Temporally-patterned magnetic fields induce complete fragmentation in planaria

Interactions between electromagnetic radiation and biological systems

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.

The Influence of Burst-Firing EMF on Forskolin-Induced Pheochromocytoma (PC12) Plasma Membrane Extensions

Previous research has demonstrated that pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells treated with forskolin provides a model for the in vitro examination of neuritogenesis. Exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), especially those which have been designed to mimic biological function, can influence the functions of various biological systems. We aimed to assess whether exposure of PC12 cells treated with forskolin to patterned EMF would produce more plasma membrane extensions (PME) as compared to PC12 cells treated with forskolin alone (i.e., no EMF exposure). In addition, we aimed to determine whether the differences observed between the proportion of PME of PC12 cells treated with forskolin and exposed to EMF were specific to the intensity, pattern, or timing of the applied EMF. Our results showed an overall increase in PME for PC12 cells treated with forskolin and exposed to Burst-firing EMF as compared to PC12 cells receiving forskolin alone. No other patterned EMF investigated were deemed to be effective. Furthermore, intensity and timing of the Burst-firing pattern did not significantly alter the proportion of PME of PC12 cells treated with forskolin and exposed to patterned EMF.

Simulated sudden increase in geomagnetic activity and its effect on heart rate variability: Experimental verification of correlation studies

Previous research investigating the potential influence of geomagnetic factors on human cardiovascular state has tended to converge upon similar inferences although the results remain relatively controversial. Furthermore, previous findings have remained essentially correlational without accompanying experimental verification. An exception to this was noted for human brain activity in a previous study employing experimental simulation of sudden geomagnetic impulses in order to assess correlational results that had demonstrated a relationship between geomagnetic perturbations and neuroelectrical parameters. The present study employed the same equipment in a similar procedure in order to validate previous findings of a geomagnetic-cardiovascular dynamic with electrocardiography and heart rate variability measures. Results indicated that potential magnetic field effects on frequency components of heart rate variability tended to overlap with previous correlational studies where low frequency power and the ratio between low and high frequency components of heart rate variability appeared affected. In the present study, a significant increase in these particular parameters was noted during geomagnetic simulation compared to baseline recordings.

Group planarian sudden mortality: Is the threshold around global geomagnetic activity ≥K6?

Sudden deaths in groups of animals have been observed by field and laboratory biologists. We have measured mortalities in large group-housed planarian during the infrequent periods of very intense geomagnetic activity. In 13 separate episodes over the last 5 y we have observed the sudden death in our laboratory of hundreds of planarian if their density was about 1 worm per cc and the global geomagnetic activity was K≥6 the day before or the day of the observation of the mortality. Such mortality never occurred in other conditions or days. Both estimates of the "magnetic moment" of a planarian in magnetic fields above this threshold of sustained magnetic flux density as well as the magnetic energy within the planarian volume predict values that could affect phenomenon associated with the total numbers of pH-dependent charges within each worm. These conditions could affect the Levin-Burr bioelectrical signals and networks that affect patterning information and sustainability in whole living systems. The establishment of a central reservoir for the report of these transient events might allow Life Scientists to more fully appreciate the impact of these pervasive global stimuli upon dense groups of animals.

Electromagnetic fields as structure-function zeitgebers in biological systems: environmental orchestrations of morphogenesis and consciousness

Within a cell system structure dictates function. Any interaction between cells, or a cell and its environment, has the potential to have long term implications on the function of a given cell and emerging cell aggregates. The structure and function of cells are continuously subjected to modification by electrical and chemical stimuli. However, biological systems are also subjected to an ever-present influence: the electromagnetic (EM) environment. Biological systems have the potential to be influenced by subtle energies which are exchanged at atomic and subatomic scales as EM phenomena. These energy exchanges have the potential to manifest at higher orders of discourse and affect the output (behavior) of a biological system. Here we describe theoretical and experimental evidence of EM influence on cells and the integration of whole systems. Even weak interactions between EM energies and biological systems display the potential to affect a developing system. We suggest the growing literature of EM effects on biological systems has significant implications to the cell and its functional aggregates.

Comparisons of responses by planarian to micromolar to attomolar dosages of morphine or naloxone and/or weak pulsed magnetic fields: revealing receptor subtype affinities and non-specific effects

PURPOSE

The behavioral responses of planaria to the exposures of a range of concentrations of morphine (μM to attoM) or the μ-opiate antagonist naloxone or to either of these compounds and a burst-firing magnetic field (5 μT) were studied.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The locomotor velocity (LMV) of planaria was measured after individual worms were exposed to increasing concentrations from attomolar to micromolar of morphine or naloxone, physiologically patterned magnetic fields or a combination of the two.

RESULTS

Compared to spring water controls, the 2-hour exposure to the patterned magnetic field before measurement reduced activity by about 50% which was comparable to the non-specific effects of morphine and naloxone across all dosages except 1 attomolar that did not differ from spring water. The specific dosage of 100 nM produced additional marked reduction in activity for planaria exposed to either morphine or naloxone while only 1 pM of morphine produced this effect.

CONCLUSION

The results support the presence of at least two receptor subtypes that mediate the diminished activity effects elicited by morphine specifically and suggests that exposure to the specifically patterned magnetic field produces a behavioral suppression whose magnitude is similar to the 'dose independent' effects from this opiate.