Article

DNA is a fractal antenna in electromagnetic fields

Taylor & Francis
International Journal of Radiation Biology
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Abstract

To review the responses of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) to electromagnetic fields (EMF) in different frequency ranges, and characterise the properties of DNA as an antenna. We examined published reports of increased stress protein levels and DNA strand breaks due to EMF interactions, both of which are indicative of DNA damage. We also considered antenna properties such as electronic conduction within DNA and its compact structure in the nucleus. EMF interactions with DNA are similar over a range of non-ionising frequencies, i.e., extremely low frequency (ELF) and radio frequency (RF) ranges. There are similar effects in the ionising range, but the reactions are more complex. The wide frequency range of interaction with EMF is the functional characteristic of a fractal antenna, and DNA appears to possess the two structural characteristics of fractal antennas, electronic conduction and self symmetry. These properties contribute to greater reactivity of DNA with EMF in the environment, and the DNA damage could account for increases in cancer epidemiology, as well as variations in the rate of chemical evolution in early geologic history.

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... Some unusual properties of DNA are being uncovered that should be considered potential contributors to spatiotemporal patterning. It has been observed that DNA acts both as a receiver and transmitter of radio waves and other electromagnetic signals [120,121]. Castellanos et al. [122] have reported that eukaryotic transcription factors bind to target short 6-10 bp DNA recognition sites across the enormous expanse within its genome, with DNA acting as an antenna for attractional gene tracking [122]. Others have proposed that DNA acts as a fractal antenna in electromagnetic fields over a range of non-ionizing frequencies [120]. ...
... Castellanos et al. [122] have reported that eukaryotic transcription factors bind to target short 6-10 bp DNA recognition sites across the enormous expanse within its genome, with DNA acting as an antenna for attractional gene tracking [122]. Others have proposed that DNA acts as a fractal antenna in electromagnetic fields over a range of non-ionizing frequencies [120]. The intrinsic DNA properties of self-symmetry and electronic conduction are structural characteristics of this antenna apparatus, capable of interacting with electromagnetic fields over a wide range of frequencies [120,123]. ...
... Others have proposed that DNA acts as a fractal antenna in electromagnetic fields over a range of non-ionizing frequencies [120]. The intrinsic DNA properties of self-symmetry and electronic conduction are structural characteristics of this antenna apparatus, capable of interacting with electromagnetic fields over a wide range of frequencies [120,123]. Thus, it may not only be chemical-binding requirements that govern the helical structure of DNA. ...
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... The aim of the present study is to assay if EMFs can bring about genetic instability or not. Previous studies have shown that EMFs interact with DNA, following by double-helix breaking as a result of initial biological reactions to EMFs (de Pomerai et al. 2000;Blank and Goodman 2009;Blank and Goodman 2011). The genotoxic effects of EMFs can be mediated by microthermal actions in cellular structures, the formation of free radicals or interaction with DNA-repair mechanisms (Ruediger 2009). ...
... Since DNA interacts with EMFs in a wide range of frequencies, this macromolecule has, therefore, the functional properties of a fractal antenna. Besides the electromagnetic fieldscaused DNA breaking, electron transfer is also regarded as a mechanism for EMFs interaction with DNA, which results in oxidation, following by ROS metabolism activation (Blank and Goodman 2011). Electrons have been indicated to be able to move along with the DNA base pairs, by about 300 cm/s (Wan et al. 1999). ...
... Furthermore, nCTCTn sequences are known to respond to the EMFs, the most. These sequences occur every 256 base pairs in eukaryotes and can be broken down by the EMFs (Blank and Goodman 2011). The results of the present study show that regardless of the EMFs intensity, 30 min of radiation causes more genetic variation than that of 60 min does, until the intensity was increased up to 6 mT. ...
Article
The effects of electromagnetic fields on plants have been studied during the last decades. The electromagnetic fields as abiotic stress can induce genetic variation in living organisms including plants by different mechanisms. The aim of the present study is to assay the possible electromagnetic fields-caused genetic diversity of Tea Camellia sinensis L. which is known as favorite herbal beverages by many biochemical constituents. To do so, intersimple sequence repeats (ISSR) and start codon targeted (SCoT) loci were used as molecular markers. Different electromagnetic field treatments by 1, 2, 4 and 6 mT of intensity, for 30 and 60 min per day, for 7 continuous days were imposed, following by DNA extraction and PCR amplification. AMOVA, PCoA and STRUCTURE analysis based on the ISSR and SCoT markers showed that regardless of the EMFs intensity, 30 min of radiation causes more genetic variation than that of 60 min does until the intensity was increased up to 6 mT, due to direct and indirect mechanisms such as guanine modification, methylation of cytosines, Fenton reaction and direct DNA strands breaking. ISSR sequences, however, underwent more variation than SCoT.
... Also, they have detected this transduction process in living human cells exposed to EMS irradiation and proposed a quantum field theory analysis of the phenomenon [7]. In parallel investigations, some other authors have considered the responses of DNA to electromagnetic fields in different frequency ranges, and specified the properties of DNA molecules as antennas [8]. Motivated by such research, in this paper we suggest a mathematical model for DNA and obtain its the energy and the current using the concepts of M-theory. ...
... By joining point-like manifolds and building an N -dimensional manifold, strings will be functions of coordinates of (N + 1)-manifolds (X I (y 1 ....y N +1 )). Thus, equation (8) can be written in the form ...
Preprint
Recently, some authors have shown that a DNA molecule produces electromagnetic signals and communicates with other DNA molecules or other molecules. In fact, a DNA acts like a receiver or transmitter of radio waves. In this paper, we suggest a mathematical model for the DNA molecule and use of its communication to cure some diseases like cancer. In this model, first, by using concepts from string theory and M-theory, we calculate the energy of a DNA in terms of interactions between free electrons and bound electrons. We show that when a DNA is damaged, its energy changes and an extra current is produced. This extra current causes the electromagnetic signals of a damaged DNA molecule to be different when compared to the electromagnetic signals of a normal DNA molecule. The electromagnetic signals of a damaged DNA molecule induces an extra current in a normal DNA molecule and leads to its destruction. By sending crafted electromagnetic signals to normal DNA molecules and inducing an opposite current with respect to this extra current, we can prevent the destruction of normal DNA. Finally, we argue that the type of packing of DNA in chromosomes of men and women are different. This causes radiated waves from DNAs of men and women to have opposite signs and cancel the effect of each other in a pair. Using this property, we suggest another mechanism to cancel the effect of extra waves, which are produced by DNAs in cancer cells of a male or a female, by extra waves which are produced by DNAs in similar cells of a female or a male and prevent the progression of the disease.
... In this exploration of nature-inspired structures, the ubiquitous presence of Fibonacci numbers is a recurring theme. Additionally, the well-known mathematical concept of the Golden ratio this self-similar design, the antenna may simultaneously transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation without any increase in its overall [2]. So far, some of the researchers in the antenna domain have focused on Fibonacci spirals for various applications. ...
... Along the strand, the arc length (s) is denoted by (2). ...
Article
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Nature-inspired patch antennas are gaining attention in wireless applications. A novel self-complementary Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) structure-based frequency reconfigurable antenna is proposed in this work. DNA itself follows the golden ratio. The structure of the DNA-shaped antenna is modelled using Fibonacci numbers. The structure dimensions are 80 × 80 × 0.787 mm3. Rogers RT Duroid 5870 with a dielectric constant of 2.33 is used as a substrate. Techniques like the placement of the parasitic patch and Defected Ground Structure (DGS) are implemented and analyzed for gain enhancement. Parametric analysis has been carried out to achieve better radiation characteristics. The antenna is made reconfigurable by incorporating two PIN diode switches. The designed structure covers a wide band from 4.86 GHz to 6.12 GHz (WLAN) during an OFF-ON state. 0.988 GHz (Sub 1 GHz) and 4.58 GHz (5G) (dual band) are the resonating frequencies of the ON-OFF state. For the ON-ON state, the resonating frequencies are 2.67 GHz (WiMAX), 3.36 GHz (LTE), and 4.76 GHz (5G) (triple band). The proposed structure offers acceptable radiation performance. Fabrication and testing are done to validate the results. The simulated findings and the measured results agree quite well.
... However, existing studies have not explained why bacteria lacking these elements could still sense the magnetic field [30,31]. Recent data suggest that intracellular DNA can be affected by magnetic fields and is able to interact with them, but the nature of such interactions remains enigmatic [32][33][34]. ...
... Moreover, given the recently discovered ability of DNA molecules to modify and misfold proteins, it is intriguing whether TezRs could possess a similar chaperoning function [32,[143][144][145]. Recently, we discovered the existence of a similar regulatory system in eukaryotes [45]. ...
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The present study describes a previously unknown universal system that orchestrates the interaction of bacteria with the environment, named the Teazeled receptor system (TR-system). The identical system was recently discovered within eukaryotes. The system includes DNA- and RNA-based molecules named “TezRs”, that form receptor’s network located outside the membrane, as well as reverse transcriptases and integrases. TR-system takes part in the control of all major aspects of bacterial behavior, such as intra cellular communication, growth, biofilm formation and dispersal, utilization of nutrients including xenobiotics, virulence, chemo- and magnetoreception, response to external factors (e.g., temperature, UV, light and gas content), mutation events, phage-host interaction, and DNA recombination activity. Additionally, it supervises the function of other receptor-mediated signaling pathways. Importantly, the TR-system is responsible for the formation and maintenance of cell memory to preceding cellular events, as well the ability to “forget” preceding events. Transcriptome and biochemical analysis revealed that the loss of different TezRs instigates significant alterations in gene expression and proteins synthesis.
... Studies conducted on cell lines derived from different tissues and organisms demonstrate numerous therapeutic or negligible effects [14,17]. Electromagnetic exposure of neuronal progenitor cells resulted in DNA damage and up-regulation of genes relating to programmed cell death [18,19]. These effects were transient and it was speculated that cellular mechanisms act to compensate for these damaging magnetic effects [14] to minimise them. ...
... Higher levels of ELF-MFs slow proliferation but increases differentiation of osteoblasts [33]. DNA damage was not observed however nuclear pore formation was detected by propidium iodide binding to DNA [7,18]. It is reasonable to assume that studies on the ELF-MF report conflicting results as the potential biological effects will vary between cell types and the strength, density, amplitude and duration of the electromagnetic treatment [34]. ...
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Extra Low-frequency Magnetic Fields (ELF-MFs) significantly enhance cellular uptake of methotrexate by inducing transient plasma membrane pores/damage. This enhanced ‘dose loading’ of methotrexate via the electromagnetically induced membrane pores leads to similar outcomes as the normal control while using significantly smaller therapeutic doses in vitro when compared to non-ELF-MF treated control. Approximately 10% of the typical therapeutic dose yielded similar results when used with ELF-MF. ELF-MFs increase PC12, THP-1 and HeLa proliferation in vitro (120% of the control). Analysis of adherent cells demonstrate significantly less migration towards an induced scratch injury (20μm in 24 h when compared to a control). Our results suggest an important role for the use of ELF-MFs in the treatment of tumours that opens some new and exciting possibilities including using smaller therapeutic doses of chemotherapeutic agents and disrupting tumour metastasis.
... Presence of stress proteins is a sign that the cell has encountered something harmful and this situation also occurs when interacting with EMF in the whole EM spectrum. According to Blank and Goodman (2011), DNA seems to operate as a fractal antenna (an antenna that amplifies the frequency range) and, thus, responds to different frequencies. Also, it was found that EMF can disrupt an integrity of DNA, blood cells, nerve cells, or affect arterial blood pressure and pulse rate (10)(11)(12). ...
... According to Blank and Goodman (2011), DNA seems to operate as a fractal antenna (an antenna that amplifies the frequency range) and, thus, responds to different frequencies. Also, it was found that EMF can disrupt an integrity of DNA, blood cells, nerve cells, or affect arterial blood pressure and pulse rate (10)(11)(12). According to , the duration of a mobile phone call is related to a burning sensation in the ear area, loss of concentration, and sleepiness (13). ...
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Background: Although the scientific community is extensively concerned with the effects of the EMF, the unambiguous explanation of its effects on living structures is still lacking. Goals: The goal of the study was to evaluate the effect of a low-frequency (LF) electromagnetic field (EMF) on the growth and multiplication of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Methods: Yeast cells were exposed to a frequency of 900 Hz and a magnetic flux density of 2.3 mT. The duration of each experiment was 8 hours, in the beginning of the measurement the value of frequency, rms (root mean square) value of electric current (2 A), and magnetic flux density were fixed set on the exposure device. A paired experiment was performed, a sample exposed to EMF, and a sample shielded from the field. Subsequently, samples were taken every two hours, the number of cells was recorded, and then the concentration of the yeast cells was evaluated at time points. The time points reflected the exposure time of the samples exposed to EMF. Results: The results indicate that LF EMF at given parameters has an inhibitory effect on the growth and multiplication of yeast cells. Conclusion: Exposure to EMF can cause the differences in growth dynamics between cells exposed to the field and the unexposed ones.
... Blank & Goodman's pioneering work posits that DNA acts as a fractal antenna in response to electromagnetic fields [14]. This means DNA can resonate with a broad spectrum of EMF frequencies, spanning from extremely low frequency (ELF) to radio frequency (RF). ...
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The Golden Ratio Theorem, deeply rooted in fractal mathematics, presents a pioneering perspective on deciphering complex systems. It draws a profound connection between the principles of interchangeability, self-similarity, and the mathematical elegance of the Golden Ratio. This research unravels a unique methodological paradigm, emphasizing the omnipresence of the Golden Ratio in shaping system dynamics. The novelty of this study stems from its detailed exposition of self-similarity and interchangeability, transforming them from mere abstract notions into actionable, concrete insights. By highlighting the fractal nature of the Golden Ratio, the implications of these revelations become far-reaching, heralding new avenues for both theoretical advancements and pragmatic applications across a spectrum of scientific disciplines.
... RFFs have non-thermal effects on cells, such as changing electrochemical in DNA [57], promoting the electron transfer chain in mitochondria [58], increasing free iron in the blood by restricting iron chelation with ferritin protein [59], promoting the generation of radicals especially hydroxyl radicals by Fenton reaction and mechanochemical transformation of water molecules [49], altering in protein conformations through oxidative damage [60], and disturbing the intracellular Ca hemostasis [61]. As a result, RFFs potentially initiate cellular dysregulation, proliferation, and dysfunction [49]. ...
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Human is usually exposed to environmental radiation from natural and man-made sources. Therefore, it is important to investigate the effects of exposure to environmental radiation, partly related to understanding and protecting against the risk of exposure to environmental radiation with beneficial and adverse impacts on human life. The rapid development of technologies causes a dramatic enhancement of radiation in the human environment. In this study, we address the biological effects caused by different fractions of non-ionizing electromagnetic irradiation to humans and describe possible approaches for minimizing adverse health effects initiated by radiation. The main focus was on biological mechanisms initiated by irradiation and represented protection, and safety approaches to prevent health disorders.
... Blank & Goodman's pioneering work posits that DNA acts as a fractal antenna in response to electromagnetic fields [14]. This means DNA can resonate with a broad spectrum of EMF frequencies, spanning from extremely low frequency (ELF) to radio frequency (RF). ...
Preprint
Full-text available
The Golden Ratio Theorem, deeply rooted in fractal mathematics, presents a pioneering perspective on deciphering complex systems. It draws a profound connection between the principles of interchangeability, self-similarity, and the mathematical elegance of the Golden Ratio. This research unravels a unique methodological paradigm, emphasizing the omnipresence of the Golden Ratio in shaping system dynamics. The novelty of this study stems from its detailed exposition of self-similarity and interchangeability, transforming them from mere abstract notions into actionable, concrete insights. By highlighting the fractal nature of the Golden Ratio, the implications of these revelations become far-reaching, heralding new avenues for both theoretical advancements and pragmatic applications across a spectrum of scientific disciplines.
... DNA has also been assimilated to an electric capacitor with the armatures constituted by the chains of molecules with the helical structure, and the dielectric medium consisting of water containing atoms of various elements such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, phosphorus. DNA would therefore have the characteristics of an oscillating circuit, i.e. of an antenna, and as such it can receive and transmit electromagnetic waves and therefore information (Blank & Goodman, 2011). Various scientists studied and tested the hypothesis that cells communicate with each other through electromagnetic signals, and not only through biochemistry. ...
... Its decomposition produces free radicals responsible for oxidative stress and carcinogenesis [10][11]. Another possible mechanism is a direct effect on cellular organelles and microtubules of the cytoskeleton, which could be damaged by the mechanism of the so-called resonant absorption [12] or even by the direct effect on DNA, which behaves as the so-called fractal antenna [13]. ...
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The main objective of our research was to map the exposure to electromagnetic smog in the frequented space of shopping centres in the city of Bratislava and to compare our results to the actual hygienic limits. The measurements of the low- and high-frequency electromagnetic fields were performed at different places in shopping centres. Our results did not exceed the Slovak current limits in any of the measurements. However, almost all of them markedly exceed new permitted limits according to EUROPAEM. Based on our results, stricter limits in many European countries and increasing evidence on possible harmfulness of long-term exposures to artificial electromagnetic fields, preventive carefulness can be recommended - to support the research in this field, to prepare professional public education and possibly to prepare the stricter Slovak exposure limits.
... This leads to think that the double helix structure of DNA allows this super-molecule to behave like a proper electromagnetic input/output antenna, capable of "reading" and "retransmitting" information signals of the electromagnetic type which come from various districts of the cytoplasm [8] [31] [32] [33]. ...
... While it is accepted that ELF fields cannot directly damage the DNA molecule (12), exposure to a 50-Hz MF at flux densities as low as 0.1-1 mT has been reported to induce changes in DNA integrity (13)(14)(15) and it has been proposed that alterations in genes related to DNA repair, observed in acute leukemia patients, could be associated to chronic exposure of ELF MFs (16). This type of evidence has led to a number of hypotheses on potential mechanisms through which ELF fields could indirectly affect the DNA structure (17)(18)(19)(20). ...
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Previous studies have shown that intermittent exposure to a 50 Hz, 100 µT sinusoidal magnetic field (MF) promotes proliferation of human neuroblastoma cells, NB69. This effect is mediated by activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor through a free radical-dependent activation of the p38 pathway. The present study investigated the possibility that the oxidative stress-sensitive protein p53 is a potential target of the MF, and that field exposure can affect the protein expression. To that end, NB69 cells were exposed to short intervals of 30 to 120 min to the aforementioned MF parameters. Two specific anti-p53 antibodies that allow discrimination between the wild and unfolded forms of p53 were used to study the expression and cellular distribution of both isoforms of the protein. The expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, whose regulation is mediated by p53, was also analyzed. The obtained results revealed that MF exposure induced increases in p53 gene expression and in protein expression of the wild-type form of p53. Field exposure also caused overexpression of the unfolded form of p53, together with changes in the nuclear/cytoplasmic distribution of both forms of the protein. The expression of protein Bcl-2 was also significantly increased in response to the MF. As a whole, these results indicated that the MF is capable of interacting with the function, distribution and conformation of protein p53. Such interactions could be involved in previously reported MF effects on NB69 proliferation promotion.
... 1) RF-EMF alters the structure of the water surrounding some biomolecules, which allows water to store and release a greater amount of energy under EMF [77]. The theory is that RF-EMF exposure induces water auto-ionization to produce hydronium, which in turn protonates biomolecules to activate biological pathways. ...
Article
Full-text available
We provide a multidimensional sequence of events that describe the electromagnetic field (EMF) stimulation and biological system interaction. We describe this process from the quantum to the molecular, cellular, and organismal levels. We hypothesized that the sequence of events of these interactions starts with the oscillatory effect of the repeated electromagnetic stimulation (REMFS). These oscillations affect the interfacial water of an RNA causing changes at the quantum and molecular levels that release protons by quantum tunneling. Then protonation of RNA produces conformational changes that allow it to bind and activate Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 (HSF1). Activated HSF1 binds to the DNA expressing chaperones that help regulate autophagy and degradation of abnormal proteins. This action helps to prevent and treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (PD) by increasing clearance of pathologic proteins. This framework is based on multiple mathematical models, computer simulations, biophysical experiments, and cellular and animal studies. Results of the literature review and our research point towards the capacity of REMFS to manipulate various networks altered in aging (Reale et al. PloS one 9, e104973, 2014), including delay of cellular senescence (Perez et al. 2008, Exp Gerontol 43, 307-316) and reduction in levels of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ) (Perez et al. 2021, Sci Rep 11, 621). Results of these experiments using REMFS at low frequencies can be applied to the treatment of patients with age-related diseases. The use of EMF as a non-invasive therapeutic modality for Alzheimer’s disease, specifically, holds promise. It is also necessary to consider the complicated and interconnected genetic and epigenetic effects of the REMFS-biological system’s interaction while avoiding any possible adverse effects.
... without these elements are known to sense and react to altered geomagnetic fields (19)(20)(21). Some authors suggest that intracellular DNA molecules can interact with magnetic fields, but the underlying mechanisms of such sensing and interactions remain unclear (22)(23)(24). ...
Preprint
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Here, our data provide the first evidence for the existence of a previously unknown receptive system formed by novel DNA- and RNA-based receptors in eukaryotes. This system, named the TR-system, is capable of recognizing and generating a response to different environmental factors and has been shown to orchestrate major vital functions of fungi, mammalian cells, and plants.Recently, we discovered the existence of a similar regulatory system in prokaryotes. These DNA- and RNA-based receptors are localized outside of the membrane forming a type of a network around cells that respond to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical factors and enabled the TR-system to regulate major aspects of eukaryotic cell life as follows: growth, including reproduction and development of multicellular structures; sensitivity to temperature, geomagnetic field, UV, light, and hormones; interaction with viruses; gene expression, recognition and utilization of nutrients. The TR-system was also implicated in cell memory formation and was determined to be responsible for its maintenance and the forgetting of preceding events. This system is the most distant receptive and regulatory system of the cell that regulates interactions with the outer environment and governs the functions of other receptor-mediated signaling pathways.
... Giuliani et al. [48] researched the "Zhadin current", coherent excitations in mesoscopic regions of ions and biomolecules, that gave rise to electric currents and consequent magnetic fields in a cell, and Zhadin [49] analyzed Quantum mechanisms to further explain these effects. Blank and Goodman [50] demonstrated that DNA expressed two structural characteristics of a fractal antenna in an electromagnetic field, electronic conduction and self-symmetry. ...
Article
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Man-made electromagnetic waves are the most widely and rapidly expanding exposure in today's world, including exposure in several frequency groups: extremely low frequencies (ELF) from electricity lines, hybrid car batteries and high power lines (>3 Hz–3 kHz), radiofrequency (RF) and microwave frequencies including millimeter waves (3 kHz–300 GHz) from mobile phones, towers, base stations and wireless devices, and intermediate frequencies "Dirty Electricity" emitted from power lines. While such organizations as ICNIRP (the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) still continue to claim that electromagnetic radiation can cause "only thermal effects", clinging to theory that does not match facts and upholding obsolete thermal safety standards, extensive scientific evidence has clearly demonstrated that non-thermal health effects produced by electromagnetic radiation do exist, are important to health, and should be taken into consideration when safety standards are set. This review aims to highlight some evidence of biologic effects in various body systems, and to suggest preventive measures to reduce such effects on health. Exposure to electromagnetic radiation at intensities lower than thermal safety standards has been associated with non-thermal biological effects including damage and changes to cells and DNA. This review presents evidence of such effects demonstrated in: the hematologic system, the nervous system, the immune system, the reproductive system, the skin and muscles, the cardiovascular system, glucose metabolism, and Electrohypersensitivity ("Microwave sickness"). Protective measures are then suggested to reduce these effects.
... Giuliani et al. [48] researched the "Zhadin current", coherent excitations in mesoscopic regions of ions and biomolecules, that gave rise to electric currents and consequent magnetic fields in a cell, and Zhadin [49] analyzed Quantum mechanisms to further explain these effects. Blank and Goodman [50] demonstrated that DNA expressed two structural characteristics of a fractal antenna in an electromagnetic field, electronic conduction and self-symmetry. ...
Article
Man-made electromagnetic waves are the most widely and rapidly expanding exposure in today's world, including exposure in several frequency groups: extremely low frequencies (ELF) from electricity lines, hybrid car batteries and high power lines (>3 Hz–3 kHz), radiofrequency (RF) and microwave frequencies including millimeter waves (3 kHz–300 GHz) from mobile phones, towers, base stations and wireless devices, and intermediate frequencies "Dirty Electricity" emitted from power lines. While such organizations as ICNIRP (the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection) still continue to claim that electromagnetic radiation can cause "only thermal effects", clinging to theory that does not match facts and upholding obsolete thermal safety standards, extensive scientific evidence has clearly demonstrated that non-thermal health effects produced by electromagnetic radiation do exist, are important to health, and should be taken into consideration when safety standards are set. This review aims to highlight some evidence of biologic effects in various body systems, and to suggest preventive measures to reduce such effects on health. Exposure to electromagnetic radiation at intensities lower than thermal safety standards has been associated with non-thermal biological effects including damage and changes to cells and DNA. This review presents evidence of such effects demonstrated in: the hematologic system, the nervous system, the immune system, the reproductive system, the skin and muscles, the cardiovascular system, glucose metabolism, and Electrohypersensitivity ("Microwave sickness"). Protective measures are then suggested to reduce these effects.
... Biological mechanisms that can explain the link between exposure to radiofrequency energy (RF) and possible harmful effects are still lacking. One of the proposed mechanisms is the stimulation of oxidative stress (excess formation of free radicals generating oxidative DNA damage) [1,2]. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are free radicals that are derived from oxygen metabolism. ...
Article
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In the present era, cellular phones have changed the life style of human beings completely and have become an essential part of their lives. The number of cell phones and cell towers are increasing in spite of their disadvantages. These cell towers transmit radiation continuously without any interruption, so people living within 100s of meters from the tower receive 10,000 to 10,000,000 times stronger signal than required for mobile communication. In the present study, we have examined superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity, catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation assay, and effect of functional poly-morphism of SOD and CAT antioxidant genes against mobile tower-induced oxidative stress in human population. From our results, we have found a significantly lower mean value of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) enzyme activity, catalase (CAT) enzyme activity, and a high value of lipid peroxidation assay in exposed as compared to control subjects. Polymorphisms in antioxidant MnSOD and CAT genes significantly contributed to its phenotype. In the current study, a significant association of genetic polymorphism of antioxidant genes with genetic damage has been observed in human population exposed to radiations emitted from mobile towers.
... Research on microwaves on bacteria, viruses and DNA effects were carried out since the 1960's and included research on several effects such as heating, dielectric dispersion (Webb and Booth, 1969;Emilova et al., 2014;Mehrotra et al., 2019). The similarity of electromagnetic field interactions over relatively wide frequency ranges suggest that DNA behaves like a fractal antenna (Martin and Reba, 2011). Also in microwave range, there are several studies to investigate DNA solutions with resonator (Lee et al., 2010), RF interferometer (Cui et al., 2014), dielectric spectroscopy up to 110 GHz frequency range (Emilova et al., 2014). ...
Article
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In this study, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) solution effect on the Purcell factor of an electric dipole antenna was analyzed. Any antenna tuned to a resonance can be described as a radiator, and the effect of the environment on its radiation can be defined as Purcell factor. It is possible to determine the Purcell factor in terms of the real part of the antenna input impedance. Therefore, the Purcell factor of an antenna in the presence of pure water and DNA solution was calculated through measuring the input impedance of a dipole antenna with resonance frequency of 9.6-11.6 GHz. The Purcell factor of the antenna was measured and analyzed in the frequency range 5-16 GHz for the samples placed at 5 mm to 20 mm from the antenna. The frequency bands where the maximum DNA sensitivity of Purcell factor occurs were determined.
... Clinical and preclinical data suggest the existence of antiproliferative non-thermal effects (Sections 3 and 4) [143][144][145][146][147] applying the mobile-specific frequencies around 900 MHz, 1800 MHz or 1950 MHz. The investigators found several biological effects, in particular, DNA damages that they attributed to the functionality of DNA as a fractal, i.e. broadband, antenna [148]. Yakymenko et al. [149,150] identified oxygen species overproduction reactive to mobile-specific EMF as a major correlate, and described several possible mechanisms in their reviews. ...
Article
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The temperature-independent effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) have been controversial for decades. Here, we critically analyze the available literature on non-thermal effects of radiofrequency (RF) and microwave EMF. We present a literature review of preclinical and clinical data on non-thermal antiproliferative effects of various EMF applications, including conventional RF hyperthermia (HT, cRF-HT). Further, we suggest and evaluate plausible biophysical and electrophysiological models to decipher non-thermal antiproliferative membrane effects. Available preclinical and clinical data provide sufficient evidence for the existence of non-thermal antiproliferative effects of exposure to cRF-HT, and in particular, amplitude modulated (AM)-RF-HT. In our model, transmembrane ion channels function like RF rectifiers and low-pass filters. cRF-HT induces ion fluxes and AM-RF-HT additionally promotes membrane vibrations at specific resonance frequencies, which explains the non-thermal antiproliferative membrane effects via ion disequilibrium (especially of Ca²⁺) and/or resonances causing membrane depolarization, the opening of certain (especially Ca²⁺) channels, or even hole formation. AM-RF-HT may be tumor-specific owing to cancer-specific ion channels and because, with increasing malignancy, membrane elasticity parameters may differ from that in normal tissues. Published literature suggests that non-thermal antiproliferative effects of cRF-HT are likely to exist and could present a high potential to improve future treatments in oncology.
... 30 It is well known that DNA is organized in toroid units within sperm chromatin and in the head of phages 31,32 and condensation of a constrained DNA molecule into a toroid increases its tension and modifies the electromagnetic properties associated with the distribution of electrical charges on its surface. 33 It could then be hypothesized that toroidal structures of DNA and proteins such as Sak may become entangled because of their spatial geometry; this phenomenon would not be dissimilar from the quantum entanglement at the level of the protein tubulin in neuron microtubules that is thought to be at the basis of human consciousness. 34 It would also be consistent with the recent paper by Authors from The Netherlands entitled " Is the Fabric of Reality Guided by a Semi-Harmonic, Toroidal Background Field?". ...
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Bacteriophages (phages), Earth's most numerous biological entities, are natural constituents of alimentary matrices; in this study we describe the characterization of phage populations in a product obtained by fermentation of bovine milk and colostrum. Such characterizations were achieved using a microarray consisting of a chip covered in short DNA sequences that are specific to certain target organisms for a total of approximately 12,000 species. The only viruses evidenced by the array belonged to Siphoviridae, the largest phage family that targets bacteria and archea. The array yielded 27 iterations corresponding to a unique target. We discuss the putative role of some open reading frames of these phages in conferring health-supporting properties with particular reference to cells signaling and neurological development. We also describe the in vitro interaction of this fermented product with alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, an enzyme whose activity in serum is elevated in neurodevelopmental disorders.
... It is generally admitted that the energy of EMF-r is far too low to pose direct damage to DNA, even if Blank and Goodman (2011) proposed that DNA could act as a fractal antenna to collect EMF-r waves. However, exposure to 400 and 900 MHz EMF-r (41 and 120 V m -1 ) incited many mitotic and chromatin aberrations in Allium cepa root tips (Tkalec et al. 2009). ...
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The technological advancement and increased usage of wireless and other communication devices have greatly enhanced the level of radiofrequency electromagnetic field radiation (EMF-r) in the environment. It has resulted in unprecedented increased exposure of living organisms to these radiations. Most of the studies in past have, however, focused on animal systems and comparatively less attention has been paid to plants with studies reporting various, sometimes contradictory effects. This review is an attempt to provide a critical appraisal of the available reports regarding the impacts of these radiations on plant development and the underlying physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms involved. Here, we propose that the main entry point for the biological effects of EMF-r corresponds to an increase in ROS metabolism and cytosolic calcium that leads to various cellular responses including changes in gene expression and/or enzymatic activities, which could ultimately result in immediate cellular alterations or delayed plant growth. This may constitute a new perspective in the interpretation of plant responses to EMF-r exposure. Understanding the impacts of EMF-r and the inherent abilities of plants to cope up with such changes should lead to EMF-r being considered as full-fledged environmental signals that are perceived by the plants and integrated into their development patterns.
... A significant number of studies reviewed in (Georgiou, 2010, Yakymenko et al., 2016 suggested the role of oxidative stress (excessive formation of ROS) in RF induced DNA damage. It is generally accepted that stimulation of oxidative stress can generate DNA damage (Moustafa et al., 2001;Stopczyk et al., 2005;Blank and Goodman, 2011;Burlaka et al., 2013;Gulati et al., 2018) and apoptosis (Desai et al., 2009;Shahin et al., 2015). Lu et al. reported that apoptosis was induced by RF exposure through the mitochondrial pathway mediated by activating ROS and caspase-3, and decreasing the mitochondrial potential (Lu et al., 2012). ...
Article
Different scientific reports suggested link between exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RF) from mobile communications and induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damage while other studies have not found such a link. However, the available studies are not directly comparable because they were performed at different parameters of exposure, including carrier frequency of RF signal, which was shown to be a critical for appearance of the RF effects. For the first time, we comparatively analyzed genotoxic effects of UMTS signals at different frequency channels used by 3G mobile phones (1923, 1947.47, and 1977 MHz). Genotoxicity was examined in human lymphocytes exposed to RF for 1 h and 3 h using complimentary endpoints such as induction of ROS by imaging flow cytometry, DNA damage by alkaline comet assay, mutations in TP53 gene by RSM assay, preleukemic fusion genes (PFG) by RT-qPCR, and apoptosis by flow cytometry. No effects of RF exposure on ROS, apoptosis, PFG, and mutations in TP53 gene were revealed regardless the UMTS frequency while inhibition of a bulk RNA expression was found. On the other hand, we found relatively small but statistically significant induction of DNA damage in dependence on UMTS frequency channel with maximal effect at 1977.0 MHz. Our data support a notion that each specific signal used in mobile communication should be tested in specially designed experiments to rule out that prolonged exposure to RF from mobile communication would induce genotoxic effects and affect the health of human population.
... Some scientists have also proposed models of both DNA (Gariaev PP et al. 2011) and brain (Pribram KH, 1999) as holograms "informed" by coherent photon beams. It has already been noted that DNA appears to possess the two structural characteristics of a fractal antenna: electronic conduction and auto symmetry (Blank M and Goodman R, 2011). Also in Gariaev model, DNA has been considered as a sort of antenna and quantum computer, capable of processing information coming from the environment and to translate it not only into biochemical signals information (in the form of messenger RNA/proteins and miRNAs), but also into biophysical signals/information (biophotons and associated information fields) (Popp FA et al, 1984). ...
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We present a model of the quantum mind which recognizes both the Hameroff-Penrose model and the model of Quantum Field Theory of the brain as complementary and integrates them, thanks to the role of the hidden quantum information associated with the biophotons emitted by the genome (DNA plus epigenome), which, interacting with tubulines in the cytoskeleton modulate their computational activity. It turns out that our approach can define the computational and logical borders between the normal mind and the autistic and schizophrenic mind.
... DNA molecules in our body directly interact with EMR. The double helical structure of DNA causes it to act like a fractal antenna [35]. The characteristic of a fractal antenna is that it interacts with wide range of frequencies. ...
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The electromagnetic radiation (EMR) emitted out of wireless communication modules in various IoT devices (especially used for healthcare applications due to their close proximity to the body) devices have been identified by researchers as biologically hazardous to humans as well as other living beings. Different countries have different regulations to limit the radiation density levels caused by these devices. The radiation absorbed by an individual depends on various factors such as the device they use, the proximity of use, the type of antenna, the relative orientation of the antenna on the device, and many more. Several standards exist which have tried to quantify the radiation levels and come up with safe limits of EMR absorption to prevent human harm. In this work, we determine the radiation concern levels in several scenarios using a handheld radiation meter by correlating the findings with several international standards, which are determined based on thorough scientific evidence. This study also analyzes the EMR from common devices used in day to day life such as smartphones, laptops, Wi-Fi routers, hotspots, wireless earphones, smartwatches, Bluetooth speakers and other wireless accessories using a handheld radio frequency radiation measurement device. The procedure followed in this paper is so presented that it can also be utilized by the general public as a tutorial to evaluate their own safety with respect to EMR exposure. We present a summary of the most prominent health hazards which have been known to occur due to EMR exposure. We also discuss some individual and collective human-centric protective and preventive measures that can be undertaken to reduce the risk of EMR absorption. This paper analyses radiation safety in pre-5G networks and uses the insight gained to raise valuable concerns regarding EMR safety in the upcoming 5G networks.
... Within the bioelectromagnetic science society, certain theories on how natural and artificial ELF-PEMF may induce cellular effects on the molecular level are discussed, for example, the molecular gyroscope model [12], Lorentz models [13,14], DNA antenna model [15], radical pair model [16], and ion cyclotron resonance [17]. Cells in the human body are continuously exposed to electrical charges (e.g., Na 2+ , K + , or Cl − ion gradients, which regulate cellular membrane potentials) involved in a manifold of cellular processes [18]. ...
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The finding that alterations in electrical potential play an important role in the mechanical stimulation of the bone provoked hype that noninvasive extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields (ELF-PEMF) can be used to support healing of bone and osteochondral defects. This resulted in the development of many ELF-PEMF devices for clinical use. Due to the resulting diversity of the ELF-PEMF characteristics regarding treatment regimen, and reported results, exposure to ELF-PEMFs is generally not among the guidelines to treat bone and osteochondral defects. Notwithstanding, here we show that there is strong evidence for ELF-PEMF treatment. We give a short, confined overview of in vitro studies investigating effects of ELF-PEMF treatment on bone cells, highlighting likely mechanisms. Subsequently, we summarize prospective and blinded studies, investigating the effect of ELF-PEMF treatment on acute bone fractures and bone fracture non-unions, osteotomies, spinal fusion, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis. Although these studies favor the use of ELF-PEMF treatment, they likewise demonstrate the need for more defined and better controlled/monitored treatment modalities. However, to establish indication-oriented treatment regimen, profound knowledge of the underlying mechanisms in the sense of cellular pathways/events triggered is required, highlighting the need for more systematic studies to unravel optimal treatment conditions.
... EMF-r generate free radicals that cause damage to nucleic acids and macromolecules (Sharma et al., 2009). The genotoxicity could be due to: (a) interaction of EMF-r with electrons within bases of DNA, resulting in non-uniform charge flow, and consequently leading to bending of DNA helix and initiation of transcription (Blank and Goodman, 2011), or (b) the interaction with DNA-repair mechanisms (Ruediger, 2009), or (c) conformational changes of DNA and disaggregation (Marianna et al., 2013). However, we did not explore such a mechanism in the present study and further research is required in this direction. ...
... Several references are shown that the DNA double helix is like an antenna. DNA-sequences communicate with one another via electromagnetic waves [31]. Montagnier initiated a water-DNA-experiment. ...
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Over the course of time in the digital age, oscillating processes were utilized in various realizations. Life without these became hardly imaginable. Schumann resonances are electromagnetical resonances or eigenfrequencies (radio waves), which originate from the oscillation in a hollow space shell. Their average basic frequency is 7,83Hz. The above-mentioned radio waves emerge from energy discharges such as thunderstorms, lightning or solar wind within the earth’s surface and the ionosphere. They exist around the globe. Various scientists have discovered a correlation to our health on the basis of studies and experiments; their absence can result in a variety of disorders from headaches to cancerous diseases. Nevertheless, the field is considered controversial. It has not yet been researched thoroughly, which significant impact it has on beings. This shows that further research is appropriated. The objective is an analytical consideration of the impact of a technical application of the Schumann resonance on living organisms. Furthermore, this paper is concerned with the consideration and comparison of various hypotheses and studies. The here mentioned frequency range also covers brainwaves, there should be a direct influence on certain brain areas. Furthermore, the investigations shall function as the basis for further experiments at Johannes Gutenberg University, Germany.
... Researchers imagine that precise tuning of experimental and clinical REMFS exposure could lead to favorable health results including the development of treatment and diagnostic devices [5,6]. REMFS exposures produce the activation of multiple biological pathways, including changes in Ca 2+ regulation [7,8], channel activity [9], enzyme activity [10], RNA and DNA synthesis [11][12][13], expression of microRNA [14][15][16], free radical processes in the genetic effects of EMF [17][18][19], decreasing oxidative stress [20][21][22][23][24], activation of the heat shock response [25], activation of the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) [26], cytoprotecting [27], growth behavior [11,28], activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome [29][30][31], autophagy-lysosome systems [32], inflammation [33][34][35], mitochondrial enhancement [36], neuronal activity [37], and a reduction in β-secretase activity [38]. ...
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The effects of electromagnetic fields on living organs have been explored with the use of both biological experimentation and computer simulations. In this paper we will examine the effects of the repeated electromagnetic field stimulation (REMFS) on cell cultures, mouse models, and computer simulations for diagnostic purposes. In our biological experiments we used 50 MHz and 64 MHz since this is approved in MRI systems. REMFS upregulated pathways that control the aging process such as proteostasis. REMFS delayed and reversed cellular senescence in mouse and human cell cultures. More recently we determined that REMFS decreases toxic protein beta amyloid levels, which is the cause of Alzheimer's disease (AD), in human neuronal cultures. The mechanism of these effects is the reactivation of the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1). HSF1 activation is a quantum effect of the EMF-oscillations on the water that surrounds a long non-coding RNA, allowing it to then bind and activate the HSF1. We also performed electromagnetic (EM) computer simulations of virtual prototypes of bone cancer, femur fracture, and diabetic foot ulcers utilizing different frequencies and power applications to build an accurate differential diagnosis. These applications indicate the feasibility of subsequent practical models for diagnosing and treating human diseases.
... Self-assembly of Sak in toroidal structures raises the interesting possibility of non-chemical signaling between the protein and DNA, possibly through biological quantum entanglement between the electron clouds of toroids of DNA and the electron clouds on the surface of toroidal Sak (for reference on biological quantum entanglement between electron clouds of nucleic acids, see 30). It is well known that DNA is organized in toroid units within sperm chromatin and in the head of phages (31,32) and condensation of a constrained DNA molecule into a toroid increases its tension and modifies the electromagnetic properties associated with the distribution of electrical charges on its surface (33). It could then be hypothesized that toroidal structures of DNA and proteins such as Sak may become entangled because of their spatial geometry; this phenomenon would not be dissimilar from the quantum entanglement at the level of the protein tubulin in neuron microtubules that is thought to be at the basis of human consciousness (34). ...
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Bacteriophages (phages), Earth's most numerous biological entities, are natural constituents of alimentary matrices; in this study we describe the characterization of phage populations in a product obtained by fermentation of bovine milk and colostrum. Such characterizations were achieved using a microarray consisting of a chip covered in short DNA sequences that are specific to certain target organisms for a total of approximately 12,000 species. The only viruses evidenced by the array belonged to Siphoviridae, the largest phage family that targets bacteria and archea. The array yielded 27 iterations corresponding to a unique target. We discuss the putative role of some open reading frames of these phages in conferring health-supporting properties.
... From the literature, it is relatively apparent that the exact mechanism of interaction between a plant and EMF-r is still abstruse, although many researchers have tried to explain the genotoxic effects of EMF-r. Blank and Goodman (2011) suggested that EMF-r interacts with the delocalized electrons of DNA bases and results in the non-uniform flow of charge leading to bending of the DNA helix and initiation of transcription. Oxidative damage is also considered as one of the possible reasons for DNA damage as researchers hold the consensus that there must be some indirect mechanism of DNA damage upon EMF-r exposure since these radiations do not hold enough energy required to directly break a chemical bond (Vian et al. 2016). ...
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The present study evaluated the potential of 2100 MHz radiofrequency radiations to act as cytotoxic and genotoxic agent. Fresh onion (Allium cepa L.) roots were exposed to electromagnetic field radiations (EMF-r) for different durations (1 h and 4 h) and evaluated for mitotic index (MI), phase index, chromosomal aberrations, and DNA damage. DNA damage was investigated with the help of the comet assay by assessing various parameters like % head DNA (HDNA), % tail DNA (TDNA), tail moment (TM), and olive tail moment (OTM). Effects of EMF-r exposure were also compared with that of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS; 90 μM), which acted as a positive control. The post-exposure effects of EMF-r after providing the test plants with an acclimatization period of 24 h were also evaluated. Compared to the control, a significant increase in the MI and aberration percentage was recorded upon 4 h of exposure. However, no specific trend of phase index in response to exposure was detected. EMF-r exposure incited DNA damage with a significant decrease in HDNA accompanied by an increase in TDNA upon exposure of 4 h. However, TM and OTM did not change significantly upon exposure as compared to that of control. Analysis of the post-exposure effects of EMF-r did not show any significant change/recovery. Our data, thus, suggest the potential cytotoxic and genotoxic nature of 2100 MHz EMF-r. Our study bears great significance in view of the swiftly emergent EMF-r in the surrounding environment and their potential for inciting aberrations at the chromosomal level, thus posing a genetic hazard.
... The exact mechanism of DNA damage caused by EMF-r exposure is still ambiguous. However, the interaction of EMFr with the delocalized electrons in DNA bases, leading to nonuniform flow of charge and thus resulting in DNA helix bending and initiation of transcription, is considered as one of the possible reasons for genotoxicity [46]. Moreover, it is also suggested that as radiofrequency EMF-r do not hold enough energy to directly cause breakage of chemical bonds in DNA molecules therefore, there must be some indirect mechanisms that lead to genotoxic effects. ...
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Background: The exponential increase of electromagnetic field radiations (EMF-r) in the natural environment has raked up the controversies regarding their biological effects. Concern regarding the putative capacity of EMF-r to affect living beings has been growing due to the ongoing elevation in the use of high frequency EMF-r in communication systems, e.g. Mobile phones. Methods: In the present study, we tried to examine the cyto- and genotoxic potential of mobile phone EMF-r at 2350 MHz using onions (Allium cepa L.). Fresh adventitious onion roots were exposed to continuous EMF-r at 2350 MHz for different time periods (1 h, 2 h and 4 h). The evaluation of cytotoxicity was done in terms of mitotic index (MI), phase index and chromosomal aberrations. Genotoxicity was investigated employing comet assay in terms of changes in % HDNA (head DNA) and % TDNA (tail DNA), TM (tail moment) and OTM (olive tail moment). Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and mean values were separated using post hoc Tukey's test. Results: The results manifested a significant increase of MI and chromosomal aberrations (%) upon 4 h, and ≥ 2 h of exposure, respectively, as compared to the control. No specific changes in phase index in response to EMF-r exposure were observed. The % HDNA and % TDNA values exhibited significant changes in contrast to that of control upon 2 h and 4 h of exposure, respectively. However, TM and OTM did not change significantly. Conclusions: Our results infer that continuous exposures of radiofrequency EMF-r (2350 MHz) for long durations have a potential of inciting cyto- and genotoxic effects in onion root meristems.
... 1/ƒ α scaling is pervasive in physical systems, including annual precipitation levels (Rubalcaba 1997), coastline features (Mandelbrot 1983), quasar light emissions (Press 1978), resistivity in electronics (Ausloos et al. 1990), and dispersion of particles in fluids (Yu et al. 1989; see Handel and Chung 1993 for review). In terms of biological and social systems, 1/ƒ α scaling is present in tree rings (Wan et al. 2016), DNA (Blank and Goodman 2011), neuronal activity (Favela et al. 2016), brain gray and white matter structure (Zhao et al. 2016;Free et al. 1996), neural networks (Di leva et al. 2013, heart rate (Mäkikallio et al. 2001;Peng et al. 1995), vocal patterns (Baken 1990), postural sway (Stambolieva 2011), and gait patterns (Scafetta et al. 2003). Self-similar fluctuations are also found in the realm of cognition, from problem solving and insight (Stephen and Dixon 2008), visual search behavior (Aks et al. 2002), temporal estimation (Holden et al. 2011), simple reaction time (Fig. 2), and word naming times (Van Orden et al. 2003. ...
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The social and cognitive science replication crisis is partly due to the limitations of commonly used statistical tools. Inferential statistics require that unsystematic measurement variation is independent of system history, and weak relative to systematic or causal sources of variation. However, contemporary systems research underscores the dynamic, adaptive nature of social, cognitive, and behavioral systems. Variation in human activity includes the influences of intrinsic dynamics intertwined with changing contextual circumstances. Conventional inferential techniques presume milder forms of variability, such as unsystematic measurement error, as in a Gaussian distribution. Inferential statistics indicate an elementary Newtonian cause-effect metaphor for change that is inconsistent with known principles of change in complex systems. Pattern formation in self-organizing systems and quantum probability are used to illustrate theoretical metaphors that instantiate alternative notions of change in complex systems. Inferential statistics and related techniques are crucial scientific resources. However, in the social and behavioral sciences, they must be practiced in conjunction with an appropriate general systems framework that accommodates intrinsic fluctuations and contextual adaptation.
... Researchers imagine that precise tuning of experimental and clinical REMFS exposure could lead to favorable health results including the development of treatment and diagnostic devices [5,6]. REMFS exposures produce the activation of multiple biological pathways, including changes in Ca 2+ regulation [7,8], channel activity [9], enzyme activity [10], RNA and DNA synthesis [11][12][13], expression of microRNA [14][15][16], free radical processes in the genetic effects of EMF [17][18][19], decreasing oxidative stress [20][21][22][23][24], activation of the heat shock response [25], activation of the heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) [26], cytoprotecting [27], growth behavior [11,28], activation of the ubiquitin-proteasome [29][30][31], autophagy-lysosome systems [32], inflammation [33][34][35], mitochondrial enhancement [36], neuronal activity [37], and a reduction in β-secretase activity [38]. ...
... Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are an abiotic stress that can affect genetic diversity and resistance to environmental stress in plants. Mechanisms of EMF adaptation are not yet completely clear but can be explained to some extent by stress adaptation effectors such as increase in free radicals and antioxidant enzyme activities, delay of senescence, phosphoinositide breakdown, changing the mitosis control mechanisms and increase in the percentages of chromosomal aberrations (Gutzeit 2001;Ruiz-Gomez and Martinez-Morillo 2009;Focke et al. 2010;Blank and Goodman 2011). ...
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Background: “Quantum biology” (QB) is a promising theoretical approach addressing questions about how living systems are able to unfold dynamics that cannot be solved on a chemical basis or seem to violate some fundamental laws (e.g., thermodynamic yield, morphogenesis, adaptation, autopoiesis, memory, teleology, biosemiotics). Current “quantum” approaches in biology are still very basic and “corpuscular”, as these rely on a semi-classical and approximated view. We review important considerations of theory and experiments of the recent past in the field of condensed matter, water, physics of living systems, and biochemistry to join them by creating a consistent picture applicable for life sciences. Within quantum field theory (QFT), the field (also in the matter field) has the primacy whereby the particle, or “quantum”, is a derivative of it. The phase of the oscillation and not the number of quanta is the most important observable of the system. Thermodynamics of open systems, symmetry breaking, fractals, and quantum electrodynamics (QED) provide a consistent picture of condensed matter, liquid water, and living matter. Coherence, resonance-driven biochemistry, and ion cyclotron resonance (Liboff–Zhadin effect) emerge as crucial hormetic phenomena. We offer a paradigmatic approach when dealing with living systems in order to enrich and ultimately better understand the implications of current research activities in the field of life sciences.
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Kétrészes narratív összefoglalónkban áttekintést nyújtunk az elektromágneses tereknek tulajdonított idiopátiás környezeti intoleranciával (IEI-EMF, más néven elektromágneses túlérzékenységgel) kapcsolatos tudományos eredményekről, a kutatások jelenlegi állásáról. Az elektromágneses túlérzékenység olyan állapotot jelent, amely során az érintett személy tüneteket tapasztal az elektromos eszközök közelében vagy azok használatakor, és tüneteit az elektromágneses expozíciónak tulajdonítja. Az Egészségügyi Világszervezet jelenlegi álláspontja szerint az IEI-EMF nem diagnosztikus kategória, megállapításához jelenleg sem orvosi teszt, sem valid protokoll nem áll rendelkezésre. Jellemző az állapotra a nagyfokú distressz, gyakran vezet szociális izolációhoz, valamint a munkaképesség elvesztéséhez. Gyakoriak a különböző komorbid mentális zavarok, mint a szorongás, depresszió, szomatizáció. Az elektromágneses túlérzékenység etiológiájával kapcsolatos elméletek két fő irányvonalat képviselnek: míg a biofizikai megközelítés szerint a tüneteket elektromágneses mezők által aktivált fiziológiai folyamatok idézik elő, addig a pszichogén elméletet propagáló szerzők a tünetképzés jelenségét pszichológiai folyamatokkal magyarázzák (például torzult figyelmi és attribúciós folyamatok, nocebohatás, asszociatív tanulás). Számos kutató hangsúlyozza azonban, hogy a jelenség teljes megértéséhez a két megközelítés integrálására és interdiszciplináris kutatócsoportok felállítására van szükség. Jelen írásunkban a jelenséggel kapcsolatos jellemzőket kutatói és orvosi szemszögből járjuk körül: az etiológiával kapcsolatos elméletek bemutatásán túl kitérünk a vizsgálati, módszertani nehézségekre, a definíciós és diagnosztikus problémákra és a terápiás lehetőségekre.
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Here, our data provide the first evidence for the existence of a previously unknown receptive system formed by novel DNA- and RNA-based receptors in eukaryotes. This system, named the TR-system, is capable of recognizing and generating a response to different environmental factors and has been shown to orchestrate major vital functions of fungi, mammalian cells, and plants. Recently, we discovered the existence of a similar regulatory system in prokaryotes. These DNA- and RNA-based receptors are localized outside of the membrane forming a type of a network around cells that responds to a variety of chemical, biological, and physical factors and enabled the TR-system to regulate major aspects of eukaryotic cell life as follows: growth, including reproduction and development of multicellular structures; sensitivity to temperature, geomagnetic field, UV, light, and hormones; interaction with viruses; gene expression, recognition and utilization of nutrients. The TR-system was also implicated in cell-memory formation and was determined to be responsible for its maintenance and the forgetting of preceding events. This system is the most distant receptive and regulatory system of the cell that regulates interactions with the outer environment and governs the functions of other receptor-mediated signaling pathways.
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Much of the controversy over the cause of electrohypersensitivity (EHS) lies in the absence of recognized clinical and biological criteria for a widely accepted diagnosis. However, there are presently sufficient data for EHS to be acknowledged as a distinctly well-defined and objectively characterized neurologic pathological disorder. Because we have shown that 1) EHS is frequently associated with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in EHS patients, and 2) that both individualized disorders share a common pathophysiological mechanism for symptom occurrence; it appears that EHS and MCS can be identified as a unique neurologic syndrome, regardless its causal origin. In this overview we distinguish the etiology of EHS itself from the environmental causes that trigger pathophysiological changes and clinical symptoms after EHS has occurred. Contrary to present scientifically unfounded claims, we indubitably refute the hypothesis of a nocebo effect to explain the genesis of EHS and its presentation. We as well refute the erroneous concept that EHS could be reduced to a vague and unproven “functional impairment”. To the contrary, we show here there are objective pathophysiological changes and health effects induced by electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in EHS patients and most of all in healthy subjects, meaning that excessive non-thermal anthropogenic EMFs are strongly noxious for health. In this overview and medical assessment we focus on the effects of extremely low frequencies, wireless communications radiofrequencies and microwaves EMF. We discuss how to better define and characterize EHS. Taken into consideration the WHO proposed causality criteria, we show that EHS is in fact causally associated with increased exposure to man-made EMF, and in some cases to marketed environmental chemicals. We therefore appeal to all governments and international health institutions, particularly the WHO, to urgently consider the growing EHS-associated pandemic plague, and to acknowledge EHS as a new real EMF causally-related pathology.
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Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity is categorised as a multisymptomatic 'el-allergy' in the Nordic classification of 2000 (R.68.8). Its symptoms are 'certainly real' and it can be a 'disabling condition' (W.H.O., 2005). It was first recorded in the mid 20th century as an occupational illness, but it has now spread into the general population through environmental exposure from increasing levels of electromagnetic fields and radiation. This Summary covers current research on this syndrome, covering EM Sensitivity and EM Hypersensitivity. It includes tables of symptoms, EMF sources and exposure guidelines, along with references to scientific studies. This New Edition adds updates, international doctors' protocols, aspects of quantum biology, evidence for sensitivity in animals and plants, case studies, disability issues and human rights.
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Exposure of animals/biological samples to human‑made electromagnetic fields (EMFs), especially in the extremely low frequency (ELF) band, and the microwave/radio frequency (RF) band which is always combined with ELF, may lead to DNA damage. DNA damage is connected with cell death, infertility and other pathologies, including cancer. ELF exposure from high‑voltage power lines and complex RF exposure from wireless communication antennas/devices are linked to increased cancer risk. Almost all human‑made RF EMFs include ELF components in the form of modulation, pulsing and random variability. Thus, in addition to polarization and coherence, the existence of ELFs is a common feature of almost all human‑made EMFs. The present study reviews the DNA damage and related effects induced by human‑made EMFs. The ion forced‑oscillation mechanism for irregular gating of voltage‑gated ion channels on cell membranes by polarized/coherent EMFs is extensively described. Dysfunction of ion channels disrupts intracellular ionic concentrations, which determine the cell's electrochemical balance and homeostasis. The present study shows how this can result in DNA damage through reactive oxygen species/free radical overproduction. Thus, a complete picture is provided of how human‑made EMF exposure may indeed lead to DNA damage and related pathologies, including cancer. Moreover, it is suggested that the non‑thermal biological effects attributed to RF EMFs are actually due to their ELF components.
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The present study describes a previously unknown universal signaling and regulatory system, which we named “TETZ-receptor system”. This system is responsible for sensing, remembering, and regulating cell responses to various chemical, physical or biological stimuli. It controls cell survival, variability, reproduction, adaptation, genome changes, and gene transfer. Importantly, the TETZ-receptor system is responsible for the formation and maintenance of cell memory, as well the ability to “forget” preceding events. The system is composed of DNA- and RNA-based receptors located outside the membrane named “TezRs”, as well as reverse transcriptases and integrases. The sensory and regulatory functions of TezRs enable the TETZ-receptor system to control all major aspects of bacterial behavior, such as growth, biofilm formation and dispersal, utilization of nutrients including xenobiotics, virulence, chemo- and magnetoreception, response to external factors (e.g., temperature, UV, light and gas content), mutation events, phage-host interaction and recombination activity. Additionally, it supervises the function of other receptor-mediated signaling pathways. HIGHLIGHTS The TETZ-receptor system regulates bacterial sensing and response to various stimuli. The TETZ-receptor system is responsible for maintenance and loss of cell memory. The TETZ-receptor system comprises DNA- and RNA-based “TezRs” receptors. The TETZ-receptor system relies on reverse transcriptases and recombinases. The TETZ-receptor system oversees other receptor-mediated signaling pathways. TezRs are implicated in cell mutation and recombination events.
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Ambient levels of nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) have risen sharply in the last five decades to become a ubiquitous, continuous, biologically active environmental pollutant, even in rural and remote areas. Many species of flora and fauna, because of unique physiologies and habitats, are sensitive to exogenous EMF in ways that surpass human reactivity. This can lead to complex endogenous reactions that are highly variable, largely unseen, and a possible contributing factor in species extinctions, sometimes localized. Non-human magnetoreception mechanisms are explored. Numerous studies across all frequencies and taxa indicate that current low-level anthropogenic EMF can have myriad adverse and synergistic effects, including on orientation and migration, food finding, reproduction, mating, nest and den building, territorial maintenance and defense, and on vitality, longevity and survivorship itself. Effects have been observed in mammals such as bats, cervids, cetaceans, and pinnipeds among others, and on birds, insects, amphibians, reptiles, microbes and many species of flora. Cyto- and geno-toxic effects have long been observed in laboratory research on animal models that can be extrapolated to wildlife. Unusual multi-system mechanisms can come into play with non-human species — including in aquatic environments — that rely on the Earth’s natural geomagnetic fields for critical life-sustaining information. Part 2 of this 3-part series includes four online supplement tables of effects seen in animals from both ELF and RFR at vanishingly low intensities. Taken as a whole, this indicates enough information to raise concerns about ambient exposures to nonionizing radiation at ecosystem levels. Wildlife loss is often unseen and undocumented until tipping points are reached. It is time to recognize ambient EMF as a novel form of pollution and develop rules at regulatory agencies that designate air as ‘habitat’ so EMF can be regulated like other pollutants. Long-term chronic low-level EMF exposure standards, which do not now exist, should be set accordingly for wildlife, and environmental laws should be strictly enforced — a subject explored in Part 3.
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The paper is devoted to actual problems of development of quantum biology. Connections of the hyperbolic rules of cooperative oligomer organization of DNA-texts of eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes with known Fröhlich’s theory of quantum long-range coherence in biological systems are considered for the first time. These new hyperbolic rules in long helical DNA, which are related with the harmonic progression 1, 1/2,…, 1/n, allow discussion of a connection of Fröhlich’s theory with fractal-like phenomena of the cooperative organization of long DNA-texts and also with helical antennas, which emit and absorb electromagnetic waves of circular polarization. The harmonic progression is related to standing waves in resonators and, in particular, to harmonics in music. It is noted that the algebra-harmonic features of genomes remind the well-known ancient practice of meditations using music and 4-sector mandalas. The described materials develop ideas of quantum biology and can lead to new ideas in theoretical and application areas, including problems of artificial intelligence and in-depth study of genetic phenomena for medical and biotechnological tasks.
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This research introduces concepts in quantum gravity and how they can be used for several new industrial applications. Among them, quantum engineering, quantum optics, photonics, nano-photonics, electro-optics, sensors, electrical machines and power generators. Our work is based on the complex-valued Lorentzian space-time, and the fundamental research by several scientists. Among them, the research of Christian Beck, Queen Mary University of London, on chaotic string theory, David Deutsch’s, University of Oxford, no-CTC theorem, structure of the multiverse, and shadow particles, Salvatore Esposito, INFN, on the multibarrier tunnelling, Carl Bender, Washington University and King's College, on non-Hermitian Hamiltonians, Elena Palesheva, University of Tomsk, on the characterization of Deutsch’s shadow photons, and Alexander Guts, University of Omsk, on the quantum cosmology underlying Deutsch’s shadow particles proposal. The energy exchanges described in this research happen in holomorphic complex-valued time introduced by David McLaughlin, Courant institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University, on base of previous research by Donald Babbitt, Institute of Advanced Studies, at Princeton. In doing so, we explore new applications for nonlinear dynamics, stochastic processes, near-field quantum electrodynamics and chaotic string theory. Also, we investigate the quantum cosmological meaning of reactive energy. In terms of engineering applications, we demonstrate how limitations of security, safety and performance can be overcome by our proposed quantum engineering recipes. An example is a relation between the optical systems’ dielectric coating, virtual photons and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). We build upon this work in order to derive new mathematical propositions which lead us to a novel theorem supported by the arguments presented in [106]. The theorem proves the formal analogy of the initial Chebyshev polynomials referred to chaotic uncoupled noise fields based on Bernoulli shift of symbols, happening in Parisi-Wu fictitious time, with the quantum mechanical harmonic oscillators of Hermitian and non-Hermitian Hamiltonians. Concerning multi-coated optical systems, lenses, mirrors and solid-state detectors, we present a proof, supported by the arguments in [490, 523] that the reduced frequency-dependent noise power spectral density observed in optical systems, attributed to reduced power energy dissipation rate in Young’s complex modulus, is caused by the Hartman effect. The Hartman effect is due to virtual photons tunnelling a potential barrier, proportional to the coatings’ geometries alternating membrane-like metallic compounds and dielectric materials. Recently it has been shown the correctness in the quantum field theoretic framework of a proof-of- principle design of a toroidal power generator. In the quantum gravity framework, a generator can extract stochastic information and energy from the quantum vacuum respecting the general laws of physics, and especially those of energy conservation, because it is energy extracted from other universes. Its design results in a cost-effective silicon-made source of active power. We also extend work on quantum electrodynamics and quantum gravity to derive a proof of principle design for a Single-Photon Source with high quality and effectiveness, resulting in enhanced timing accuracy. In order to do so, we use nanoparticles’ foliated design, reducing the Brownian noise by extraction of infrared virtual photons. The work has multiple applications, including the design of components for defence, security and aerospace and advanced manufacturing industry. We argue that this is the first set of mathematical propositions, built on the independent works of Beck, Deutsch, Esposito, Bender, Guts and Palesheva which can have real, practical engineering and industrial application. A research supported by forty-five Scholars affiliated with twenty-eight universities and laboratories in eighteen countries.
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Self-referential cellular homeostasis is maintained by the measured assessment of both internal status and external conditions based within an integrated cellular information field. This cellular field attachment to biologic information space-time coordinates environmental inputs by connecting the cellular senome, as the sum of the sensory experiences of the cell, with its genome and epigenome. In multicellular organisms, individual cellular information fields aggregate into a collective information architectural matrix, termed a N-space Episenome, that enables mutualized organism-wide information management. It is hypothesized that biological organization represents a dual heritable system constituted by both its biological materiality and a conjoining N-space Episenome. It is further proposed that morphogenesis derives from reciprocations between these inter-related facets to yield coordinated multicellular growth and development. The N-space Episenome is conceived as a whole cell informational projection that is heritable, transferable via cell division and essential for the synchronous integration of the diverse self-referential cells that constitute holobionts.
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The relation between residential magnetic field exposure from power lines and mortality from neurodegenerative conditions was analyzed among 4.7 million persons of the Swiss National Cohort (linking mortality and census data), covering the period 2000-2005. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyze the relation of living in the proximity of 220-380 kV power lines and the risk of death from neurodegenerative diseases, with adjustment for a range of potential confounders. Overall, the adjusted hazard ratio for Alzheimer's disease in persons living within 50 m of a 220-380 kV power line was 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.80, 1.92) compared with persons who lived at a distance of 600 m or more. There was a dose-response relation with respect to years of residence in the immediate vicinity of power lines and Alzheimer's disease: Persons living at least 5 years within 50 m had an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.51 (95% CI: 0.91, 2.51), increasing to 1.78 (95% CI: 1.07, 2.96) with at least 10 years and to 2.00 (95% CI: 1.21, 3.33) with at least 15 years. The pattern was similar for senile dementia. There was little evidence for an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis.
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Acute (2 h) exposure of rats to a 60 Hz magnetic field (flux densities 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mT) caused a dose-dependent increase in DNA strand breaks in brain cells of the animals (assayed by a microgel electrophoresis method at 4 h postexposure). An increase in single-strand DNA breaks was observed after exposure to magnetic fields of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mT, whereas an increase in double-strand DNA breaks was observed at 0.25 and 0.5 mT. Because DNA strand breaks may affect cellular functions, lead to carcinogenesis and cell death, and be related to onset of neurodegenerative diseases, our data may have important implications for the possible health effects of exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields.
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Diverse biophysical and biochemical studies have sought to understand electron transfer (ET) in DNA in part because of its importance to DNA damage and its repair. However, the dynamics and mechanisms of the elementary processes of ET in this medium are not fully understood and have been heavily debated. Two fundamental issues are the distance over which charge is transported and the time-scale on which the transport through the pi-stack of the DNA base pairs may occur. With femtosecond resolution, we report direct observation in DNA of ultrafast ET, initiated by excitation of tethered ethidium (E), the intercalated electron acceptor (A); the electron donor (D) is 7-deazaguanine (Z), a modified base, placed at different, fixed distances from A. The ultrafast ET between these reactants in DNA has been observed with time constants of 5 ps and 75 ps and was found to be essentially independent of the D-A separation (10-17 A). However, the ET efficiency does depend on the D-A distance. The 5-ps decay corresponds to direct ET observed from 7-deazaguanine but not guanine to E. From measurements of orientation anisotropies, we conclude that the slower 75-ps process requires the reorientation of E before ET, similar to E/nucleotide complexes in water. These results reveal the nature of ultrafast ET and its mechanism: in DNA, ET cannot be described as in proteins simply by a phenomenological parameter, beta. Instead, the involvement of the base pairs controls the time scale and the degree of coherent transport.
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Previous studies have suggested an association between exposure to 50-60 Hz magnetic fields (EMF) and childhood leukaemia. We conducted a pooled analysis based on individual records from nine studies, including the most recent ones. Studies with 24/48-hour magnetic field measurements or calculated magnetic fields were included. We specified which data analyses we planned to do and how to do them before we commenced the work. The use of individual records allowed us to use the same exposure definitions, and the large numbers of subjects enabled more precise estimation of risks at high exposure levels. For the 3203 children with leukaemia and 10 338 control children with estimated residential magnetic field exposures levels < 0.4 microT, we observed risk estimates near the no effect level, while for the 44 children with leukaemia and 62 control children with estimated residential magnetic field exposures >/= 0.4 microT the estimated summary relative risk was 2.00 (1.27-3.13), P value = 0.002). Adjustment for potential confounding variables did not appreciably change the results. For North American subjects whose residences were in the highest wire code category, the estimated summary relative risk was 1.24 (0.82-1.87). Thus, we found no evidence in the combined data for the existence of the so-called wire-code paradox. In summary, the 99.2% of children residing in homes with exposure levels < 0.4 microT had estimates compatible with no increased risk, while the 0.8% of children with exposures >/= 0.4 microT had a relative risk estimate of approximately 2, which is unlikely to be due to random variability. The explanation for the elevated risk is unknown, but selection bias may have accounted for some of the increase.
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DNA forms a self-assembled structure that we can control by programming the base sequence, thus has the potential as a bottom-up material for nano-templates and nano-machines, and for use as a nano-electronics material in one-dimensional molecular wires. In this review article, we focus on electric conduction, doping and the electronic states of DNA and investigate the potential use of DNA as a nano-electronics material. Various reports have appeared describing the conduction property of DNA. Some of these have described the transport property of DNA as an insulator, while others claimed that it resembled a semiconductor or metal. However, detailed analysis of the base sequences and experimental environments have revealed the importance of the water attached to the DNA. Systematic considerations of electric conduction, doping and electronic states show that DNA is an insulator, and that periodic DNA can be a wide-gap semiconductor. Doped DNA in a vacuum could be used as a nano-scale electron transport material, and DNA in the atmosphere could be used as a nano-scale ion transport material.
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We investigated rearrangements of the hydrogen-bond network in water by measuring fluctuations in the OH-stretching frequency of HOD in liquid D2O with femtosecond infrared spectroscopy. Using simulations of an atomistic model of water, we relate these frequency fluctuations to intermolecular dynamics. The model reveals that OH frequency shifts arise from changes in the molecular electric field that acts on the proton. At short times, vibrational dephasing reflects an underdamped oscillation of the hydrogen bond with a period of 170 femtoseconds. At longer times, vibrational correlations decay on a 1.2-picosecond time scale because of collective structural reorganizations.
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Exposure of eukaryotic cells to ionizing radiation (IR) results in the immediate formation of free radicals that last a matter of milliseconds. It has been assumed that the subsequent alterations in multiple intracellular processes following irradiation is due to the initial oxidative damage caused by these free radicals. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that intracellular metabolic oxidation/reduction (redox) reactions can be affected by this initial IR-induced free radical insult and may remain perturbed for minutes, hours, or days. It would seem logical that these cellular redox reactions might contribute to the activation of protective or damaging processes that could impact upon the damaging effects of IR. These processes include redox sensitive signaling pathways, transcription factor activation, gene expression, and metabolic activities that govern the formation of intracellular oxidants and reductants. The physiological manifestations of these radiation-induced alterations in redox sensitive processes have been suggested to contribute to adaptive responses, bystander effects, cell cycle perturbations, cytotoxicity, heat-induced radiosensitization, genomic instability, inflammation, and fibrosis. While a great deal is known about the molecular changes associated with the initial production of free radicals at the time of irradiation, the contribution of perturbations in redox sensitive metabolic processes to biological outcomes following exposure to IR is only recently becoming established. This review will focus on evidence supporting the concept that perturbations in intracellular metabolic oxidation/reduction reactions contribute to the biological effects of radiation exposure as well as new concepts emerging from the field of free radical biology that may be relevant to future studies in radiobiology.
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The Radiation Effects Research Foundation has recently implemented a new dosimetry system, DS02, to replace the previous system, DS86. This paper assesses the effect of the change on risk estimates for radiation-related solid cancer and leukemia mortality. The changes in dose estimates were smaller than many had anticipated, with the primary systematic change being an increase of about 10% in gamma-ray estimates for both cities. In particular, an anticipated large increase of the neutron component in Hiroshima for low-dose survivors did not materialize. However, DS02 improves on DS86 in many details, including the specifics of the radiation released by the bombs and the effects of shielding by structures and terrain. The data used here extend the last reported follow-up for solid cancers by 3 years, with a total of 10,085 deaths, and extends the follow-up for leukemia by 10 years, with a total of 296 deaths. For both solid cancer and leukemia, estimated age-time patterns and sex difference are virtually unchanged by the dosimetry revision. The estimates of solid-cancer radiation risk per sievert and the curvilinear dose response for leukemia are both decreased by about 8% by the dosimetry revision, due to the increase in the gamma-ray dose estimates. The apparent shape of the dose response is virtually unchanged by the dosimetry revision, but for solid cancers, the additional 3 years of follow-up has some effect. In particular, there is for the first time a statistically significant upward curvature for solid cancer on the restricted dose range 0-2 Sv. However, the low-dose slope of a linear-quadratic fit to that dose range should probably not be relied on for risk estimation, since that is substantially smaller than the linear slopes on ranges 0-1 Sv, 0-0.5 Sv, and 0- 0.25 Sv. Although it was anticipated that the new dosimetry system might reduce some apparent dose overestimates for Nagasaki factory workers, this did not materialize, and factory workers have significantly lower risk estimates. Whether or not one makes allowance for this, there is no statistically significant city difference in the estimated cancer risk.
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In contrast to most genomic DNA in mitotic cells, the promoter regions of some genes, such as the stress-inducible hsp70i gene that codes for a heat shock protein, remain uncompacted, a phenomenon called bookmarking. Here we show that hsp70i bookmarking is mediated by a transcription factor called HSF2, which binds this promoter in mitotic cells, recruits protein phosphatase 2A, and interacts with the CAP-G subunit of the condensin enzyme to promote efficient dephosphorylation and inactivation of condensin complexes in the vicinity, thereby preventing compaction at this site. Blocking HSF2-mediated bookmarking by HSF2 RNA interference decreases hsp70i induction and survival of stressed cells in the G1 phase, which demonstrates the biological importance of gene bookmarking.
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The thyroid gland is known to be sensitive to the carcinogenic effect of ionizing radiation, especially in children. The role of potential modifiers of the risk and latency period effects needs further investigation. We examined the effect of low doses of ionizing radiation (4.5-49.5 cGy) on the risk of developing thyroid cancer after long latent periods of up to 54 yr after childhood exposure. The study population included 10,834 individuals irradiated against tinea capitis in the 1950s and two matched nonirradiated groups (general population and siblings) for comparison. Cancer statistics and vital status data were obtained from national registries, updated to December 2002. Excess relative and absolute risks [excess relative risk per gray (ERR/Gy), excess absolute risk (EAR)] were estimated using Poisson regression for survival analysis. Within the study period, 159 cases of thyroid cancer were diagnosed. Total ERR/Gy and excess absolute risk per gray per 10(4) person-years for developing thyroid cancer reached 20.2 (95% confidence interval 11.8-32.3) and 9.9 (95% confidence interval 5.7-14.7), respectively. The risk was positively associated with dose and negatively associated with age at exposure. ERR/Gy was significantly elevated 10-19 yr after exposure, peaking at 20-30 yr, and decreasing dramatically (although still significantly elevated) 40 yr after exposure. Our findings agree with patterns of risk modification seen in most studies of radiation-induced thyroid cancer, although risk per unit dose seems higher. Our data show that 40 yr after irradiation, ERR decreases dramatically, although remaining significantly elevated. The hypothesis of different genetic susceptibility of the Jewish population deserves further exploration.
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The exposure to non-thermal microwave electromagnetic fields generated by mobile phones affects the expression of many proteins. This effect on transcription and protein stability can be mediated by the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) cascades, which serve as central signalling pathways and govern essentially all stimulated cellular processes. Indeed, long-term exposure of cells to mobile phone irradiation results in the activation of p38 as well as the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) MAPKs. In the present study, we have studied the immediate effect of irradiation on the MAPK cascades, and found that ERKs, but not stress-related MAPKs, are rapidly activated in response to various frequencies and intensities. Using signalling inhibitors, we delineated the mechanism that is involved in this activation. We found that the first step is mediated in the plasma membrane by NADH oxidase, which rapidly generates ROS (reactive oxygen species). These ROS then directly stimulate MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases) and allow them to cleave and release Hb-EGF [heparin-binding EGF (epidermal growth factor)]. This secreted factor activates the EGF receptor, which in turn further activates the ERK cascade. Thus this study demonstrates for the first time a detailed molecular mechanism by which electromagnetic irradiation from mobile phones induces the activation of the ERK cascade and thereby induces transcription and other cellular processes.
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The objective of this nationwide study was to assess the association between cellular phone use and development of parotid gland tumors (PGTs). The methods were based on the international INTERPHONE study that aimed to evaluate possible adverse effects of cellular phone use. The study included 402 benign and 58 malignant incident cases of PGTs diagnosed in Israel at age 18 years or more, in 2001–2003, and 1,266 population individually matched controls. For the entire group, no increased risk of PGTs was observed for ever having been a regular cellular phone user (odds ratio = 0.87; p = 0.3) or for any other measure of exposure investigated. However, analysis restricted to regular users or to conditions that may yield higher levels of exposure (e.g., heavy use in rural areas) showed consistently elevated risks. For ipsilateral use, the odds ratios in the highest category of cumulative number of calls and call time without use of hands-free devices were 1.58 (95% confidence interval: 1.11, 2.24) and 1.49 (95% confidence interval: 1.05, 2.13), respectively. The risk for contralateral use was not significantly different from 1. A positive dose-response trend was found for these measurements. Based on the largest number of benign PGT patients reported to date, our results suggest an association between cellular phone use and PGTs.
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Among potential environmental risk factors for Alzheimer disease (AD), occupational exposures have received some attention, including extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF). A systematic review and meta-analysis of published epidemiological studies on this subject was carried out. The search was concluded in April 2006. Bibliographic databases consulted included PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and NIOSHTIC2. Pooled estimates were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis. Sources of heterogeneity between studies were explored, as was publication bias. Fourteen different studies (nine case-control and five cohort studies) accomplished inclusion criteria. All these studies followed standardized criteria for AD diagnosis and most of them obtained quantitative estimates of exposure. Pooled estimates suggest an increased risk of AD from case-control studies (OR(pooled) 2.03; 95% CI 1.38-3.00) and from cohort studies (RR(pooled) 1.62; 95% CI 1.16-2.27), with moderate to high statistical heterogeneity in both cases (respectively, I(2) = 58% and I(2) = 54%). Cohort studies showed consistently increased risks for exposed men (RR(pooled) 2.05; 95% CI 1.51-2.80, I(2) = 0%). Evidence of dose-response relationship was not present. Test for publication bias suggests small study effects, mostly for case-control studies. Available epidemiological evidence suggests an association between occupational exposure to ELF-EMF and AD. However, some limitations affecting the results from this meta-analysis should be considered. More information on relevant duration and time windows of exposure, on biological mechanisms for this potential association and on interactions between electromagnetic fields exposure and established risk factors for AD is needed.
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Research on biological effects of electromagnetic (EM) fields lias focused on changes in biosynthesis as a key to relevant cellular mechanisms. Cells exposed to EM stimuli show changes in biosynthetic patterns that are similar to the changes caused by known stresses, such as heat shock. This similarity suggests that weak EM fields stimulate the stress response, which comprises the normal protective mechanisms found in all cells. This chapter considers EMstimulated changes in biosynthesis in the context of research on chronic electric stimulation of biosynthesis in mammalian muscle. The studies on muscle, especially the frequency dependence of specific protein synthesis, suggest possible molecular mechanisms in EMstimulation.
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The Na⁺/K⁺-adenosinetriphosphatase (Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase), the ion-pump enzyme located in cell membranes, is a well-defined protein whose properties can be used to study the mechanism of electromagnetic (EM) field interaction with biological systems. Enzyme activity is normally inhibited by electric fields and stimulated by magnetic fields, but both fields cause large increases in enzyme activity when the initial (basal) activity of the enzyme is greatly reduced by aging, by lowering temperature, or by inhibitors. The opposing effects under optimal conditions suggest different charge movements in different parts of the enzyme. Electric fields act as if they increase ion binding at the enzyme surface, whereas magnetic fields appear to affect charges within the protein (e.g., charge transfer due to the ATPase reaction). The similar effects under suboptimal conditions suggest that the two different charge movements are coupled. The coordinated changes in charge density caused by both fields suggest ways in which EM fields affect membrane proteins in general. They also suggest ways in which the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase may function as an ion pump.
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Magnetic fields increase the activity of cytochrome oxidase, apparently accelerating electron movements during the oxidation of cytochrome C. The increase due to magnetic fields varies inversely with the basal enzyme reaction rate. In this paper, we show that increases in the reaction rate constant in magnetic fields vary with frequency, in the range 10–2500 Hz, with a maximum in the range 500–1000 Hz. The frequency dependence of the cytochrome oxidase is similar to earlier described effects of electric and magnetic fields on the membrane enzymes, Na,K-ATPase and F0F1-ATPase, where optimal frequencies are in ranges of the turnover numbers of the enzyme reactions.
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Two seminal reviews (IARC 2002, CDHS 2002) of possible health effects from power- frequency EMFs reached partly different conclusions from largely similar epidemiological evidence. These differences can have an impact on precautionary policy. We examine the statistical aggregation of results from individual disparate studies. Without consistent exposure metrics, the advantage of meta-analysis and pooling to estimate magnitude of effect and confidence limits is lost. However, counting positive results and statistically significant results yields important information with p-values reflecting the overall strength of evidence. Representative results from 33 independent adult leukaemia studies tabled by IARC yielded 23.5 positives (p ≈ 0.01) and 9 significant-positives (p < 10-7). From 43 representative results from CDHS, there were 32 positive (p < 0.001) and 14 significant- positives (p < 10-12). There were no significant-negative results in either list. Results for adult brain cancer gave a similar, but less clear, message. Results for childhood leukaemia suggests they are not stronger, numerically, than those for adult leukaemia, and that formal pooling of coherent studies shows a stronger association than aggregating all the studies. CDHS did not note the number of significant positives, but noted the meta-analytic summary and the number of positives, forming a view about the strength of these findings. IARC shows no evidence of considering the aggregation of results other than subjectively. It considered individual studies but this led to a tendency to fragment and dismiss evidence which is intrinsically highly significant. We make recommendations for future reviews.
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The report covers work on interference properties of single photons, photon statistics, photoelectric correlation studies of laser beams, quantum and classical theories of optical coherence, and coherence effects in holography. The research resulted in 17 scientific publications, summaries of which are given. Two graduate students obtained their Ph.D. degrees on the basis of research supported by the contract. Also listed are 52 outside lectures dealing with various aspects of the work, presented during the period of the contract. (Author)
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We obtained original individual data from 15 studies of magnetic fields or wire codes and childhood leukemia, and we estimated magnetic field exposure for subjects with sufficient data to do so. Summary estimates from 12 studies that supplied magnetic field measures exhibited little or no association of magnetic fields with leukemia when comparing 0.1-0.2 and 0.2-0.3 microtesla (μT) categories with the 0-0.1 μT category, but the Mantel-Haenszel summary odds ratio comparing >0.3 μT to 0-0.1 μT was 1.7 (95% confidence limits = 1.2, 2.3). Similar results were obtained using covariate adjustment and spline regression. The study-specific relations appeared consistent despite the numerous methodologic differences among the studies. The association of wire codes with leukemia varied considerably across studies, with odds ratio estimates for very high current vs low current configurations ranging from 0.7 to 3.0 (homogeneity P = 0.005). Based on a survey of household magnetic fields, an estimate of the U.S. population attributable fraction of childhood leukemia associated with residential exposure is 3% (95% confidence limits = -2%, 8%). Our results contradict the idea that the magnetic field association with leukemia is less consistent than the wire code association with leukemia, although analysis of the four studies with both measures indicates that the wire code association is not explained by measured fields. The results also suggest that appreciable magnetic field effects, if any, may be concentrated among relatively high and uncommon exposures, and that studies of highly exposed populations would be needed to clarify the relation of magnetic fields to childhood leukemia.
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Initiation of transcription by electromagnetic (EM) fields offers an insight into mechanism. EM field stimulated transcription appears to require specific DNA sequences, and these bases may be sites where EM fields generate large repulsive forces between chains by accelerating electrons that move within DNA. We can estimate the repulsion between chains by assuming that electron affinity is a measure of electron density at each base, and inversely related to the velocity of electrons (and the force). The repulsive force can be compared to the attraction between chains due to H-bonds. From the difference between repulsion and attraction, we show that sites rich in C and T, as in the specific sequences, would be more likely to come apart in EM fields. These calculations suggest a plausible mechanism for initiation of transcription by EM fields, and provide a rationale for specific sequences to function as EM field response elements. Electron flow could also be a factor in DNA chain melting due to Joule heating. J. Cell. Biochem. 81: 689–692, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Acute (2 h) exposure of rats to a 60 Hz magnetic field (flux densities 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mT) caused a dose-dependent increase in DNA strand breaks in brain cells of the animals (assayed by a microgel electrophoresis method at 4 h postexposure). An increase in single-strand DNA breaks was observed after exposure to magnetic fields of 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mT, whereas an increase in double-strand DNA breaks was observed at 0.25 and 0.5 mT. Because DNA strand breaks may affect cellular functions, lead to carcinogenesis and cell death, and be related to onset of neurodegenerative diseases, our data may have important implications for the possible health effects of exposure to 60 Hz magnetic fields. Bioelectromagnetics 18:156–165, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
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Previous experiments have shown that the steady state levels of some RNA transcripts are increased when cells are exposed to extremely low frequency electric or magnetic fields. Experiments have exposed a variety of cell types, including dipteran salivary gland cells, yeast and human HL-60 cells. The range of responsive transcripts includes oncogenes such as c-myc, as well as transcripts associated with growth and development. One hypothesized mechanism of how cells respond to electromagnetic (EM) fields assumes that the response represents or mimics a generalized physiological stress response. RNA from exposed HL-60 cells, previously shown to have increased transcript levels for c-myc, was analyzed for hsp70 transcripts levels. The hsp70 transcripts were found to be elevated in all cases, even though the cells were exposed to various fields at normal growth temperatures. The conditions of maximum induction for hsp70 were coordinate with those of c-myc. In yeast cells, the SSA1 gene (homologous to hsp70) was found to be elevated in cells exposed to EM fields at 0.8−80 μT. In the case of yeast, conditions for maximum induction of SSA1 were coordinate with those for URA3, the gene for uracil metabolism. Thus the model of cell interaction with electric and/or magnetic fields appears to be related to the stress response model for heat shock.
Article
The effect of varying field strength and exposure time on histone H2B and c-myc transcript levels in HL-60 cells exposed to 60 Hz electric fields (sine waves) is reported here. An increase in the basal levels of these normally expressed transcripts was observed, whichwas dependent on both field strength and time of exposure. β2-microglobulin, a transcript known to be uninducible, was unaffected by cellular exposure to the field strengths used in these experiments.
Article
The slow spread of residential electrification in the US in the first half of the 20th century from urban to rural areas resulted by 1940 in two large populations; urban populations, with nearly complete electrification and rural populations exposed to varying levels of electrification depending on the progress of electrification in their state. It took until 1956 for US farms to reach urban and rural non-farm electrification levels. Both populations were covered by the US vital registration system. US vital statistics tabulations and census records for 1920-1960, and historical US vital statistics documents were examined. Residential electrification data was available in the US census of population for 1930, 1940 and 1950. Crude urban and rural death rates were calculated, and death rates by state were correlated with electrification rates by state for urban and rural areas for 1940 white resident deaths. Urban death rates were much higher than rural rates for cardiovascular diseases, malignant diseases, diabetes and suicide in 1940. Rural death rates were significantly correlated with level of residential electric service by state for most causes examined. I hypothesize that the 20th century epidemic of the so called diseases of civilization including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes and suicide was caused by electrification not by lifestyle. A large proportion of these diseases may therefore be preventable.
Article
Purpose: Epidemiologic studies of persons exposed to ionising radiation offer a wealth of information on cancer risks in humans. The Life Span Study cohort of Japanese A-bomb survivors, a large cohort that includes all ages and both sexes with a wide range of well-characterised doses, is the primary resource for estimating carcinogenic risks from low linear energy transfer external exposure. Extensive data on persons exposed for therapeutic or diagnostic medical reasons offer the opportunity to study fractionated exposure, risks at high therapeutic doses, and risks of site-specific cancers in non-Japanese populations. Studies of persons exposed for occupational and environmental reasons allow a direct evaluation of exposure at low doses and dose rates, and also provide information on different types of radiation such as radon and iodine-131. This article summarises the findings from these studies with emphasis on studies with well-characterised doses. Conclusions: Epidemiologic studies provide the necessary data for quantifying cancer risks as a function of dose and for setting radiation protection standards. Leukaemia and most solid cancers have been linked with radiation. Most solid cancer data are reasonably well described by linear-dose response functions although there may be a downturn in risks at very high doses. Persons exposed early in life have especially high relative risks for many cancers, and radiation-related risk of solid cancers appears to persist throughout life.
Article
The avian magnetic compass has been well characterized in behavioral tests: it is an "inclination compass" based on the inclination of the field lines rather than on the polarity, and its operation requires short-wavelength light. The "radical pair" model suggests that these properties reflect the use of specialized photopigments in the primary process of magnetoreception; it has recently been supported by experimental evidence indicating a role of magnetically sensitive radical-pair processes in the avian magnetic compass. In a multidisciplinary approach subjecting migratory birds to oscillating fields and using their orientation responses as a criterion for unhindered magnetoreception, we identify key features of the underlying receptor molecules. Our observation of resonance effects at specific frequencies, combined with new theoretical considerations and calculations, indicate that birds use a radical pair with special properties that is optimally designed as a receptor in a biological compass. This radical pair design might be realized by cryptochrome photoreceptors if paired with molecular oxygen as a reaction partner.
Article
A case-only study was conducted in 123 patients with sporadic acute leukemia (AL). The locations of electric transformers and power lines were noted in each area, and their distances from the houses of the study patients were measured. The intensities of magnetic fields (B) were measured in 66 cases. Unconditional logistic regression analysis was performed adjusting for age, gender, parental education and occupation, indoor and outdoor pesticides use, presence of television sets, refrigerators and microwave ovens in children's rooms and the presence of chemical factories or telecommunication transmitters within 500 m of the houses. The results of the gene-environment analyses revealed that an interaction existed between the XRCC1 Ex9+16 A allele and the presence of electric transformers and power lines within 100 m (Mean B=0.14 microTeslas, microT) of the houses (interaction odds ratio, COR=4.31, 95%CI: 1.54-12.08). The COR for the interaction of XRCC1 Ex9+16A and the presence of these installations within 50 m (Mean B=0.18 microT) of the houses was 4.39 (95%CI: 1.42-13.54). Our results suggest a possible association between electric transformers and power lines and the XRCC1 Ex9+16A allele in patients with childhood AL.
Article
The high photostability of DNA is commonly attributed to efficient radiationless electronic relaxation processes. We used femtosecond time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy to reveal that the ensuing dynamics are strongly dependent on base sequence and are also affected by higher-order structure. Excited electronic state lifetimes in dG-doped d(A)20 single-stranded DNA and dG·dC-doped d(A)20·d(T)20 double-stranded DNA decrease sharply with the substitution of only a few bases. In duplexes containing d(AGA)·d(TCT) or d(AG)·d(TC) repeats, deactivation of the fluorescing states occurs on the subpicosecond time scale, but the excited-state lifetimes increase again in extended d(G) runs. The results point at more complex and molecule-specific photodynamics in native DNA than may be evident in simpler model systems.
Article
To evaluate effects of cellular phone radiofrequency electromagnetic waves (RF-EMW) during talk mode on unprocessed (neat) ejaculated human semen. Prospective pilot study. Center for reproductive medicine laboratory in tertiary hospital setting. Neat semen samples from normal healthy donors (n = 23) and infertile patients (n = 9). After liquefaction, neat semen samples were divided into two aliquots. One aliquot (experimental) from each patient was exposed to cellular phone radiation (in talk mode) for 1 h, and the second aliquot (unexposed) served as the control sample under identical conditions. Evaluation of sperm parameters (motility, viability), reactive oxygen species (ROS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of semen, ROS-TAC score, and sperm DNA damage. Samples exposed to RF-EMW showed a significant decrease in sperm motility and viability, increase in ROS level, and decrease in ROS-TAC score. Levels of TAC and DNA damage showed no significant differences from the unexposed group. Radiofrequency electromagnetic waves emitted from cell phones may lead to oxidative stress in human semen. We speculate that keeping the cell phone in a trouser pocket in talk mode may negatively affect spermatozoa and impair male fertility.
Article
This study demonstrates that exposure of cells to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields can cause measurable changes in protein synthesis. Sciara coprophila salivary gland cells were exposed to five low-frequency (1.5-72 Hz) electromagnetic signals: three signals (1.5, 15, and 72 Hz) produced pulsed asymmetric electromagnetic fields and two signals (60 and 72 Hz) were sinusoidal. Subsequent analyses of two-dimensional gels showed that cell exposure to either type of low-frequency electromagnetic field resulted in both qualitative and quantitative changes in patterns of protein synthesis. Thus, signals producing diverse waveform characteristics induced previously undetectable polypeptides, some of which were signal specific and augmented or suppressed other polypeptides as compared with nonexposed cells. The pattern of polypeptide synthesis differed from that seen with heat shock: only five polypeptides in cells exposed to electromagnetic signals overlap those polypeptides exposed to heat shock, and the suppression of protein synthesis characteristic of heat shock does not occur.
Article
The radical pair mechanism is discussed as a possible route whereby a magnetic field of environmental strength might affect a biological system. It is well established as the origin of reproducible field effects in chemistry, and these can be observed even at very low magnetic field strengths, including that of the geomagnetic field. Here it is attempted to give a description which might assist experimentalists working in biological laboratories to devize tests of its relevance to their work. The mechanism is well understood and a specific theoretical approach is taken to explore and emphasize the importance of the lifetime of the radical pair and the precise chemical natures of the radicals which comprise it in affecting the size of the low-field effects. Further subsequent processes are likely necessary to cause this primary effect to attain biological significance. Arguments are provided to suggest that the encounters of freely diffusing pairs (F-pairs) of radicals are unlikely to produce significant effects in biology.
Article
HSP70 gene expression is induced by a wide range of environmental stimuli, including 60-Hz electromagnetic fields. In an earlier report we showed that the induction of HSP70 gene expression by magnetic fields is effected at the level of transcription and is mediated through c-myc protein binding at two nCTCTn sequences at -230 and -160. in the human HSP70 promoter. We report on the identification of a third c-myc binding site (between -158 and -162) that is an important regulator of magnetic field-induced HSP70 expression. We also show that the heat shock element (HSE), lying between -180 and -203, is required for induction of HSP70 gene expression by magnetic fields. The HSE centered at -100 alone is insufficient.
Article
Exposure limits set for microwave radiation assume that any biological effects result from tissue heating1: non-thermal effects have been reported but remain controversial. We show here that prolonged exposure to low-intensity microwave fields can induce heat-shock responses in the soil nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. This effect appears to be non-thermal, suggesting that current exposure limits set for microwave equipment may need to be reconsidered.