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Liu L, Huang B, Lu Y, Zhao Y, Tang X, Shi Y. Interactions between electromagnetic radiation and biological systems. iScience 2024; 27:109201. [PMID: 38433903 PMCID: PMC10906530 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Even though the bioeffects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) have been extensively investigated during the past several decades, our understandings of the bioeffects of EMR and the mechanisms of the interactions between the biological systems and the EMRs are still far from satisfactory. In this article, we introduce and summarize the consensus, controversy, limitations, and unsolved issues. The published works have investigated the EMR effects on different biological systems including humans, animals, cells, and biochemical reactions. Alternative methodologies also include dielectric spectroscopy, detection of bioelectromagnetic emissions, and theoretical predictions. In many studies, the thermal effects of the EMR are not properly controlled or considered. The frequency of the EMR investigated is limited to the commonly used bands, particularly the frequencies of the power line and the wireless communications; far fewer studies were performed for other EMR frequencies. In addition, the bioeffects of the complex EM environment were rarely discussed. In summary, our understanding of the bioeffects of the EMR is quite restrictive and further investigations are needed to answer the unsolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bing Huang
- Brain Function and Disease Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xin-Ling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yingxian Lu
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanyu Zhao
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaping Tang
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yigong Shi
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Structural Biology & Frontier Research Center for Biological Structure, Tsinghua-Peking Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Xihu District, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University; Institute of Biology, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, 18 Shilongshan Road, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang Province, China
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Jiang C, Xu H, Yang L, Liu J, Li Y, Takei K, Xu W. Neuromorphic antennal sensory system. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2109. [PMID: 38453967 PMCID: PMC10920631 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46393-7] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Insect antennae facilitate the nuanced detection of vibrations and deflections, and the non-contact perception of magnetic or chemical stimuli, capabilities not found in mammalian skin. Here, we report a neuromorphic antennal sensory system that emulates the structural, functional, and neuronal characteristics of ant antennae. Our system comprises electronic antennae sensor with three-dimensional flexible structures that detects tactile and magnetic stimuli. The integration of artificial synaptic devices adsorbed with solution-processable MoS2 nanoflakes enables synaptic processing of sensory information. By emulating the architecture of receptor-neuron pathway, our system realizes hardware-level, spatiotemporal perception of tactile contact, surface pattern, and magnetic field (detection limits: 1.3 mN, 50 μm, 9.4 mT). Vibrotactile-perception tasks involving profile and texture classifications were accomplished with high accuracy (> 90%), surpassing human performance in "blind" tactile explorations. Magneto-perception tasks including magnetic navigation and touchless interaction were successfully completed. Our work represents a milestone for neuromorphic sensory systems and biomimetic perceptual intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpeng Jiang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Honghuan Xu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yue Li
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kuniharu Takei
- Graduate School of Information Science and Technology, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
| | - Wentao Xu
- Institute of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology, Key Laboratory of Photoelectronic Thin Film Devices and Technology of Tianjin, College of Electronic Information and Optical Engineering, Engineering Research Center of Thin Film Photoelectronic Technology of Ministry of Education, Smart Sensing Interdisciplinary Science Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Nankai University, Shenzhen, China.
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Thill A, Cammaerts MC, Balmori A. Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis. REVIEWS ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2023; 0:reveh-2023-0072. [PMID: 37990587 DOI: 10.1515/reveh-2023-0072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Zhao J, He J, Xuanyuan Z, Pan W, Sword GA, Chen F, Wan G. Probing Transcriptional Crosstalk between Cryptochromes and Iron-sulfur Cluster Assembly 1 ( MagR) in the Magnetoresponse of a Migratory Insect. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11101. [PMID: 37446278 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241311101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many organisms can sense and respond to magnetic fields (MFs), with migratory species in particular utilizing geomagnetic field information for long-distance migration. Cryptochrome proteins (Crys) along with a highly conserved Iron-sulfur cluster assembly protein (i.e., MagR) have garnered significant attention for their involvement in magnetoresponse (including magnetoreception). However, in vivo investigations of potential transcriptional crosstalk between Crys and MagR genes have been limited. The brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, is a major migratory pest insect and an emerging model for studying MF intensity-related magnetoresponse. Here, we explored in vivo transcriptional crosstalk between Crys (Cry1 and Cry2) and MagR in N. lugens. The expression of Crys and MagR were found to be sensitive to MF intensity changes as small as several micro-teslas. Knocking down MagR expression led to a significant downregulation of Cry1, but not Cry2. The knockdown of either Cry1 or Cry2 individually did not significantly affect MagR expression. However, their double knockdown resulted in significant upregulation of MagR. Our findings clearly indicate transcriptional crosstalk between MagR and Crys known to be involved in magnetoresponse. This work advances the understanding of magnetoresponse signaling and represents a key initial step towards elucidating the functional consequences of these novel in vivo interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jingyu Zhao
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jinglan He
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zongjin Xuanyuan
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Weidong Pan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Bioelectromagnetics, Institute of Electrical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Gregory A Sword
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Fajun Chen
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guijun Wan
- Department of Entomology, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Pest Management on Crops in East China, College of Plant Protection, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Cheng L, Yang B, Du H, Zhou T, Li Y, Wu J, Cao Z, Xu A. Moderate intensity of static magnetic fields can alter the avoidance behavior and fat storage of Caenorhabditis elegans via serotonin. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:43102-43113. [PMID: 35092591 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-18898-5] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Man-made static magnetic fields (SMFs) widely exist in human life as a physical environmental factor. However, the biological responses to moderate SMFs exposure and their underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study was focused on exploring the nervous responses to moderate-intensity SMFs at 0.5 T and 1 T in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). We found that SMFs at either 0.5 T or 1 T had no statistically significant effects on the locomotor behaviors, while the 1 T magnetic field increased pharyngeal pumping. The avoidance behavior of the pathogenic Pseudomonas aeruginosa was greatly decreased in either 0.5 T or 1 T SMFs exposed nematodes, and the learning index was reducede from 0.52 ± 0.11 to 0.23 ± 0.17 and 0.16 ± 0.11, respectively. The total serotonin level was increased by 17.08% and 16.45% with the treatment of 0.5 T and 1 T SMF, compared to the control group; however, there were minimal effects of SMFs on other three neurotransmitters including choline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine. RT-qPCR was used to further investigate the expression of serotonin-related genes, including rate-limiting enzymes, transcription factors and transport receptors. The expression levels of tph-1 and unc-86 genes were increased by SMF exposure, while those of ocr-2, osm-9, ser-1 and mod-1 genes were decreased. With the staining of lipid in either wild-type N2 or tph-1 mutants, we found that 0.5 T and 1 T SMFs decreased fat storage in C. elegans via serotonin pathway. Our study demonstrated that moderate-intensity SMFs induced neurobehavioral disorder and the reduction of fat storage by disturbing the secretion of serotonin in C. elegans, which provided new insights into elucidating nervous responses of C. elegans to moderate-intensity SMFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cheng
- School of Environmental Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Baolin Yang
- School of Environmental Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Hua Du
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Environmental Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Jiajie Wu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - Zhenxiao Cao
- School of Environmental Science and Optoelectronic Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, PR China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China
| | - An Xu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Control Technology, The Anhui High Magnetic Field Laboratory, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, 230031, PR China.
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6
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Li H, Xie R, Xu X, Liao X, Guo J, Fang Y, Fang Z, Huang J. Static Magnetic Field Inhibits Growth of Escherichia coli Colonies via Restriction of Carbon Source Utilization. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050827. [PMID: 35269449 PMCID: PMC8909705 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetobiological effects on growth and virulence have been widely reported in Escherichia coli (E. coli). However, published results are quite varied and sometimes conflicting because the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we reported that the application of 250 mT static magnetic field (SMF) significantly reduces the diameter of E. coli colony-forming units (CFUs) but has no impact on the number of CFUs. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the inhibitory effect of SMF is attributed to differentially expressed genes (DEGs) primarily involved in carbon source utilization. Consistently, the addition of glycolate or glyoxylate to the culture media successfully restores the bacterial phenotype in SMF, and knockout mutants lacking glycolate oxidase are no longer sensitive to SMF. These results suggest that SMF treatment results in a decrease in glycolate oxidase activity. In addition, metabolomic assay showed that long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) accumulate while phosphatidylglycerol and middle-chain fatty acids decrease in the SMF-treated bacteria, suggesting that SMF inhibits LCFA degradation. Based on the published evidence together with ours derived from this study, we propose a model showing that free radicals generated by LCFA degradation are the primary target of SMF action, which triggers the bacterial oxidative stress response and ultimately leads to growth inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haodong Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; (H.L.); (R.X.); (X.X.); (X.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Runnan Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; (H.L.); (R.X.); (X.X.); (X.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Xiang Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; (H.L.); (R.X.); (X.X.); (X.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Xingru Liao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; (H.L.); (R.X.); (X.X.); (X.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Jiaxin Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; (H.L.); (R.X.); (X.X.); (X.L.); (J.G.)
| | - Yanwen Fang
- Heye Health Industrial Research Institute, Zhejiang Heye Health Technology, Anji, Huzhou 313300, China; (Y.F.); (Z.F.)
| | - Zhicai Fang
- Heye Health Industrial Research Institute, Zhejiang Heye Health Technology, Anji, Huzhou 313300, China; (Y.F.); (Z.F.)
| | - Jirong Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Plant Molecular Sciences, College of Life Sciences, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai 200234, China; (H.L.); (R.X.); (X.X.); (X.L.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Fleischmann PN, Grob R, Rössler W. Magnetoreception in Hymenoptera: importance for navigation. Anim Cogn 2020; 23:1051-1061. [PMID: 32975654 PMCID: PMC7700068 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01431-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of information provided by the geomagnetic field (GMF) for navigation is widespread across the animal kingdom. At the same time, the magnetic sense is one of the least understood senses. Here, we review evidence for magnetoreception in Hymenoptera. We focus on experiments aiming to shed light on the role of the GMF for navigation. Both honeybees and desert ants are well-studied experimental models for navigation, and both use the GMF for specific navigational tasks under certain conditions. Cataglyphis desert ants use the GMF as a compass cue for path integration during their initial learning walks to align their gaze directions towards the nest entrance. This represents the first example for the use of the GMF in an insect species for a genuine navigational task under natural conditions and with all other navigational cues available. We argue that the recently described magnetic compass in Cataglyphis opens up a new integrative approach to understand the mechanisms underlying magnetoreception in Hymenoptera on different biological levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline N Fleischmann
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology (Zoology II), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Robin Grob
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology (Zoology II), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Rössler
- Behavioral Physiology and Sociobiology (Zoology II), Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
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Caspar KR, Moldenhauer K, Moritz RE, Němec P, Malkemper EP, Begall S. Eyes are essential for magnetoreception in a mammal. J R Soc Interface 2020; 17:20200513. [PMID: 32993431 PMCID: PMC7536053 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2020.0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several groups of mammals use the Earth's magnetic field for orientation, but their magnetosensory organ remains unknown. The Ansell's mole-rat (Fukomys anselli, Bathyergidae, Rodentia) is a microphthalmic subterranean rodent with innate magnetic orientation behaviour. Previous studies on this species proposed that its magnetoreceptors are located in the eye. To test this hypothesis, we assessed magnetic orientation in mole-rats after the surgical removal of their eyes compared to untreated controls. Initially, we demonstrate that this enucleation does not lead to changes in routine behaviours, including locomotion, feeding and socializing. We then studied magnetic compass orientation by employing a well-established nest-building assay under four magnetic field alignments. In line with previous studies, control animals exhibited a significant preference to build nests in magnetic southeast. By contrast, enucleated mole-rats built nests in random magnetic orientations, suggesting an impairment of their magnetic sense. The results provide robust support for the hypothesis that mole-rats perceive magnetic fields with their minute eyes, probably relying on magnetite-based receptors in the cornea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai R. Caspar
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Katrin Moldenhauer
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
| | - Regina E. Moritz
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
- Department Vision, Visual Impairment & Blindness, Faculty 13, Technical University of Dortmund, Emil-Figge-Straße 50, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Pavel Němec
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Vinicna 7, 12844 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - E. Pascal Malkemper
- Max Planck Research Group Neurobiology of Magnetoreception, Center of Advanced European Studies and Research (CAESAR), Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, 53175 Bonn, Germany
| | - Sabine Begall
- Department of General Zoology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitaetsstr. 5, 45117 Essen, Germany
- Department of Game Management and Wildlife Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Czech University of Life Sciences, 16521 Prague 6, Czech Republic
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Barnes F, Greenebaum B. Possible Mechanism for Synchronized Detection of Weak Magnetic Fields by Nerve Cells. Bioelectromagnetics 2020; 41:213-218. [PMID: 31990074 DOI: 10.1002/bem.22251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
We propose that biological systems may detect static and slowly varying magnetic fields by the modification of the timing of firing of adjacent nerve cells through the local influence of the magnetic field generated by current from one cell's firing on its nearest neighbors. The time delay of an adjacent nerve cell pulse with respect to the initial clock nerve cell pulse could serve as a signal for sensing the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field in a direction perpendicular to the current flows in the cells. It has been shown that changes in static magnetic fields modify concentrations of reactive oxygen species, calcium, pH, the growth rates of fibrosarcoma cells, and membrane potentials. These are linked to changes in membrane potentials that can either inhibit or accelerate the firing rate of pacemaker or clock cells. This mechanism may have applications to animals' use of magnetic fields for navigation or other purposes, possibly in conjunction with other mechanisms. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Barnes
- Department of Electrical Computer and Energy Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Ben Greenebaum
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Kenosha, Wisconsin
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10
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Magnetoreception in Microorganisms. Trends Microbiol 2019; 28:266-275. [PMID: 31753537 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Magnetoreception is the sense whereby organisms geolocate and navigate in response to the Earth's magnetic field lines. For decades, magnetotactic bacteria have been the only known magnetoreceptive microorganisms. The magnetotactic behaviour of these aquatic prokaryotes is due to the biomineralization of magnetic crystals. While an old report alleged the existence of microbial algae with similar behaviour, recent discoveries have demonstrated the existence of unicellular eukaryotes able to sense the geomagnetic field, and have revealed different mechanisms and strategies involved in such a sensing. Some ciliates can be magnetically guided after predation of magnetotactic bacteria, while some flagellates acquired this sense through symbiosis with magnetic bacteria. A report has even suggested that some magnetotactic protists could biomineralize magnetic crystals.
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11
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How Caenorhabditis elegans Senses Mechanical Stress, Temperature, and Other Physical Stimuli. Genetics 2019; 212:25-51. [PMID: 31053616 PMCID: PMC6499529 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.300241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Caenorhabditis elegans lives in a complex habitat in which they routinely experience large fluctuations in temperature, and encounter physical obstacles that vary in size and composition. Their habitat is shared by other nematodes, by beneficial and harmful bacteria, and nematode-trapping fungi. Not surprisingly, these nematodes can detect and discriminate among diverse environmental cues, and exhibit sensory-evoked behaviors that are readily quantifiable in the laboratory at high resolution. Their ability to perform these behaviors depends on <100 sensory neurons, and this compact sensory nervous system together with powerful molecular genetic tools has allowed individual neuron types to be linked to specific sensory responses. Here, we describe the sensory neurons and molecules that enable C. elegans to sense and respond to physical stimuli. We focus primarily on the pathways that allow sensation of mechanical and thermal stimuli, and briefly consider this animal’s ability to sense magnetic and electrical fields, light, and relative humidity. As the study of sensory transduction is critically dependent upon the techniques for stimulus delivery, we also include a section on appropriate laboratory methods for such studies. This chapter summarizes current knowledge about the sensitivity and response dynamics of individual classes of C. elegans mechano- and thermosensory neurons from in vivo calcium imaging and whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology studies. We also describe the roles of conserved molecules and signaling pathways in mediating the remarkably sensitive responses of these nematodes to mechanical and thermal cues. These studies have shown that the protein partners that form mechanotransduction channels are drawn from multiple superfamilies of ion channel proteins, and that signal transduction pathways responsible for temperature sensing in C. elegans share many features with those responsible for phototransduction in vertebrates.
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Factors that influence magnetic orientation in Caenorhabditis elegans. J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol 2019; 206:343-352. [PMID: 31463530 DOI: 10.1007/s00359-019-01364-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Magnetoreceptive animals orient to the earth's magnetic field at angles that change depending on temporal, spatial, and environmental factors such as season, climate, and position within the geomagnetic field. How magnetic migratory preference changes in response to internal or external stimuli is not understood. We previously found that Caenorhabditis elegans orients to magnetic fields favoring migrations in one of two opposite directions. Here we present new data from our labs together with replication by an independent lab to test how temporal, spatial, and environmental factors influence the unique spatiotemporal trajectory that worms make during magnetotaxis. We found that worms gradually change their average preferred angle of orientation by ~ 180° to the magnetic field during the course of a 90-min assay. Moreover, we found that the wild-type N2 strain prefers to orient towards the left side of a north-facing up, disc-shaped magnet. Lastly, similar to some other behaviors in C. elegans, we found that magnetic orientation may be more robust in dry conditions (< 50% RH). Our findings help explain why C. elegans accumulates with distinct patterns during different periods and in differently shaped magnetic fields. These results provide a tractable system to investigate the behavioral genetic basis of state-dependent magnetic orientation.
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Baltzley MJ, Nabity MW. Reanalysis of an oft-cited paper on honeybee magnetoreception reveals random behavior. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.185454. [PMID: 30266785 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.185454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
While mounting evidence indicates that a phylogenetically diverse group of animals detect Earth-strength magnetic fields, a magnetoreceptor has not been identified in any animal. One possible reason that identifying a magnetoreceptor has proven challenging is that, like many research fields, magnetoreception research lacks extensive independent replication. Independent replication is important because a subset of studies undoubtedly contain false positive results and without replication it is difficult to determine whether the outcome of an experiment is a false positive. However, we report here a reanalysis of a well-cited paper on honeybee magnetoreception demonstrating that the original paper represented a false positive finding caused by incorrect estimates of probability. We also point out how good experimental design practices could have revealed the error prior to publication. Hopefully, this reanalysis will serve as a reminder of the importance of good experimental design in order to reduce the likelihood of publishing false positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Baltzley
- Department of Biology, Western Oregon University, 345 Monmouth Avenue N., Monmouth, OR 97361, USA
| | - Matthew W Nabity
- Department of Mathematics, Western Oregon University, 345 Monmouth Avenue N., Monmouth, OR 97361, USA
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Cao Y, Yan P. Role of atomic spin-mechanical coupling in the problem of a magnetic biocompass. Phys Rev E 2018; 97:042409. [PMID: 29758749 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.97.042409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It is a well established notion that animals can detect the Earth's magnetic field, while the biophysical origin of such magnetoreception is still elusive. Recently, a magnetic receptor Drosophila CG8198 (MagR) with a rodlike protein complex is reported [S. Qin et al., Nat. Mater. 15, 217 (2016)10.1038/nmat4484] to act like a compass needle to guide the magnetic orientation of animals. This view, however, is challenged [M. Meister, Elife 5, e17210 (2016)10.7554/eLife.17210] by arguing that thermal fluctuations beat the Zeeman coupling of the proteins's magnetic moment with the rather weak geomagnetic field (∼25-65 μT). In this work, we show that the spin-mechanical interaction at the atomic scale gives rise to a high blocking temperature which allows a good alignment of the protein's magnetic moment with the Earth's magnetic field at room temperature. Our results provide a promising route to resolve the debate on the thermal behaviors of MagR, and may stimulate a broad interest in spin-mechanical couplings down to atomistic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunshan Cao
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Film and Integrated Devices, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
| | - Peng Yan
- School of Electronic Science and Engineering and State Key Laboratory of Electronic Thin Film and Integrated Devices, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China
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Magnetic map navigation in a migratory songbird requires trigeminal input. Sci Rep 2018; 8:11975. [PMID: 30097604 PMCID: PMC6086908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30477-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, virtual magnetic displacement experiments have shown that magnetic cues are indeed important for determining position in migratory birds; but which sensory system(s) do they use to detect the magnetic map cues? Here, we show that Eurasian reed warblers need trigeminal input to detect that they have been virtually magnetically displaced. Birds with bilaterally ablated ophthalmic branches of the trigeminal nerves were not able to re-orient towards their conspecific breeding grounds after a virtual magnetic displacement, exactly like they were not able to compensate for a real physical displacement. In contrast, sham-operated reed warblers re-oriented after the virtual displacement, like intact controls did in the past. Our results show that trigeminally mediated sensory information is necessary for the correct function of the reed warblers’ magnetic positioning system.
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Vidal-Gadea A, Bainbridge C, Clites B, Palacios BE, Bakhtiari L, Gordon V, Pierce-Shimomura J. Response to comment on "Magnetosensitive neurons mediate geomagnetic orientation in Caenorhabditis elegans". eLife 2018; 7:31414. [PMID: 29651982 PMCID: PMC5898907 DOI: 10.7554/elife.31414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Many animals can orient using the earth’s magnetic field. In a recent study, we performed three distinct behavioral assays providing evidence that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans orients to earth-strength magnetic fields (Vidal-Gadea et al., 2015). A new study by Landler et al. suggests that C. elegans does not orient to magnetic fields (Landler et al., 2018). They also raise conceptual issues that cast doubt on our study. Here, we explain how they appear to have missed positive results in part by omitting controls and running assays longer than prescribed, so that worms switched their preferred migratory direction within single tests. We also highlight differences in experimental methods and interpretations that may explain our different results and conclusions. Together, these findings provide guidance on how to achieve robust magnetotaxis and reinforce our original finding that C. elegans is a suitable model system to study magnetoreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Vidal-Gadea
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, United States
| | - Chance Bainbridge
- School of Biological Sciences, Illinois State University, Normal, United States
| | - Ben Clites
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
| | - Bridgitte E Palacios
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
| | - Layla Bakhtiari
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
| | - Vernita Gordon
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, United States
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Lin W, Zhang W, Zhao X, Roberts AP, Paterson GA, Bazylinski DA, Pan Y. Genomic expansion of magnetotactic bacteria reveals an early common origin of magnetotaxis with lineage-specific evolution. ISME JOURNAL 2018; 12:1508-1519. [PMID: 29581530 PMCID: PMC5955933 DOI: 10.1038/s41396-018-0098-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The origin and evolution of magnetoreception, which in diverse prokaryotes and protozoa is known as magnetotaxis and enables these microorganisms to detect Earth's magnetic field for orientation and navigation, is not well understood in evolutionary biology. The only known prokaryotes capable of sensing the geomagnetic field are magnetotactic bacteria (MTB), motile microorganisms that biomineralize intracellular, membrane-bounded magnetic single-domain crystals of either magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4) called magnetosomes. Magnetosomes are responsible for magnetotaxis in MTB. Here we report the first large-scale metagenomic survey of MTB from both northern and southern hemispheres combined with 28 genomes from uncultivated MTB. These genomes expand greatly the coverage of MTB in the Proteobacteria, Nitrospirae, and Omnitrophica phyla, and provide the first genomic evidence of MTB belonging to the Zetaproteobacteria and "Candidatus Lambdaproteobacteria" classes. The gene content and organization of magnetosome gene clusters, which are physically grouped genes that encode proteins for magnetosome biosynthesis and organization, are more conserved within phylogenetically similar groups than between different taxonomic lineages. Moreover, the phylogenies of core magnetosome proteins form monophyletic clades. Together, these results suggest a common ancient origin of iron-based (Fe3O4 and Fe3S4) magnetotaxis in the domain Bacteria that underwent lineage-specific evolution, shedding new light on the origin and evolution of biomineralization and magnetotaxis, and expanding significantly the phylogenomic representation of MTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lin
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China. .,Institutions of Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China. .,France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China.
| | - Wensi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China.,Institutions of Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China.,France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China.,College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Andrew P Roberts
- Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia
| | - Greig A Paterson
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China.,Institutions of Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China.,Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, L69 7ZE, UK
| | - Dennis A Bazylinski
- School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada at Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, 89154-4004, USA
| | - Yongxin Pan
- Key Laboratory of Earth and Planetary Physics, Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China. .,Institutions of Earth Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China. .,France-China Joint Laboratory for Evolution and Development of Magnetotactic Multicellular Organisms, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China. .,College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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