Effects of weak low-frequency magnetic fields on spruce seed germination under acid conditions

1998 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 609-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romana Ruzic ◽  
Igor Jerman ◽  
Nada Gogala

We studied the effects of weak and extremely low frequency magnetic fields on the growth and germination of spruce seedlings (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) that were exposed simultaneously to different pH levels. The experiments showed that a weak, sinusoidal magnetic field (50 Hz, 26 and 105 µT, stimulation 12 h/day), which was computer controlled and generated by a system of Helmholtz-like coils, slightly reduced the length of the seedlings and delayed germination at low pH levels. A 26- µT magnetic field at 50 Hz slightly reduced the length of the seedlings at pH 2, delayed germination between pH 2 and 3, and caused no effects or were even stimulatory at pH 6 and 7. At a higher magnetic flux density (105 µT) the length, fresh weight, and germination were reduced mostly at pH 2 and 3 and with a higher statistical significance than at 26 µT. Germination was influenced during the first days of germination, and later the effect diminished rapidly. A 10- µT magnetic field at 46 Hz stimulated only the length of the seedlings. This phenomenon corresponds to the observations made by some other authors, namely that biological systems during various phases of intensive growth and (or) in suboptimal environmental conditions (physiological stress) are prone to exhibit greater sensitivity to extremely low frequency fields.

Author(s):  
Yang ◽  
Lu ◽  
Lin ◽  
Li ◽  
Zhang ◽  
...  

Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic field (MF) exposure in electric vehicles (EVs) has raised public concern for human health. There have been many studies evaluating magnetic field values in these vehicles. However, there has been no report on the temporal variation of the magnetic field in the cabin . This is the first study on the long-term monitoring of actual MFs in EVs. In the study, we measured the magnetic flux density (B) in three shared vehicles over a period of two years. The measurements were performed at the front and rear seats during acceleration and constant-speed driving modes. We found that the B amplitudes and the spectral components could be modified by replacing the components and the hubs, while regular checks or maintenance did not influence the B values in the vehicle. This observation highlights the necessity of regularly monitoring ELF MF in EVs, especially after major repairs or accidents, to protect car users from potentially excessive ELF MF exposure. These results should be considered in updates of the measurement standards. The ELF MF effect should also be taken into consideration in relevant epidemiological studies.


1997 ◽  
Vol 200 (9) ◽  
pp. 1363-1368 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Kirschvink ◽  
S Padmanabha ◽  
C Boyce ◽  
J Oglesby

Experiments reported previously demonstrate that free-flying honeybees are able to detect static intensity fluctuations as weak as 26 nT against the background, earth-strength magnetic field. We report here an extension of this work to weak, alternating fields at frequencies of 10 and 60 Hz. Our results indicate that the sensitivity of the honeybee magnetoreception system decreases rapidly with increasing frequency. At 60 Hz, alternating field strengths above 100 µT are required to elicit discrimination. These results are consistent with biophysical predictions of a magnetite-based magnetoreceptor.


Author(s):  
Gonzalo Domínguez ◽  
Eladio Cardiel ◽  
Elsa Sánchez ◽  
Pablo-Rogelio Hernández

Abstract To assess the effects of exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) on MDCK cell lines, experiments were performed in a chamber under controlled conditions (temperature, humidity and CO2). Therefore, the measured physicochemical and electrical changes in the cells are due solely to the magnetic field exposure and not to external factors. A developed sinusoidal magnetic field generator produced the ELF-MFs with a uniform magnetic field and adjustable intensity and frequency. Three experimental indicators were used: (i) transepithelial electrical impedance (TEEI); (ii) cell migration and proliferation; and (iii) expression of the proteins of the tight junctions, and changes in the area and shape of the cell nuclei. No significant effects on TEEI values were observed when 10 and 50 G 60 Hz magnetic fields were applied to confluent cell monolayers. There were no significant differences in migration and proliferation of the cell monolayer exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields10 and 50 G , but a contact inhibition factor was observed. The expression of the CLDN-1 protein decreased by 90% compared with the control, while ZO-1 protein expression increased by 120%. No significant effects were observed in the area and shape of the cell nuclei. Experimentation in a controlled environment, under physiological conditions, ensures that the observed effects were strictly due to exposure to magnetic fields. Different exposure conditions are necessary to determine the impact on TEEI and cell migration–proliferation indicators.


Author(s):  
R M Nair ◽  
T. Leelapriya ◽  
K. S Dhilip ◽  
V. N Boddepalli ◽  
D. R Ledesma

ive mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] lines (CN9-5, EC693363, Harsha, KPS-1 and NM 94) were subjected to three different Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) sinusoidal magnetic field (SMF) treatments. Fresh seed lots were exposed to ELF-SMF for 5 hours/day for a total duration of 15 days. Three treatment combinations of ELF-SMF chosen for assessment and comparison were: T1-10Hz, 1500 + 250 nanoTesla (nT), T2- 50Hz, 1500 + 250nT and T3 - 100Hz, 1500 + 250nT. Non-treated seeds were maintained as control (T4). Minerals (iron, calcium, zinc and total phosphorus) and protein contents were determined in both the control and test seed lots and sprout samples raised from them. The sprouting parameters were also recorded. All three ELF-SMF treatments were significant for calcium and total phosphorus content in the test seed samples when compared to control. In the case of sprouts, with respect to minerals, all the ELF-SMF treatments were significant for calcium content when compared to control. With respect to protein, sprouts from EC 693363 line recorded 8.3% increase in protein content in T1 (10Hz) while sprouts from Harsha line recorded 7.2% increase in protein content in T2 (50Hz) compared to their respective controls. No treatment effects were observed for the sprouting parameters


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-15
Author(s):  
Dae-kwan Jung ◽  
◽  
Joon-sig Jung ◽  
Kyu-mok Lee ◽  
Hyung-kyu Park ◽  
...  

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