded and analyzed vanishing bearing of individually released pigeons, we evaluated relative duration of the homeward flight (homing speed, as a proxy of navigational efficiency) and its dependence on specific geomagnetic indices in racing pigeons released collectively. Our analysis of orientation efficiency of about 289 pigeon races over 15 years suggested slight negative correlations between geomagnetic fluctuations and homing time. Although the interpretation of this finding is manifold and not clear, it suggests that natural magnetic variations or disturbances can affect the homing orientation performance of pigeons. We suggest that studying pigeon races may have a heuristic potential and since these races are regularly and frequently organized in many countries all over the globe, examining homing performance relative to a suite of environmental variables may be useful for exploring hypotheses about pigeon navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petr Jandačka
- 7775 Company, Evžena Rošického 1062/3, 721 00, Ostrava-Svinov, Czech Republic
| | - Hynek Burda
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Ščučka
- Institute of Geonics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Studentská 1768, 708 33, Ostrava, Czech Republic
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14
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Granger J, Cummer SA, Lohmann KJ, Johnsen S. Environmental sources of radio frequency noise: potential impacts on magnetoreception. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2022; 208:83-95. [DOI: 10.1007/s00359-021-01516-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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15
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Electromagnetic Pollution as a Possible Explanation for the Decline of House Sparrows in Interaction with Other Factors. BIRDS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/birds2030024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, there has been a decline of the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), mainly in European cities, and several hypotheses have been proposed that attempt to determine the causes of this rapid decline. Previous studies indicated that house sparrows were significantly negatively associated with increasing electromagnetic radiation and sparrows disappeared from areas most polluted. In addition, there are many studies on the impact of radiation on other bird and non-bird species, as well as numerous laboratory studies that demonstrated detrimental effects at electric field strength levels that can be found in cities today. Electromagnetic radiation is the most plausible factor for multiple reasons, including that this is the only one that affects the other hypotheses proposed so far. It is a type of pollution that affects productivity, fertility, decreases insects (chicken feed), causes loss of habitat, decreases immunity and can promote disease. Additionally, the recent sparrow decline matches the deployment of mobile telephony networks. Further, there are known mechanisms of action for non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation that may affect sparrows causing their decline. Thus, electromagnetic radiation must be seriously considered as a factor for house sparrows’ decline, probably in synergy with the other factors previously proposed.
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16
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Jain R, Poonia VS, Saha K, Saha D, Ganguly S. The avian compass can be sensitive even without sustained electron spin coherence. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2020.0778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Theoretical studies indicating the presence of long-lived coherence in the radical pair system have engendered questions about its utilitarian role in the avian compass. In this paper, we investigate the role of electron spin coherence in a multinuclear radical pair system including its impact on compass sensitivity. We find that sustenance of long-lived electron spin coherence is unlikely in a multinuclear hyperfine environment. After probing the role of the hyperfine interactions in the compass, we affirm the hyperfine anisotropy to be an essential parameter for the necessary sensitivity required for the compass action. Thereby, we identify a parameter regime where the compass would exhibit good sensitivity even without sustained electron spin coherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakshit Jain
- School of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Vishvendra S. Poonia
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India
| | - Kasturi Saha
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Dipankar Saha
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
| | - Swaroop Ganguly
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Powai, Mumbai, India
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17
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Párraga DG, Tyack PL, Marco-Cabedo V, Crespo-Picazo JL, Manteca X, Martí-Bonmatí L. Effects of 3 Tesla magnetic resonance imaging exposure on the behavior and orientation of homing pigeons Columba livia domestica. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241280. [PMID: 33338040 PMCID: PMC7748148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Homing pigeons (Columba livia domestica) were used to test whether clinical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging disrupts orientation of animals that sense the earth’s magnetic field. Thirty young pigeons were randomly separated into three groups (n = 10/group). Two groups were anaesthetized and exposed to either a constant (no sequence) or a varying (gradient echo and echo planar sequences) magnetic field within a 3 Tesla MR unit for 15 minutes. The control group was not exposed to the MR field but shared all other aspects of the procedure. One day later, animals were released from a site they had never visited, 15 km from the home loft. Three weeks after the procedure, animals were released from a different unfamiliar site 30 km from the loft. Measured variables included the time to disappear from sight (seconds), vanishing bearing (angle), and the time interval from release to entering the home loft (hours). On first release, the group exposed to varying field gradients during image acquisition using 2 different standard sequences showed more variability in the vanishing bearing compared to the other groups (p = 0.0003 compared to control group), suggesting interference with orientation. Other measures did not show significant differences between groups. On second release, there were no significant differences between groups. Our results on homing pigeons show that regular clinical MR imaging exposure may temporarily affect the orientation of species that have magnetoreception capabilities. If exposure to MR imaging disrupted processes that are not specific to magnetoreception, then it may affect other species and other capabilities as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel García Párraga
- Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
- Biology Department, Avanqua-Oceanográfic SL, Valencia, Spain
| | - Peter L. Tyack
- Sea Mammal Research Unit, Scottish Oceans Institute, School of Biology, University of St Andrews, East Sands, St Andrews, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Vicente Marco-Cabedo
- Research Department, Fundación Oceanogràfic de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Xavier Manteca
- School of Veterinary Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Martí-Bonmatí
- Medical Imaging Department and Biomedical Imaging Research Group at La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital and Health Research Institute, Valencia, Spain
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18
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Gray whales strand more often on days with increased levels of atmospheric radio-frequency noise. Curr Biol 2020; 30:R155-R156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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19
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Grünbaum T, Milster S, Kraus H, Ratzke W, Kurrmann S, Zeller V, Bange S, Boehme C, Lupton JM. OLEDs as models for bird magnetoception: detecting electron spin resonance in geomagnetic fields. Faraday Discuss 2019; 221:92-109. [PMID: 31553007 DOI: 10.1039/c9fd00047j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Certain species of living creatures are known to orientate themselves in the geomagnetic field. Given the small magnitude of approximately 48 μT, the underlying quantum mechanical phenomena are expected to exhibit coherence times in the microsecond regime. In this contribution, we show the sensitivity of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) to magnetic fields far below Earth's magnetic field, suggesting that coherence times of the spins of charge-carrier pairs in these devices can be similarly long. By electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) experiments, a lower bound for the coherence time can be assessed directly. Moreover, this technique offers the possibility to determine the distribution of hyperfine fields within the organic semiconductor layer. We extend this technique to a material system exhibiting both fluorescence and phosphorescence, demonstrating stable anticorrelation between optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR) spectra in the singlet (fluorescence) and triplet (phosphorescence) channels. The experiments demonstrate the extreme sensitivity of OLEDs to both static as well as dynamic magnetic fields and suggest that coherent spin precession processes of coulombically bound electron-spin pairs may play a crucial role in the magnetoreceptive ability of living creatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Grünbaum
- Institut für Experimentelle und Angewandte Physik, Universität Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053 Regensburg, Germany.
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20
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Lai H. Exposure to Static and Extremely-Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields and Cellular Free Radicals. Electromagn Biol Med 2019; 38:231-248. [PMID: 31450976 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2019.1656645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This paper summarizes studies on changes in cellular free radical activities from exposure to static and extremely-low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly magnetic fields. Changes in free radical activities, including levels of cellular reactive oxygen (ROS)/nitrogen (RNS) species and endogenous antioxidant enzymes and compounds that maintain physiological free radical concentrations in cells, is one of the most consistent effects of EMF exposure. These changes have been reported to affect many physiological functions such as DNA damage; immune response; inflammatory response; cell proliferation and differentiation; wound healing; neural electrical activities; and behavior. An important consideration is the effects of EMF-induced changes in free radicals on cell proliferation and differentiation. These cellular processes could affect cancer development and proper growth and development in organisms. On the other hand, they could cause selective killing of cancer cells, for instance, via the generation of the highly cytotoxic hydroxyl free radical by the Fenton Reaction. This provides a possibility of using these electromagnetic fields as a non-invasive and low side-effect cancer therapy. Static- and ELF-EMF probably play important roles in the evolution of living organisms. They are cues used in many critical survival functions, such as foraging, migration, and reproduction. Living organisms can detect and respond immediately to low environmental levels of these fields. Free radical processes are involved in some of these mechanisms. At this time, there is no credible hypothesis or mechanism that can adequately explain all the observed effects of static- and ELF-EMF on free radical processes. We are actually at the impasse that there are more questions than answers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Lai
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington , Seattle , WA , USA
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21
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Transduction of the Geomagnetic Field as Evidenced from alpha-Band Activity in the Human Brain. eNeuro 2019; 6:ENEURO.0483-18.2019. [PMID: 31028046 PMCID: PMC6494972 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0483-18.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetoreception, the perception of the geomagnetic field, is a sensory modality well-established across all major groups of vertebrates and some invertebrates, but its presence in humans has been tested rarely, yielding inconclusive results. We report here a strong, specific human brain response to ecologically-relevant rotations of Earth-strength magnetic fields. Following geomagnetic stimulation, a drop in amplitude of electroencephalography (EEG) alpha-oscillations (8–13 Hz) occurred in a repeatable manner. Termed alpha-event-related desynchronization (alpha-ERD), such a response has been associated previously with sensory and cognitive processing of external stimuli including vision, auditory and somatosensory cues. Alpha-ERD in response to the geomagnetic field was triggered only by horizontal rotations when the static vertical magnetic field was directed downwards, as it is in the Northern Hemisphere; no brain responses were elicited by the same horizontal rotations when the static vertical component was directed upwards. This implicates a biological response tuned to the ecology of the local human population, rather than a generic physical effect. Biophysical tests showed that the neural response was sensitive to static components of the magnetic field. This rules out all forms of electrical induction (including artifacts from the electrodes) which are determined solely on dynamic components of the field. The neural response was also sensitive to the polarity of the magnetic field. This rules out free-radical “quantum compass” mechanisms like the cryptochrome hypothesis, which can detect only axial alignment. Ferromagnetism remains a viable biophysical mechanism for sensory transduction and provides a basis to start the behavioral exploration of human magnetoreception.
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22
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Abstract
Magnetic fields pass through tissue undiminished and without producing harmful effects, motivating their use as a wireless, minimally invasive means to control neural activity. Here, we review mechanisms and techniques coupling magnetic fields to changes in electrochemical potentials across neuronal membranes. Biological magnetoreception, although incompletely understood, is discussed as a potential source of inspiration. The emergence of magnetic properties in materials is reviewed to clarify the distinction between biomolecules containing transition metals and ferrite nanoparticles that exhibit significant net moments. We describe recent developments in the use of magnetic nanomaterials as transducers converting magnetic stimuli to forms readily perceived by neurons and discuss opportunities for multiplexed and bidirectional control as well as the challenges posed by delivery to the brain. The variety of magnetic field conditions and mechanisms by which they can be coupled to neuronal signaling cascades highlights the desirability of continued interchange between magnetism physics and neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Christiansen
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Alexander W Senko
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Laboratory of Electronics, and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
| | - Polina Anikeeva
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Research Laboratory of Electronics, and McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA;
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23
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Ectosymbionts alter spontaneous responses to the Earth's magnetic field in a crustacean. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3105. [PMID: 30816116 PMCID: PMC6395607 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-38404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic sensing is used to structure every-day, non-migratory behaviours in many animals. We show that crayfish exhibit robust spontaneous magnetic alignment responses. These magnetic behaviours are altered by interactions with Branchiobdellidan worms, which are obligate ectosymbionts. Branchiobdellidan worms have previously been shown to have positive effects on host growth when present at moderate densities, and negative effects at relatively high densities. Here we show that crayfish with moderate densities of symbionts aligned bimodally along the magnetic northeast-southwest axis, similar to passive magnetic alignment responses observed across a range of stationary vertebrates. In contrast, crayfish with high symbiont densities failed to exhibit consistent alignment relative to the magnetic field. Crayfish without symbionts shifted exhibited quadramodal magnetic alignment and were more active. These behavioural changes suggest a change in the organization of spatial behaviour with increasing ectosymbiont densities. We propose that the increased activity and a switch to quadramodal magnetic alignment may be associated with the use of systematic search strategies. Such a strategy could increase contact-rates with conspecifics in order to replenish the beneficial ectosymbionts that only disperse between hosts during direct contact. Our results demonstrate that crayfish perceive and respond to magnetic fields, and that symbionts influence magnetically structured spatial behaviour of their hosts.
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24
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Hore PJ. Upper bound on the biological effects of 50/60 Hz magnetic fields mediated by radical pairs. eLife 2019; 8:44179. [PMID: 30801245 PMCID: PMC6417859 DOI: 10.7554/elife.44179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Prolonged exposure to weak (~1 μT) extremely-low-frequency (ELF, 50/60 Hz) magnetic fields has been associated with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia. One of the few biophysical mechanisms that might account for this link involves short-lived chemical reaction intermediates known as radical pairs. In this report, we use spin dynamics simulations to derive an upper bound of 10 parts per million on the effect of a 1 μT ELF magnetic field on the yield of a radical pair reaction. By comparing this figure with the corresponding effects of changes in the strength of the Earth’s magnetic field, we conclude that if exposure to such weak 50/60 Hz magnetic fields has any effect on human biology, and results from a radical pair mechanism, then the risk should be no greater than travelling a few kilometres towards or away from the geomagnetic north or south pole.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Hore
- Department of Chemistry, Physical & Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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25
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Baluška F, Miller, Jr WB. Senomic view of the cell: Senome versus Genome. Commun Integr Biol 2018; 11:1-9. [PMID: 30214674 PMCID: PMC6132427 DOI: 10.1080/19420889.2018.1489184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In the legacy of Thomas Henry Huxley, and his 'epigenetic' philosophy of biology, cells are proposed to represent a trinity of three memory-storing media: Senome, Epigenome, and Genome that together comprise a cell-wide informational architecture. Our current preferential focus on the Genome needs to be complemented by a similar focus on the Epigenome and a here proposed Senome, representing the sum of all the sensory experiences of the cognitive cell and its sensing apparatus. Only then will biology be in a position to embrace the whole complexity of the eukaryotic cell, understanding its true nature which allows the communicative assembly of cells in the form of sentient multicellular organisms.
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26
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Kimø SM, Friis I, Solov'yov IA. Atomistic Insights into Cryptochrome Interprotein Interactions. Biophys J 2018; 115:616-628. [PMID: 30078611 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2018.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
It is striking that the mechanism by which birds sense geomagnetic fields during the biannual migration seasons is not entirely understood. A protein believed to be responsible for avian magnetoreception is the flavoprotein cryptochrome (CRY), which fulfills many of the criteria for a magnetic field sensor. Some experiments, however, indicate that magnetoreception in birds may be disturbed by extremely weak radio frequency fields, an effect that likely cannot be described by an isolated CRY protein. An explanation can possibly be delivered if CRY binds to another protein inside a cell that would possess certain biochemical properties, and it is, therefore, important to identify possible intracellular CRY interaction partners. The goal of this study is to investigate a possible interaction between CRY4 and the iron-sulfur-containing assembly protein (ISCA1) from Erithacus rubecula (European robin), which has recently been proposed to be relevant for magnetic field sensing. The interaction between the proteins is established through classical molecular dynamics simulations for several possible protein-docking modes. The analysis of these simulations concludes that the ISCA1 complex and CRY4 are capable of binding; however, the peculiarities of this binding argue strongly against ISCA1 as relevant for magnetoreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarafina M Kimø
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Ida Friis
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Ilia A Solov'yov
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark.
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27
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Hiscock HG, Mouritsen H, Manolopoulos DE, Hore PJ. Disruption of Magnetic Compass Orientation in Migratory Birds by Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields. Biophys J 2017; 113:1475-1484. [PMID: 28978441 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2017.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The radical-pair mechanism has been put forward as the basis of the magnetic compass sense of migratory birds. Some of the strongest supporting evidence has come from behavioral experiments in which birds exposed to weak time-dependent magnetic fields lose their ability to orient in the geomagnetic field. However, conflicting results and skepticism about the requirement for abnormally long quantum coherence lifetimes have cast a shroud of uncertainty over these potentially pivotal studies. Using a recently developed computational approach, we explore the effects of various radiofrequency magnetic fields on biologically plausible radicals within the theoretical framework of radical-pair magnetoreception. We conclude that the current model of radical-pair magnetoreception is unable to explain the findings of the reported behavioral experiments. Assuming that an unknown mechanism amplifies the predicted effects, we suggest experimental conditions that have the potential to distinguish convincingly between the two distinct families of radical pairs currently postulated as magnetic compass sensors. We end by making recommendations for experimental protocols that we hope will increase the chance that future experiments can be independently replicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamish G Hiscock
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - David E Manolopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - P J Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Oxford, United Kingdom.
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28
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Kattnig DR. Radical-Pair-Based Magnetoreception Amplified by Radical Scavenging: Resilience to Spin Relaxation. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:10215-10227. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b07672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R. Kattnig
- Living Systems Institute
and Department of Physics, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter, Devon, EX4 4QD, United Kingdom
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29
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Pakhomov A, Bojarinova J, Cherbunin R, Chetverikova R, Grigoryev PS, Kavokin K, Kobylkov D, Lubkovskaja R, Chernetsov N. Very weak oscillating magnetic field disrupts the magnetic compass of songbird migrants. J R Soc Interface 2017; 14:20170364. [PMID: 28794163 PMCID: PMC5582129 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, it has been shown that long-distance migrants, garden warblers (Sylvia borin), were disoriented in the presence of narrow-band oscillating magnetic field (1.403 MHz OMF, 190 nT) during autumn migration. This agrees with the data of previous experiments with European robins (Erithacus rubecula). In this study, we report the results of experiments with garden warblers tested under a 1.403 MHz OMF with various amplitudes (∼0.4, 1, ∼2.4, 7 and 20 nT). We found that the ability of garden warblers to orient in round arenas using the magnetic compass could be disrupted by a very weak oscillating field, such as an approximate 2.4, 7 and 20 nT OMF, but not by an OMF with an approximate 0.4 nT amplitude. The results of the present study indicate that the sensitivity threshold of the magnetic compass to the OMF lies around 2-3 nT, while in experiments with European robins the birds were disoriented in a 15 nT OMF but could choose the appropriate migratory direction when a 5 nT OMF was added to the stationary magnetic field. The radical-pair model, one of the mainstream theories of avian magnetoreception, cannot explain the sensitivity to such a low-intensity OMF, and therefore, it needs further refinement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Pakhomov
- Biological Station Rybachy, Zoological Institute RAS, 238535 Rybachy, Kaliningrad Region, Russia
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, 44 Thorez Ave, 194223 St Petersburg, Russia
| | - Julia Bojarinova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, 44 Thorez Ave, 194223 St Petersburg, Russia
- St Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Roman Cherbunin
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, 44 Thorez Ave, 194223 St Petersburg, Russia
- St Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Raisa Chetverikova
- St Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg 199034, Russia
- AG Neurosensorik (Animal Navigation), Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften (IBU), University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Philipp S Grigoryev
- St Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Kirill Kavokin
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, 44 Thorez Ave, 194223 St Petersburg, Russia
- St Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg 199034, Russia
- A.F. Ioffe Physical Technical Institute, 26 Polytechnicheskaya, St Petersburg 194021, Russia
| | - Dmitry Kobylkov
- AG Neurosensorik (Animal Navigation), Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften (IBU), University of Oldenburg, 26111 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Regina Lubkovskaja
- St Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg 199034, Russia
| | - Nikita Chernetsov
- Biological Station Rybachy, Zoological Institute RAS, 238535 Rybachy, Kaliningrad Region, Russia
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, 44 Thorez Ave, 194223 St Petersburg, Russia
- St Petersburg State University, 7-9 Universitetskaya Emb., St Petersburg 199034, Russia
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30
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Brookes JC. Quantum effects in biology: golden rule in enzymes, olfaction, photosynthesis and magnetodetection. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2017; 473:20160822. [PMID: 28588400 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2016.0822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite certain quantum concepts, such as superposition states, entanglement, 'spooky action at a distance' and tunnelling through insulating walls, being somewhat counterintuitive, they are no doubt extremely useful constructs in theoretical and experimental physics. More uncertain, however, is whether or not these concepts are fundamental to biology and living processes. Of course, at the fundamental level all things are quantum, because all things are built from the quantized states and rules that govern atoms. But when does the quantum mechanical toolkit become the best tool for the job? This review looks at four areas of 'quantum effects in biology'. These are biosystems that are very diverse in detail but possess some commonality. They are all (i) effects in biology: rates of a signal (or information) that can be calculated from a form of the 'golden rule' and (ii) they are all protein-pigment (or ligand) complex systems. It is shown, beginning with the rate equation, that all these systems may contain some degree of quantumeffect, and where experimental evidence is available, it is explored to determine how the quantum analysis aids in understanding of the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Brookes
- London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, 17-19 Gordon Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Lateralization of the Avian Magnetic Compass: Analysis of Its Early Plasticity. Symmetry (Basel) 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/sym9050077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Poonia VS, Kondabagil K, Saha D, Ganguly S. Functional window of the avian compass. Phys Rev E 2017; 95:052417. [PMID: 28618572 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.95.052417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The functional window is an experimentally observed property of the avian compass that refers to its selectivity around the geomagnetic-field strength. We show that the simple radical-pair model, using biologically feasible hyperfine parameters, can qualitatively explain the salient features of the avian compass as observed in behavioral experiments: its functional window, as well as disruption of the compass action by radio-frequency fields of specific frequencies. Further, we show that adjustment of the hyperfine parameters can tune the functional window, suggesting a possible mechanism for its observed adaptation to field variation. While these lend support to the radical-pair model, we find that in its simplest form-or even with minor augmentations-it cannot quantitatively explain the observed width of the functional window. This suggests deeper generalization of the model, possibly in terms of more nuclei or more subtle environmental interaction than has been considered hitherto. Finally, we examine a possible biological purpose for the functional window; even assuming evolutionary benefit from radical-pair magnetoreception, it seems likely that the functional window could be just a corollary thereof, imparting no additional advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishvendra Singh Poonia
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Kiran Kondabagil
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Dipankar Saha
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
| | - Swaroop Ganguly
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai 400076, India
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Hiscock HG, Kattnig DR, Manolopoulos DE, Hore PJ. Floquet theory of radical pairs in radiofrequency magnetic fields. J Chem Phys 2016; 145:124117. [DOI: 10.1063/1.4963793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hamish G. Hiscock
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel R. Kattnig
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - David E. Manolopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
| | - P. J. Hore
- Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- P. J. Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom;
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg, DE-26111 Oldenburg, Germany;
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of Oldenburg, DE-26111 Oldenburg, Germany
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Schwarze S, Schneider NL, Reichl T, Dreyer D, Lefeldt N, Engels S, Baker N, Hore PJ, Mouritsen H. Weak Broadband Electromagnetic Fields are More Disruptive to Magnetic Compass Orientation in a Night-Migratory Songbird (Erithacus rubecula) than Strong Narrow-Band Fields. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:55. [PMID: 27047356 PMCID: PMC4801848 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Magnetic compass orientation in night-migratory songbirds is embedded in the visual system and seems to be based on a light-dependent radical pair mechanism. Recent findings suggest that both broadband electromagnetic fields ranging from ~2 kHz to ~9 MHz and narrow-band fields at the so-called Larmor frequency for a free electron in the Earth's magnetic field can disrupt this mechanism. However, due to local magnetic fields generated by nuclear spins, effects specific to the Larmor frequency are difficult to understand considering that the primary sensory molecule should be organic and probably a protein. We therefore constructed a purpose-built laboratory and tested the orientation capabilities of European robins in an electromagnetically silent environment, under the specific influence of four different oscillating narrow-band electromagnetic fields, at the Larmor frequency, double the Larmor frequency, 1.315 MHz or 50 Hz, and in the presence of broadband electromagnetic noise covering the range from ~2 kHz to ~9 MHz. Our results indicated that the magnetic compass orientation of European robins could not be disrupted by any of the relatively strong narrow-band electromagnetic fields employed here, but that the weak broadband field very efficiently disrupted their orientation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schwarze
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
| | - Nils-Lasse Schneider
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Reichl
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
| | - David Dreyer
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
| | - Nele Lefeldt
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Engels
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
| | - Neville Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry LaboratoryOxford, UK
| | - P. J. Hore
- Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry LaboratoryOxford, UK
| | - Henrik Mouritsen
- Institut für Biologie und Umweltwissenschaften, Carl von Ossietzky Universität OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
- Research Centre for Neurosensory Sciences, University of OldenburgOldenburg, Germany
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Xu BM, Zou J. Dark state population determines magnetic sensitivity in radical pair magnetoreception model. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22417. [PMID: 26926264 PMCID: PMC4772487 DOI: 10.1038/srep22417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
What is the real role of the quantum coherence and entanglement in the radical pair (RP) compass, and what determines the singlet yield have not been fully understood. In this paper, we find that the dark states of the two-electron Zeeman energy operator (TEZE) play an important role in the RP compass. We respectively calculate the singlet yields for two initial states in this dark state basis: the coherent state and the same state just removing the dark state coherence. For the later there is neither dark state coherence nor entanglement in the whole dynamical process. Surprisingly we find that in both cases the singlet yields are the same, and based on this result, we believe that the dark state population determines the singlet yield completely, and the dark state coherence and entanglement have little contribution to it. Finally, we also find that the dark state population as well as the singlet yield anisotropy is fragile to the vertical magnetic noise. However, the orientation is robust and is even enhanced by the parallel magnetic noise because the dark states expand a decoherence-free subspace. The dark state population as well as the orientation is more robust to the hyperfine coupling noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Ming Xu
- School of Physics, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, China
| | - Jian Zou
- School of Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China
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Tomanova K, Vacha M. The magnetic orientation of the Antarctic amphipod Gondogeneia antarctica is cancelled by very weak radiofrequency fields. J Exp Biol 2016; 219:1717-24. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.132878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies on weak man-made radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF) affecting animal magnetoreception aim for a better understanding of the reception mechanism and also point to a new phenomenon having possible consequences in ecology and environmental protection. RF impacts on magnetic compasses have recently been demonstrated on migratory birds and other vertebrates. We set out to investigate the effect of RF on the magnetic orientation of the Antarctic krill species Gondogeneia antarctica, a small marine crustacean widespread along the Antarctic littoral line. Here, we show that having been released under laboratory conditions, G. antarctica escaped in the magnetically seaward direction along the magnetic sea-land axis (Y-axis) of the home beach. However, the animals were disoriented after being exposed to RF. Orientation was lost not only in an RF of a magnetic flux density of 20 nT, as expected according to the literary data, but even under the 2 nT originally intended as a control. Our results extend recent findings of the extraordinary sensitivity of animal magnetoreception to weak RF fields in marine invertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Tomanova
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Kamenice 735/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M. Vacha
- Department of Animal Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Kamenice 735/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Balmori A. Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as an emerging threat to wildlife orientation. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 518-519:58-60. [PMID: 25747364 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.02.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The rate of scientific activity regarding the effects of anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation in the radiofrequency (RF) range on animals and plants has been small despite the fact that this topic is relevant to the fields of experimental biology, ecology and conservation due to its remarkable expansion over the past 20 years. Current evidence indicates that exposure at levels that are found in the environment (in urban areas and near base stations) may particularly alter the receptor organs to orient in the magnetic field of the earth. These results could have important implications for migratory birds and insects, especially in urban areas, but could also apply to birds and insects in natural and protected areas where there are powerful base station emitters of radiofrequencies. Therefore, more research on the effects of electromagnetic radiation in nature is needed to investigate this emerging threat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Balmori
- Consejería de Medio Ambiente, Junta de Castilla y León, C/ Rigoberto Cortejoso, 14, 47071 Valladolid, Spain.
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Landler L, Painter MS, Youmans PW, Hopkins WA, Phillips JB. Spontaneous magnetic alignment by yearling snapping turtles: rapid association of radio frequency dependent pattern of magnetic input with novel surroundings. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0124728. [PMID: 25978736 PMCID: PMC4433231 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0124728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated spontaneous magnetic alignment (SMA) by juvenile snapping turtles using exposure to low-level radio frequency (RF) fields at the Larmor frequency to help characterize the underlying sensory mechanism. Turtles, first introduced to the testing environment without the presence of RF aligned consistently towards magnetic north when subsequent magnetic testing conditions were also free of RF ('RF off → RF off'), but were disoriented when subsequently exposed to RF ('RF off → RF on'). In contrast, animals initially introduced to the testing environment with RF present were disoriented when tested without RF ('RF on → RF off'), but aligned towards magnetic south when tested with RF ('RF on → RF on'). Sensitivity of the SMA response of yearling turtles to RF is consistent with the involvement of a radical pair mechanism. Furthermore, the effect of RF appears to result from a change in the pattern of magnetic input, rather than elimination of magnetic input altogether, as proposed to explain similar effects in other systems/organisms. The findings show that turtles first exposed to a novel environment form a lasting association between the pattern of magnetic input and their surroundings. However, under natural conditions turtles would never experience a change in the pattern of magnetic input. Therefore, if turtles form a similar association of magnetic cues with the surroundings each time they encounter unfamiliar habitat, as seems likely, the same pattern of magnetic input would be associated with multiple sites/localities. This would be expected from a sensory input that functions as a global reference frame, helping to place multiple locales (i.e., multiple local landmark arrays) into register to form a global map of familiar space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Landler
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Michael S. Painter
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Paul W. Youmans
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - William A. Hopkins
- Department of Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
| | - John B. Phillips
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, United States of America
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Natural environments, ancestral diets, and microbial ecology: is there a modern "paleo-deficit disorder"? Part II. J Physiol Anthropol 2015; 34:9. [PMID: 25889196 PMCID: PMC4353476 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-014-0040-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Famed microbiologist René J. Dubos (1901–1982) was an early pioneer in the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) construct. In the 1960s, he conducted groundbreaking research concerning the ways in which early-life experience with nutrition, microbiota, stress, and other environmental variables could influence later-life health outcomes. He recognized the co-evolutionary relationship between microbiota and the human host. Almost 2 decades before the hygiene hypothesis, he suggested that children in developed nations were becoming too sanitized (vs. our ancestral past) and that scientists should determine whether the childhood environment should be “dirtied up in a controlled manner.” He also argued that oft-celebrated growth chart increases via changes in the global food supply and dietary patterns should not be equated to quality of life and mental health. Here in the second part of our review, we reflect the words of Dubos off contemporary research findings in the areas of diet, the gut-brain-axis (microbiota and anxiety and depression) and microbial ecology. Finally, we argue, as Dubos did 40 years ago, that researchers should more closely examine the relevancy of silo-sequestered, reductionist findings in the larger picture of human quality of life. In the context of global climate change and the epidemiological transition, an allergy epidemic and psychosocial stress, our review suggests that discussions of natural environments, urbanization, biodiversity, microbiota, nutrition, and mental health, are often one in the same.
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