Bioelectromagnetics Research within an Australian Context: The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR)

Electromagnetic bioeffects: a multiscale molecular simulation perspective

Electromagnetic bioeffects remain an enigma from both the experimental and theoretical perspectives despite the ubiquitous presence of related technologies in contemporary life. Multiscale computational modelling can provide valuable insights into biochemical systems and predict how they will be perturbed by external stimuli. At a microscopic level, it can be used to determine what (sub)molecular scale reactions various stimuli might induce; at a macroscopic level, it can be used to examine how these changes affect dynamic behaviour of essential molecules within the crowded biomolecular milieu in living tissues. In this review, we summarise and evaluate recent computational studies that examined the impact of externally applied electric and electromagnetic fields on biologically relevant molecular systems. First, we briefly outline the various methodological approaches that have been employed to study static and oscillating field effects across different time and length scales. The practical value of such modelling is then illustrated through representative case-studies that showcase the diverse effects of electric and electromagnetic field on the main physiological solvent - water, and the essential biomolecules - DNA, proteins, lipids, as well as some novel biomedically relevant nanomaterials. The implications and relevance of the theoretical multiscale modelling to practical applications in therapeutic medicine are also discussed. Finally, we summarise ongoing challenges and potential opportunities for theoretical modelling to advance the current understanding of electromagnetic bioeffects for their modulation and/or beneficial exploitation in biomedicine and industry.

Health-Related Electromagnetic Field Assessment in the Proximity of High Voltage Power Equipment

With respect to health issues, this paperpresents the results of an electromagnetic field (EMF) assessment in the proximity of a high voltage power station located in South Transylvania, Romania. The main parameters taken into account are, according to all standards and recommendations, the RMS (Root Mean Square) value of low frequency (0–300 Hz) electrical field strength E (in kV/m) and magnetic flux density B (in µT). Measurements were performed near all critical pieces of equipment (transformers, switches, busbars, overhead lines), according to the EMF European Directive. Some measurements were made as a function of distance from the HV (high-voltage) equipment, others as a time variation. The main objective was to verify that specific limits are met and, if necessary, to identify protective measures. Finally, safe exposure times for personnel operating at these sites were determined. In the future, detailed maps of EMF variations will be made available to the power companies.

The Enigma of Amyloid Forming Proteins: Insights From Molecular Simulations

Molecular level insight into the interplay between protein sequence, structure, and conformational dynamics is crucial for the comprehensive understanding of protein folding, misfolding, and aggregation phenomena that are pertinent to the formation of amyloid fibrils implicated in several degenerative diseases. Computational modelling provides insight into protein behaviour at spatial and temporal resolution still largely outside the reach of experiments. Herein we present an account of our theoretical modelling research conducted in collaboration with several experimental groups where we explored the effects of local environment on the structure and aggregation propensity of several types of amyloidogenic peptides and proteins, including apolipoprotein C-II, insulin, amylin, and amyloid-β using a variety of computational approaches.