Biological Effects Of Electromagnetic Fields Research Articles

Biological effects of electromagnetic fields on insects: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

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.

Software Program for the Evaluation of Human Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields

The evaluation of human exposure to electric and magnetic fields represents a subject of great scientific and public interest due to the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the human body and the risks caused by them to living organisms. In this context, this article proposes a software program designed by the authors for the evaluation of human exposure to electric and magnetic fields at low frequencies (EMF software program), an application that can also be accessed from a mobile phone. The analytical model on which the EMF program is based is synthetically presented, and the application is then described. The first example implemented in the EMF program is taken from the existing literature on this subject, thus confirming the correctness and calculation precision of the program. Next, a case study is proposed for an overhead transmission line of 400 KV from the Cluj-Napoca area, Romania, for which the electric and magnetic fields are first measured experimentally and then using the EMF program. The validation of the EMF software program is performed by comparing the obtained results with those measured experimentally and with those obtained with a commercial software program.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field induces acetylation of heat shock proteins and enhances protein folding

The pervasive weak electromagnetic fields (EMF) inundate the industrialized society, but the biological effects of EMF as weak as 10 µT have been scarcely analyzed. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are molecular chaperones that mediate a sequential stress response. HSP70 and HSP90 provide cells under undesirable situations with either assisting covalent folding of proteins or degrading improperly folded proteins in an ATP-dependent manner. Here we examined the effect of extremely low-frequency (ELF)-EMF on AML12 and HEK293 cells. Although the protein expression levels of HSP70 and HSP90 were reduced after an exposure to ELF-EMF for 3 h, acetylations of HSP70 and HSP90 were increased, which was followed by an enhanced binding affinities of HSP70 and HSP90 for HSP70/HSP90-organizing protein (HOP/STIP1). After 3 h exposure to ELF-EMF, the amount of mitochondria was reduced but the ATP level and the maximal mitochondrial oxygen consumption were increased, which was followed by the reduced protein aggregates and the increased cell viability. Thus, ELF-EMF exposure for 3 h activated acetylation of HSPs to enhance protein folding, which was returned to the basal level at 12 h. The proteostatic effects of ELF-EMF will be able to be applied to treat pathological states in humans.

The influence of harmful occupational physical factors on the male workers’ reproductive health (analytical review)

This paper provides a review of the literature for the analysis and assessment of the occupational risk of reproductive health disorders of male workers under the influence of harmful physical factors of production.
 To assess the risk of exposure to harmful industrial physical factors on the reproductive health of male workers, the authors have applied the method of analytical review of the data obtained.
 Literature data show that the work of men in conditions of both high and low temperatures can lead to a violation of reproductive function. In the bakery, ceramic, steel, welding and other industries, working conditions are characterized by the presence of hyperthermia. Researchers have identified a violation of reproductive function in male workers, along with changes in the physiological parameters of the body's homeostasis.
 There are few studies on the effects of noise and vibration on the reproductive health of working men, and there are few studies on the effects of ultra- and infrasound. The consequences of such exposure are disorders of hormonal status, spermatogenesis, leading to further changes in reproductive function, impotence and infertility. Scientists confirm these data with experimental studies on animals and volunteers.
 Exposure to ionizing radiation is a proven factor of reproductive dysfunction, which leads to changes in the quantity and quality of sperm, reproductive hormones. The consequence of exposure to ionizing radiation are chromosomal abnormalities, leading to congenital anomalies in offspring.
 It has been shown that the biological effect of electromagnetic fields of various frequency ranges (cell phones, microwave ovens, laptops, devices with Wi-Fi, as well as other types of non–ionizing radiation — low-frequency electromagnetic fields and extremely high-frequency) on reproductive organs can manifest itself in changes in spermatogenesis indicators, DNA damage, genomic instability, hormonal regulation and work disorders protein kinases, hormones, antioxidant enzymes, leading to disorders of sexual behavior, decreased fertility, up to infertility.
 The presented data show that harmful occupational physical factors can lead to violations of the reproductive health of male workers. Currently, there is no systematic approach to solving the problem. In this regard, it is necessary to develop a scientifically sound system for assessing occupational risk and making managerial decisions to preserve reproductive health, since a decrease in the fertility of male workers potentially affects the well-being of the family and society as a whole.

The Effects of Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to 50-Hz and 3 mT Electromagnetic Field on Rat Testicular Development.

Background and objectives: It has been shown that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have negative effects on the reproductive system. The biological effects of EMF on the male reproductive system are controversial and vary depending on the frequency and exposure time. Although a limited number of studies have focused on the structural and functional effects of EMF, the effects of prenatal and postnatal EMF exposure on testes are not clear. We aimed to investigate the effects of 50-Hz, 3-mT EMF exposure (5 days/wk, 4 h/day) during pre- and postnatal periods on testis development. Materials and Methods: Pups from three groups of Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were used: Sham, EMF-28 (EMF-exposure applied during pregnancy and until postnatal day 28), EMF-42 (EMF-exposure applied during pregnancy and until postnatal day 42). The testis tissues and blood samples of male offspring were collected on the postnatal day 42. Results: Morphometric analyses showed a decrease in seminiferous tubule diameter as a result of testicular degeneration in the EMF-42 group. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were decreased in the EMF-42 group. Lipid peroxidation levels were increased in both EMF groups, while antioxidant levels were decreased only in the EMF-28 group. We found decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) in the EMF-42 group, and decreased levels of the SRC homology 3 (SH3) and multiple ankyrin repeat domain (SHANK3) in the EMF-28 group in the testis tissue. Conclusions: EMF exposure during pre- and postnatal periods may cause deterioration in the structure and function of testis and decrease in growing factors that would affect testicular functions in male rat pups. In addition to the oxidative stress observed in testis, decreased SHANK3, VEGF, and IGF1 protein levels suggests that these proteins may be mediators in testis affected by EMF exposure. This study shows that EMF exposure during embryonic development and adolescence can cause apoptosis and structural changes in the testis.

Temperature dependence of dielectric properties of blood at 10 Hz-100 MHz.

The temperature dependence of the dielectric properties of blood is important for studying the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, electromagnetic protection, disease diagnosis, and treatment. However, owing to the limitations of measurement methods, there are still some uncertainties regarding the temperature characteristics of the dielectric properties of blood at low and medium frequencies. In this study, we designed a composite impedance measurement box with high heat transfer efficiency that allowed for a four/two-electrode measurement method. Four-electrode measurements were carried out at 10 Hz-1 MHz to overcome the influence of electrode polarization, and two-electrode measurements were carried out at 100 Hz-100MHz to avoid the influence of distribution parameters, and the data was integrated to achieve dielectric measurements at 10 Hz-100MHz. At the same time, the temperature of fresh blood from rabbits was controlled at 17-39°C in combination with a temperature-controlled water sink. The results showed that the temperature coefficient for the real part of the resistivity of blood remained constant from 10Hz to 100kHz (-2.42%/°C) and then gradually decreased to -0.26%/°C. The temperature coefficient of the imaginary part was positive and bimodal from 6.31kHz to 100MHz, with peaks of 5.22%/°C and 4.14%/°C at 126kHz and 39.8 MHz, respectively. Finally, a third-order function model was developed to describe the dielectric spectra at these temperatures, in which the resistivity parameter in each dispersion zone decreased linearly with temperature and each characteristic frequency increased linearly with temperature. The model could estimate the dielectric properties at any frequency and temperature in this range, and the maximum error was less than 1.39%, thus laying the foundation for subsequent studies.

Thapsigargin blocks electromagnetic field‐elicited intracellular Ca2+ increase in HEK 293 cells

Biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) have previously been identified for cellular proliferation and changes in expression and conduction of diverse types of ion channels. The major effect elicited by EMFs seems to be directed toward Ca2+ homeostasis. This is particularly remarkable since Ca2+ acts as a central modulator in various signaling pathways, including, but not limited to, cell differentiation and survival. Despite this, the mechanisms underlying this modulation have yet to be unraveled. Here, we assessed the effect of EMFs on intracellular [Ca2+], by exposing HEK 293 cells to both radio‐frequency electromagnetic fields (RF‐EMFs) and static magnetic fields (SMFs). We detected a constant and significant increase in [Ca2+] subsequent to exposure to both types of fields. Strikingly, the increase was nulled by administration of 10 μM Thapsigargin, a blocker of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPases (SERCAs), indicating the involvement of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in EMF‐related modulation of Ca2+ homeostasis.

The Effects of Anthropogenic Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) on the Early Development of Two Commercially Important Crustaceans, European Lobster, Homarus gammarus (L.) and Edible Crab, Cancer pagurus (L.)

Proposed offshore windfarm sites could overlap with the brooding and spawning habitats of commercially important crustacea, including European lobster, Homarus gammarus and Edible crab, Cancer pagurus. Concerns have been raised on the biological effects of Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) emitted from subsea power cables on the early life history of these species. In this study, ovigerous female H. gammarus and C. pagurus were exposed to static (Direct Current, DC) EMFs (2.8 mT) throughout embryonic development. Embryonic and larval parameters, deformities, and vertical swimming speed of freshly hatched stage I lobster and zoea I crab larvae were assessed. EMF did not alter embryonic development time, larval release time, or vertical swimming speed for either species. Chronic exposure to 2.8 mT EMF throughout embryonic development resulted in significant differences in stage-specific egg volume and resulted in stage I lobster and zoea I crab larvae exhibiting decreased carapace height, total length, and maximum eye diameter. An increased occurrence of larval deformities was observed in addition to reduced swimming test success rate amongst lobster larvae. These traits may ultimately affect larval mortality, recruitment and dispersal. This study increases our understanding on the effects of anthropogenic, static EMFs on crustacean developmental biology and suggests that EMF emissions from subsea power cables could have a measurable impact on the early life history and consequently the population dynamics of H. gammarus and C. pagurus.

Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Alter Expression of C-Myc and circ-CCDC66 in Gastric Cancer Cell Line

: The biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF), in particular their beneficial or adverse impacts on the promotion and progression of cancer, have attracted considerable attention. C-Myc has a critical regulatory role in cell transformation and causes metabolic changes, that accompany malignant transformation. Observations have shown that c-Myc expression can be altered by circular RNAs (circRNA). In this study, the changes in the expression of c-Myc and circ-CCDC66 in the AGS cell line after the extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) exposure were investigated. The AGS cells were exposed to different magnetic flux densities for 18 h, continuously and discontinuously (2h on/2h off). To evaluate the expression changes of c-Myc and circ-CCDC66 real-time PCR was used. The results showed that discontinuous magnetic fields could reduce c-Myc expression. Continuous exposure of 0.25 mT could reduce the c-Myc expression, but with increasing the magnetic flux density c-Myc was upregulated. The expression level of circ-CCDC66 decreased under exposure to continuous and discontinuous ELF-MFs. The difference between the results of c-Myc under the influence of magnetic fields may be described by the hypothesis of the window effect of the fields. Our results indicated that ELF-MFs can induce changes in c-Myc and circ-CCDC66 expression.

Влияние магнитных полей на ацетилирование H3K9/14 в нейронах грибовидных тел медоносной пчелы

Living things have been evolving under certain parameters of the geomagnetic field. Many organisms are sensitive to electromagnetic fields and use them for spatial orientation and navigation during migration. The honeybee Apis mellifera L. is a convenient experimental model to study the biological effects of electromagnetic fields. The honeybees use the Earth’s magnetic field for orientation in space and mobilization for foraging. Recent decades have seen an emergence of numerous anthropogenic sources of electromagnetic radiation. They are likely to be stressors for bees and other insects. It is known the transcriptional activity changes as part of stress response, while histone acetylation is associated with transcription activation. The article reports the results of the study into H3K9/14 histone acetylation in the neurons (inner Kenyon cells) of mushroom body calyxes (structures responsible for learning and memory in insects) in the honeybee. It was shown that an increase in the natural geomagnetic field leads to a decrease in H3K9/14 histone acetylation. This indicates a decrease in transcriptional activity in mushroom bodies, which may affect cognitive and foraging activities of the honeybee.

Biological effects of low-intensity radiofrequency fields and risk assessment for biota

Despite the fact that there are still conflicting opinions about the damage caused by modern wireless communication technologies, most scientists report on the negative biological effects of low-intensity radio frequency electromagnetic radiation at different levels of the organization of live nature. There is no doubt that there is a need not only for a sanitary and hygienic assessment of man-made electromagnetic effects on humans, but also for an environmental assessment for biota. The purpose of the study was to assess the potential environmental risk of electromagnetic impact in the centimeter range on natural ecosystems. The initial data were the authors' own results in the field of radiobiology of non-ionizing radiation, as well as published of other researchers. The article analyzes the biological effects of radio frequency electromagnetic fields detected in organisms of different systematic groups and levels of organization. The data on the non-thermal biological effects of electromagnetic fields indicate a high sensitivity of different species to this factor. The analyzed research results emphasize the need to take into account the features of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation on biota, since these radiations can have a negative impact on different hierarchical levels in natural ecosystems.

Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children.

In today’s world, most children are exposed to various manmade electromagnetic fields (EMFs). EMFs are electromagnetic waves less than 300 GHz. A developing child’s brain is vulnerable to electromagnetic radiation; thus, their caregivers’ concerns about the health effects of EMFs are increasing. EMF exposure is divided into 2 categories: extremely low frequencies (ELFs; 3–3,000 Hz), involving high-voltage transmission lines and in-house wiring; and radiofrequencies (RFs; 30 kHz to 300 GHz), involving mobile phones, smart devices, base stations, WiFi, and 5G technologies. The biological effects of EMFs on humans include stimulation, thermal, and nonthermal, the latter of which is the least known. Among the various health issues related to EMFs, the most important issue is human carcinogenicity. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC’s) evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, ELFs and RFs were evaluated as possible human carcinogens (Group 2B). However, the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) view of EMFs remains undetermined. This article reviews the current knowledge of EMF exposure on humans, specifically children. EMF exposure sources, biological effects, current WHO and IARC opinions on carcinogenicity, and effects of EMF exposures on children will be discussed. As well-controlled EMF experiments in children are nearly impossible, scientific knowledge should be interpreted objectively. Precautionary approaches are recommended for children until the potential health effects of EMF are confirmed.

Radio frequency-induced superoxide accumulation affected the growth and viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

With the development of the electric technologies, the biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) were widely studied. However, the results remain controversial and the biophysical mechanisms are still unknown. To our knowledge, little studies pay attention to the radio frequency (RF) of 2.6-5MHz. In the present study, we investigated the effect of these radio frequencies on the growth and cell viability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at very low power density below 0.1mT. The result appeared to be time-dependent. The growth of the yeast cells was obviously affected by the RF-EMF with a 43.5% increase when exposed for 30h, and the growth-promoting effect decreased along with the radiation time and eventually turned to an inhibiting effect retarding growth by 20.7% at 89h. The cell viability was improved to 70.1% at 8h and reduced by 33.5% at 28h. The superoxide accumulated in exposed cells as radiation time increased which may lead to the inhibition of viability and growth of the cells. However, the efficient frequency, power density, and exposure dosage await further investigation. Nevertheless, the wave band studied in this research is effective to produce biological effect, and therefore, it may provide an optional new radio frequency which is valuable for the development and utilization in therapy technique and medical use.

Magnetic Field of 1200kv Transmission Line by FEM & MATLAB

With rapid industrial and commercial growth and flourishing population, power demand is increasing rapidly. Modern methods of UHV transmission lines are important to transmit bulk amount of power more efficiently in comparison to earlier methods of transmission. 1200 KV UHV transmission line is India future and therefore forthcoming project to tackle this situation. However as line to line voltage level increases, complexity of the transmission line increases. But, with higher level of line to line voltage, complexity of transmission line increases. ROW is one of the major concerns with transmission lines. Many parameters need to take care in designing; one of them is a magnetic field distribution at surroundings of transmission line. India has initiated to expand its UHV range to 1200kv. Paper suggest magnetic field of three configurations of the 1200KV line. Horizontal and vertical configuration test lines have been installed. Analysis has been done by two methods finite element method and (Method of images) analytical method. FEM is used to solve partial differential equations. Results from both methods have been compared. 3D electric field analysis of configuration also performed. Plotted results are compared with ICNIRP standards and safety limits defined. Adverse effects of excess magnetic field is also discussed. Biological effects of electromagnetic field on people, animals and plants are also discussed. Thus paper aimed at magnetic field calculation and verification with respect to standard. It also helps to utilize less right of way. The subject is under broad development due to its advantages over lower voltage levels and holds significance in future as well.

The Effects of Bio-inspired Electromagnetic Fields on Normal and Cancer Cells

The electromagnetic field (EMF) is one of many environmental factors, which earth creatures are exposed to. There are many reports on the effects of EMF on living organisms. However, since the mechanism has not yet been fully understood, the biological effects of EMF are still controversial. In order to explore the effects of bio-inspired EMF (BIEMF) on normal and cancer cells, various cultured cells have been exposed to BIEMF of different directions, i.e. vertical, parallel and inclined. Significantly reduced ATP production in Hela and A549 cancer cells is found for the parallel and vertical BIEMF. More careful examination on Hela cells has revealed a cell density dependent inhibition on colony formation. The morphological observation of BIEMF-exposed Hela cells has suggested that the retarded cell proliferation is probably caused by cell death via apoptosis. Together these results may afford new insights for cancer prevention and treatment.

Electromagnetic Fields, Genomic Instability and Cancer: A Systems Biological View.

This review discusses the use of systems biology in understanding the biological effects of electromagnetic fields, with particular focus on induction of genomic instability and cancer. We introduce basic concepts of the dynamical systems theory such as the state space and attractors and the use of these concepts in understanding the behavior of complex biological systems. We then discuss genomic instability in the framework of the dynamical systems theory, and describe the hypothesis that environmentally induced genomic instability corresponds to abnormal attractor states; large enough environmental perturbations can force the biological system to leave normal evolutionarily optimized attractors (corresponding to normal cell phenotypes) and migrate to less stable variant attractors. We discuss experimental approaches that can be coupled with theoretical systems biology such as testable predictions, derived from the theory and experimental methods, that can be used for measuring the state of the complex biological system. We also review potentially informative studies and make recommendations for further studies.

2018 IEEE Radio and Antenna Days of the Indian Ocean (IEEE RADIO 2018)

EDITOR’S FOREWORDThe 2018 edition of the IEEE Radio and Antenna Days of the Indian Ocean (IEEE RADIO 2018) international conference was hosted once again in Mauritius, the country where the first three editions of the conference were organized in 2012, 2014 and 2015. Dr. Arjoon Suddhoo, Executive Director of the Mauritius Research Council (MRC), officially opened this sixth edition of the conference that was held from 15th to 18th October 2018 at the Hilton Resort & Spa, Wolmar, Mauritius. The conference was managed by the Radio Society (Mauritius) and financially sponsored by the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society (AP-S). IEEE RADIO 2018 was technically co-sponsored by IEEE Region 8 and Union Radio Scientifique Internationale (URSI). Researchers from CentraleSupélec, France, University of Mauritius and Université de La Réunion formed the local organizing committee.Participants from over twenty different countries spanning all five continents attended IEEE RADIO 2018. The conference featured fourteen regular sessions covering diverse topics such as antenna design, devices and circuits, wave propagation and scattering, wireless communication systems, computational electromagnetics, and biological effects of electromagnetic fields. A tutorial on computational electromagnetics was proposed on Monday morning. During the opening ceremony, the IEEE Ulrich L. Rohde Humanitarian Technical Field Project Award was presented to IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology (SIGHT) Indian Ocean for the Agriculture, Climate and Technology in Indian Ocean Network (ACTION) project. Moreover, a SIGHT Event was organized on Monday afternoon during which representatives from different IEEE SIGHT Groups presented their humanitarian activities and projects. Three internationally recognized scientists delivered invited talks during the conference.A jury evaluated the oral presentations of students and young scientists. The Best Young Scientist less than 36 years old received a shield and a cash prize of 300 Euros. The first, second and third Best Student Papers were awarded shields and cash prizes of 300 Euros, 200 Euros and 100 Euros, respectively. The inaugural Industrial Engineering Paper Award, consisting of a shield and a cash prize of 300 Euros, was presented to the author of the paper presenting the most innovative and significant contribution in terms of practical industrial engineering related to the fields of antennas, electromagnetics and propagation.The 2-page short papers presented during the conference have already been published on the IEEE Xplore Digital Library. After the conference, the authors of the accepted and presented papers were invited to submit an extended version (limited to a maximum of 4 pages) for publication as a volume in the IoP Conference Series: Materials and Engineering (MSE). Eighteen papers were submitted. After the peer-review process by the distinguished members of the Scientific Committee, only nine papers were accepted and published in this volume of IoP Conference Series: MSE.EditorVikass Monebhurrun

Effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on turkeys

Several studies have examined the potential biological effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on birds; however, little attention has been paid to the extremely low frequency (ELF; 0–300 Hz; 0–50 μT) radiation found in an urbanized environment. For monitoring the effects of ELF EMF, we used a turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) model, because the nucleated erythrocytes of turkeys contain β-adrenoceptors, and norepinephrine- (NE-) activated β-adrenoceptors have an important role in physiological and behavioral processes. Our aims were the following: 1) to investigate the intracellular mechanisms; 2) to compare the intracellular mechanisms in the treated and control groups over time, considering inter-individual differences and intra-subject correlations; 3) and to study the reversible nature of the response. The turkeys in the treatment group were treated in vivo with ELF EMF (50 Hz; 10 μT) for 3 wk after a 1-wk-long adaptation period. The animals were not exposed to ELF EMF during the regeneration period (5 wk following the exposure). The NE-activated β-adrenoceptor function was detected by measuring the amount of 3′5′-cyclic-adenosine-monophosphate (cAMP), and the biochemical enzyme parameters were defined. Repeated measurements of cAMP levels were analyzed using marginal models and a piecewise linear mixed model to compare treatment and control groups over time. According to our results, NE-activated β-adrenoceptor function was decreased in the treated birds in a time-dependent manner, while there were no differences between toxicological parameters in the serum, compared to the normal ranges. The decreased NE-dependent β-adrenoceptor function could be compensated by the homeostatic complex during the 5-wk regeneration period. Extended experimental periods and more sophisticated analysis methods may help prevent harmful environmental effects on birds; furthermore, these findings could affect public health and the economy.

Biological and Health Effects of Electromagnetic Fields Related to the Operation of MRI/TMS

This paper reviews issues of biological effects and safety aspects of the electromagnetic fields related to both Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a diagnostic technique. The noninvasive character of these diagnostic techniques is based on the utilization of the electromagnetic fields such as the static magnetic field, time-varying magnetic field, and radiofrequency electromagnetic field. Following the short view of the history and the principle of these noninvasive techniques, we review the biological effects of the electromagnetic fields, the health effects and safety issues related to MRI/TMS environments. Through a discussion of biological and health effects, it shows briefly guidelines which provide a consideration in human risk for both patients and medical staff. Finally, safety issues related to MRI/TMS are discussed with the highlighting of the guideline such as the International Commission on NonIonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) and EMF Directive (Directve2013/35/EU) of European Union.

Effective Permittivity of Biological Tissue: Comparison of Theoretical Model and Experiment

Permittivity of biological tissue is a critical issue for studying the biological effects of electromagnetic fields. Many theories and experiments were performed to measure or explain the permittivity characteristics in biological tissue. In this paper, we investigate the permittivity parameter in biological tissues via theoretical and experimental analysis. Firstly, we analyze the permittivity characteristic in tissue by using theories on composite material. Secondly, typical biological tissues, such as blood, fat, liver, and brain, are measured byHP4275AMulti-Frequency LCR Meter within 10 kHz to 10 MHz. Thirdly, experimental results are compared with the Bottcher-Bordewijk model, the Skipetrov equation, and the Maxwell-Gannett theory. From the theoretical perspective, blood and fat are regarded as the composition of liver and brain because of the high permittivity in blood and the opposite in fat. Volume fraction of blood in liver and brain is analyzed theoretically, and the applicability and the limitation of the models are also discussed. These results benefit further study on local biological effects of electromagnetic fields.