Answers and Questions: Forty Years in Bioelectromagnetics

Abstract

Overview

The journey of investigating the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on biological systems began in 1972 with an experiment involving slime mold. This initial research sparked decades of further studies.

Findings

• Initial findings showed EMFs caused subtle changes in the slime mold, such as an extended cell cycle and altered respiration patterns.
• Subsequent studies on bacterial and eukaryotic cells revealed modifications in respiration, ATP production, and protein replication chains.
• Nerve cells exhibited neurotransmitter leakage and neurite outgrowth anomalies.
• Advanced research included computer modeling of internal electric and magnetic fields focusing on bone fractures and spinal cords.
• Theoretical models were developed to better understand EMFs' effects at the cellular and molecular levels, particularly considering the radical model.

Conclusion

Despite significant advances in understanding biological responses to EMFs, the fundamental interactions at the core of these effects remain unclear, continuously posing new scientific questions.