Electromagnetic Fields Fields Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Protective Patches on Acupoints to Preserve the Bioenergetic Status against Magnetic Fields.

The potentially harmful nature of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and static magnetic fields (SMF) has become a major problem in recent years. All these elements could be combined to produce cellular responses. For example, the orientation of molecules of water or other complex molecules, growth and cell viability, cell morphology, and intracellular metabolic pathways have demonstrated binding to magnetic fields. The effect of EMF and SMF on humans is a topic of great importance, especially because modern technology has introduced artificial magnetic fields such as those generated by power lines, mobile communications, and medical imaging equipment. A relevant problem is certainly that of professional exposure. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the effectiveness of a commercially available device, Skudo® patches (Edil Natura S.r.l., Novara, Italy), in protecting magnetic resonance operators from the influence of magnetic fields such as those present in the workplace. Skudo® patches are designed to protect microareas of the body from external electromagnetic disturbances. In this study, 10 male Italian volunteers aged between 50 and 60 were enrolled in the hospital. All participants were subjected to measurements at 4 specific time points to evaluate the effectiveness of Skudo® to counteract both EMF and SMF magnetic fields by evaluating the level of bioenergetic reactivity. To perform the measurements, a variant of the Ryodoraku method has been used, based upon the assessment of electropermeability. In particular, 12 acupoints were measured, one for each of the main meridians. This study shows that both SMF and EMF cause an alteration of the body's water system. The application of Skudo® patches determines a regularization of bioenergetic levels related to the water system. The application of Skudo® on the EMF source has suppressed the imbalance effect of the water system found in the subject without any protection.

Favourable and Unfavourable EMF Frequency Patterns in Cancer: Perspectives for Improved Therapy and Prevention

Carcinogenesis fits in a frequency pattern of electromagnetic field (EMF) waves, in which a gradual loss of cellular organization occurs. Such generation of cancer features can be inhibited by adequate exposure to coherent electromagnetic frequencies. However, cancer can also be initiated and promoted at other distinct frequencies of electromagnetic waves. Both observations were revealed by analyzing 100 different EMF frequency data reported in a meta-analyses of 123 different, earlier published, biomedical studies. The studied EM frequencies showed a fractal pattern of 12 beneficial (anti-cancer) frequencies, and 12 detrimental (cancer promoting) frequencies, that form the central pattern of a much wider self-similar EMF spectrum of cancer inhibiting or promoting activities. Inhibiting of the cancer process, and even curing of the disease, can thus be considered through exposure to the coherent type of EM fields. Stabilization of the disease can be understood by constructive resonance of macromolecules in the cancer cell with the externally appied coherent EMF field frequencies, called solitons/polarons. The latter, for instance, have been shown earlier to induce repair in DNA/RNA conformation and/or epigenetic changes. The field of EMF treatment of cancer disorders is rapidly expanding and our studies may invite further experimental and clinical studies in which systematically various potential EMF treatment protocols could be applied, with combined and modulated frequencies, to obtain even more efficient EMF anti-cancer therapies.

Optimization of a therapeutic electromagnetic field (EMF) to retard breast cancer tumor growth and vascularity.

BackgroundThis study provided additional data on the effects of a therapeutic electromagnetic field (EMF) device on growth and vascularization of murine 16/C mammary adenocarcinoma cells implanted in C3H/HeJ mice.MethodsThe therapeutic EMF device generated a defined 120 Hz semi sine wave pulse signal of variable intensity. Murine 16/C mammary adenocarcinoma tumor fragments were implanted subcutaneously between the scapulae of syngeneic C3H mice. Once the tumor grew to 100 mm3, daily EMF treatments were started by placing the cage of mice within the EMF field. Treatment ranged from 10 to 20 milli-Tesla (mT) and was given for 3 to 80 minutes either once or twice a day for 12 days. Tumors were measured and volumes calculated each 3–4 days.ResultsTherapeutic EMF treatment significantly suppressed tumor growth in all 7 EMF treated groups. Exposure to 20mT for 10 minutes twice a day was the most effective tumor growth suppressor. The effect of EMF treatment on extent of tumor vascularization, necrosis and viable area was determined after euthanasia. The EMF reduced the vascular (CD31 immunohistochemically positive) volume fraction and increased the necrotic volume of the tumor. Treatment with 15 mT for 10 min/d gave the maximum anti-angiogenic effect. Lack of a significant correlation between tumor CD 31 positive area and tumor growth rate indicates a mechanism for suppression of tumor growth in addition to suppression of tumor vascularization.ConclusionIt is proposed that EMF therapy aimed at suppression of tumor growth and vascularization may prove a safe alternative for patients whether they are or are not candidates for conventional cancer therapy.

Effect of low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure on oocyte differentiation and follicular development

Background:The effect of electromagnetic field (EMF) as an environmental factor on different organs including female reproductive system is of critical concern. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of low-frequency (LF)-EMF on oocyte differentiation and follicular development.Materials and Methods:The experiment was carried out in animal lab of Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. For this purpose, the BALB/c mice were divided into control and experimental group in animal lab. The pregnant mice in the experimental group were exposed to 3 mT EMF field, 4 h/day during the pregnancy period. The LF-EMF was produced by a system using 50 Hz alternative current, in the control group the pregnant mice were kept in a similar condition without exposure to EMF. The neonatal mice from both groups were sacrificed immediately after birth and their ovary was dissected apart and prepared for light and electron microscopy.Result:Microscopy revealed that in the experimental group, in comparison to control group, oocyte nests were mostly broken and irregularly arranged. The primordial follicles were less developed and nuclei of oocytes with an electron microscope appeared heterochromatic, shrunken and had vacuolated cytoplasm.Conclusion:It is concluded that exposure to EMF during the developmental period could affect both oocyte differentiation and folliculogenesis and may result in reduced fertility, by decreasing ovarian reservoir.

A pilot neighborhood study towards establishing a benchmark for reducing electromagnetic field levels within single family residential dwellings

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) permeate the built environment in different forms and come from a number of sources including electrical wiring and devices, wireless communication, ‘energy-efficient’ lighting, and appliances. It can be present in the indoor environment directly from indoor sources, or can be transmitted through building materials from outside sources. Scientists have identified it as an indoor environmental pollutant or toxin that has ubiquitously plagued developed nations causing a variety of adverse health effects such as sick-building syndrome symptoms, asthma, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, electro-hypersensitivity (EHS), behavior disorders, and more. There is currently no international consensus on guidelines and exposure limits. This paper presents the results of 29 EMF field audits in single family residential dwellings located within an urban neighborhood in Toronto (Canada). The following EMF spectra were evaluated: radio frequency, power frequency electric fields, power frequency magnetic fields and high frequency voltage transients. The field audits were conducted in order to provide initial baseline statistics to be used in future studies and in order to be compared to a low-cost EMF reduction design incorporated within the Renovation2050 research house — located within the test neighborhood. The results show the low-cost reduction strategy to be effective, on average reducing exposure by 80% for high-intensity EMF metrics. Research of this nature has not been conducted with relation to the built environment and can be used to spark an industry movement to design for low-exposure to EMF in a residential context.

Science and precautionary measures in EMF policy

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are generated by many of the technologies we use in everyday life. Since virtually everyone on the planet is subjected to these fields, safety from exposure to them is a matter for government health policy. Most countries limiting exposure to EMF fields have adopted those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO); the guidelines on exposure limits published by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). Yet there are challenges to the use of established science and some call for the incorporation of additional precautionary measures into government policy. This paper discusses the use of science and precautionary measures for policies that protect the health of everyone from exposure to manmade EMF.

Alterations in Adenylate Kinase Activity in Human PBMCs after In Vitro Exposure to Electromagnetic Field: Comparison between Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF) and Therapeutic Application of a Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Field (TAMMEF)

This study investigated the effects of electromagnetic fields on enzymes involved in purine metabolism in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro. Cells were obtained from 20 volunteers. We tested both low-energy, extremely low frequency (ELF; 100-Hz) electromagnetic fields and the Therapeutic Application of Musically Modulated Electromagnetic Fields (TAMMEFs); the latter is characterized by variable frequencies, intensities, and wave shapes. Adenylate kinase activity was increased after ELF field exposure but decreased slightly after TAMMEF exposure. Neither of the two electromagnetic field affected the activities of the purine metabolism enzymes ecto-5′-nucleotidase, adenosine deaminase, and adenosine kinase. We concluded that ELF fields may influence cellular electrical charge stability; stimulation of adenylate kinase activity could restore the cell to a state of equilibrium. In contrast, TAMMEF fields may be useful for maintaining and regulating the cellular electrical charge.

900 MHz modulated electromagnetic fields accelerate the clathrin‐mediated endocytosis pathway

We report new data regarding the molecular mechanisms of GSM-induced increase of cell endocytosis rate. Even though endocytosis represents an important physical and biological event for cell physiology, studies on modulated electromagnetic fields (EMF) effects on this process are scarce. In a previous article, we showed that fluid phase endocytosis rate increases when cultured cells are exposed to 900 MHz EMF similar to mobile phones' modulated GSM signals (217 Hz repetition frequency, 576 micros pulse width) and to electric pulses similar to the GSM electrical component. Trying to distinguish the mechanisms sustaining this endocytosis stimulation, we exposed murine melanoma cells to Lucifer Yellow (LY) or to GSM-EMF/electric pulses in the presence of drugs inhibiting the clathrin- or the caveolin-dependent endocytosis. Experiments were performed at a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3.2 W/kg in a wire patch cell under homogeneously distributed EMF field and controlled temperature (in the range of 28.5-29.5 degrees C). Thus, the observed increase in LY uptake was not a thermal effect. Chlorpromazine and ethanol, but not Filipin, inhibited this increase. Therefore, the clathrin-dependent endocytosis is stimulated by the GSM-EMF, suggesting that the cellular mechanism affected by the modulated EMF involves vesicles that detach from the cell membrane, mainly clathrin-coated vesicles.

Electromagnetic effects – From cell biology to medicine

In this review we compile and discuss the published plethora of cell biological effects which are ascribed to electric fields (EF), magnetic fields (MF) and electromagnetic fields (EMF). In recent years, a change in paradigm took place concerning the endogenously produced static EF of cells and tissues. Here, modern molecular biology could link the action of ion transporters and ion channels to the “electric” action of cells and tissues. Also, sensing of these mainly EF could be demonstrated in studies of cell migration and wound healing. The triggers exerted by ion concentrations and concomitant electric field gradients have been traced along signaling cascades till gene expression changes in the nucleus. Far more enigmatic is the way of action of static MF which come in most cases from outside (e.g. earth magnetic field). All systems in an organism from the molecular to the organ level are more or less in motion. Thus, in living tissue we mostly find alternating fields as well as combination of EF and MF normally in the range of extremely low-frequency EMF. Because a bewildering array of model systems and clinical devices exits in the EMF field we concentrate on cell biological findings and look for basic principles in the EF, MF and EMF action. As an outlook for future research topics, this review tries to link areas of EF, MF and EMF research to thermodynamics and quantum physics, approaches that will produce novel insights into cell biology.

Potential adverse effects of UMTS electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones on the human inner ear: A European project (EMFNEAR)

To answer concerns as to the potential effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) generated by third generation mobile phones on the inner ear, the European Commission funded project "EMFNEAR" assessed potential changes in auditory function induced by UMTS field both in humans and in laboratory animals. The purpose of this paper is to present the final outcomes of the project in humans. Normally hearing subjects (18-30 years old) were exposed to 20 min UMTS or sham exposure in a double-blind controlled study. Two different EMF field strengths were used: SAR of 0.069 W/kg using a commercially available phone and SAR of 1.75 W/kg using a patch antenna. Audiological assessment, involving pure tone audiometry, distortion product otoacoustic emissions, effects of contralateral acoustic stimulation on Transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions and late cognitive potentials (P300), were performed before and immediately after real or sham exposures. Results showed no effects of acute UMTS electromagnetic fields exposure on the inner auditory system of humans.

Affects of high frequency electromagnetic fields on human sperm cellular function

Previous studies have suggested that electromagnetic fields (EMF), such as those found in several common pieces of equipment in the assisted reproductive laboratory (ART), have detrimental effects on gametes and embryos, yet little controlled data exists. Last year at this meeting we presented what appears to be one of the first controlled studies of EMFs in an ART setting, using a porcine sperm model. In that study, high-frequency EMF (roughly three times that of the top shelf of a culture incubator; ∼80 mGuass) disrupted sperm cellular function. The objective of the present study was to determine if EMFs had similar affects on human semen samples. An in vitro based study of EMF affects on sperm cell function using a human model. Semen samples were collected from proven donors and prepared with a modified human tubal media using standard techniques. Ejaculates were then split between four EMF fields based upon levels consistent with the selves of a standard culture incubator (2, 30 and 90 mGuass), or a a high-frequency (HF) EMF (>250 mGuass) control. The samples were cultured under conditions of 37°C and room air. To assess the effects of EMF, standard semen parameters were assessed by CASA at times 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 minutes and 24 hours. Resulting data were compared using ANOVA with repeated measures. Additional samples were collected and fixed with gluteraldehyde for later biochemical analysis. As expected, motility and forward progression (FP) decreased with time (P<.001). However, ejaculates exposed to the HF-EMF suffered a much more rapid decrease in both motility (P<.001) and FP (P<.04). While samples exposed to low EMF lost ∼20% of their motility in the first 24 hrs, HF-EMF exposed cells lost over 70% of their initial motility. Further, cells exposed to the HF-EMF demonstrated first a rapid increase then decline in FP. Biochemical assays remain pending at this time. As in the earlier animal study, exposure to extremely high EMF appears to have a negative impact on the functional viability of human sperm by decreasing motility and forward progression. However, at this point, it is unclear if the lower levels of EMF, consistent with the levels seen in an assisted reproductive laboratory (ART), also have deleterious effects. Given the ubiquitous nature of EMF in the ART laboratory, further research is warranted to determine if EMF in this environment does decrease cell function, and therefore pregnancy rates.

Pulsed radio‐frequency electromagnetic fields: dose‐dependent effects on sleep, the sleep EEG and cognitive performance

To establish a dose-response relationship between the strength of electromagnetic fields (EMF) and previously reported effects on the brain, we investigated the influence of EMF exposure by varying the signal intensity in three experimental sessions. The head of 15 healthy male subjects was unilaterally exposed for 30 min prior to sleep to a pulse-modulated EMF (GSM handset like signal) with a 10 g-averaged peak spatial specific absorption rate of (1) 0.2 W kg(-1), (2) 5 W kg(-1), or (3) sham exposed in a double-blind, crossover design. During exposure, subjects performed two series of three computerized cognitive tasks, each presented in a fixed order [simple reaction time task, two-choice reaction time task (CRT), 1-, 2-, 3-back task]. Immediately after exposure, night-time sleep was polysomnographically recorded for 8 h. Sleep architecture was not affected by EMF exposure. Analysis of the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) revealed a dose-dependent increase of power in the spindle frequency range in non-REM sleep. Reaction speed decelerated with increasing field intensity in the 1-back task, while accuracy in the CRT and N-back task were not affected in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, this study reveals first indications of a dose-response relationship between EMF field intensity and its effects on brain physiology as demonstrated by changes in the sleep EEG and in cognitive performance.

Effects of an ELF (50 Hz, 1 mT) electromagnetic field (EMF) on concentration in visual attention, perception and memory including effects of EMF sensitivity

To investigate psychological effects of an extremely low frequency (ELF)-electromagnetic field (EMF), an experiment with three conditions was designed. EMF field of 50 Hz and 1 mT accompanied by 45 dB SPL noise (EMF+noise), noise, and control. A group of 66 subjects (Ss) participated in the control and in one of the experimental conditions. The sequence of conditions (expositions) was balanced. Expositions were double-blind (except for the obvious control), lasted 1 h and were separated by a 1 h pause. During exposition Ss (three by three) performed tests on attention, perception, memory and filled out a psychological questionnaire. Statistical analysis (one-tailed probability) showed less attention ( P<0.05), perception ( P<0.05) and memory performance ( P<0.1) in Ss exposed to EMF+noise compared with control, whereas for noise versus control no difference was found. Comparing EMF+noise versus noise related to control, reduced perception, less memory performance and more discomfort was observed ( P<0.1). Dividing Ss according to their self-rated sensitivity to EMF, all differences disappeared in the low sensitivity group ( N=30) and were pronounced in sensitive Ss ( N=36). Results indicate an immediate reduction of cognitive performance in attention, perception and memory performance by a 50 Hz EMF of 1 mT. These effects seem to be modulated by the self-perception of sensitivity to EMF.

Bundled conductor configuration optimization for compact transmission lines incorporating electromagnetic fields management

This paper outlines an optimization calculation procedure used for a bundled conductor configuration of compact transmission lines to improve certain operating performance and electromagnetic fields (EMF) management techniques. The objective function of this optimization problem is to allow the charges and surface maximum gradients on all subconductors to be the same and as balanced as possible. As a result, three optimum schemes are induced in this paper for 200 KV transmission lines. The parameters of compact lines and their unbalance, surge impedance, electric field distribution under the line, corona loss and radio noise level are also evaluated. Electromagnetic field management and field minimization over the right-of-way of the optimum schemes are also presented. EMF fields are analyzed, evaluated and compared to attainable fields of standard compact and conventional lines.

Bundled conductor configuration optimization for compact transmission lines incorporating electromagnetic fields management

This paper outlines an optimization calculation procedure used for bundled conductor configuration of compact transmission lines to improve certain operating performance and electromagnetic fields (EMF) management techniques. The objective function of this optimization problem is to allow the charges and surface maximum gradients on all subconductors to be the same and and to be as balanced as possible. As a result, three optimum schemes are induced in this paper for 220 kV transmission lines. Parameters of compact lines and their unbalance, surge impedance, electric field distribution under the line, corona loss and radio noise level are also evaluated. EMF management and field minimization over the right-of-way (ROW) of the optimum schemes are also presented. EMF fields are analyzed, evaluated and compared to attainable fields of standard compact and conventional lines.

Electromagnetic Fields and Cancer

Several studies in recent years have raised the possibility that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) may be hazardous to human health, in particular by promotion or initiation of cancer. Recent reports have indicated increased cancer risk from industrial and domestic exposure to environmental ELF fields and to RF fields that are amplitude modulated at ELF. EMF fields have been reported to affect biological systems in various ways, affecting changes in the morphology and or functional behavior of cells, which have been observed in a variety of tissues. Although the mechanism of interaction of EMFs with living cells are not known, it has been proposed that they have multiple effects and can affect cell signalling, including modification of plasma membrane permeability and ion transport. Our findings suggest that EMFs can affect post translational modification of proteins such as poly ADP-ribosylation by epigenetic mechanism and that the effect of EMFs are highly specific regarding both the cell type and the frequency and amplification of the applied field.

Stream-dwelling insects and extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields: a ten-year study

Changes in the structure of benthic insect communities at an experimental site and at a reference site in the Ford River, Michigan were monitored over a 10-year period to determine whether extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF) affected those communities. Five of 10 biotic parameters monitored are presented: taxon evenness (J′), richness (S′), numerical dominance of chironomids, and total insect mass. Data were separated into three seasons because coefficient of variation values were lower in the summer than in the spring and fall. Two-way ANOVA tests for the biotic variables were often significantly different between sites and among years, but the interaction terms were less frequently significant. Biotic parameters were regressed against stream discharge, water temperatures, years, and ELF cumulative ground field exposures. At the experimental site, discharge accounted for more variation than did water temperature or years for all biotic parameters except chironomid numerical dominance in the fall. Intervention analyses, using the B.A.C.I parametric or the R.I.A non-parametric showed significant differences in three of 15 cases; namely, for the highly varying chironomid numerical dominance values in the spring and fall and for the low varying total insect mass values in the summer. For those tests, the Before Impact period spanned April 1984 through May 1986. The After Impact period (full ELF power) spanned June 1989 through August 1993. Trend analysis for total insect mass at the experimental site in the summer showed discharge to be more important than water temperatures or ELF ground field exposures. Natural physical factors appear to be more important than the anthropogenic ELF fields in accounting for seasonal and yearly changes in the community.