Abstract
Research regarding the link between electromagnetic fields and cancer has generated much controversy. The results of various studies have provided evidence supporting a possible link to the absence of a connection. Recent experiments involving Xenopus embryos indicate that large magnetic fields of approximately 17 Tesla (1 Tesla = 10,000 Gauss) can change the second and third cleavage planes of development. These planes will orient vertically or horizontally to the direction of the applied magnetic field. The potential effects of magnetic fields on the growth of human fibroblast cells were investigated in this study. Cell cultures were split and the new cultures were exposed to a 1 Tesla magnetic field for approximately thirty-six hours during their growth phase. Half of the exposed cultures were counted for proliferation rate and the remainder of the cultures were analyzed for patterns of growth. The statistics showed that the data for the control and experimental groups were both significantly different from a random pattern. Since both the control and experimental groups had significant results, it can be concluded that the growth patterns of fibroblasts from the experimental group were no different than those in the control group. The results of this study indicate that magnets do not appear to have an effect on fibroblast growth rates or patterns. This work supports the contention that the reports of positive responses to magnetotherapy are due to a placebo effect. It also weakens the argument that electromagnetic fields cause cancer by increasing the growth rates of cells.
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