Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Field on different developmental stages of Drosophila melanogaster

Authors: Neha Agrawal, Kalyani Verma, Doli Baghel, Amitabh Chauhan, Dipti N Prasad, Sanjeev K Sharma, Ekta Kohli

Year: 2021 Aug 17

Category: Radiation Biology

Journal: Int J Radiat Biol

Institution: Int J Radiat Biol

DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2021.1969465

URL: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34402374/

Abstract

Overview

The study examines the effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) on the biological model organism Drosophila melanogaster.

Materials and Method

  • Species: Drosophila melanogaster (Oregon R strain).
  • Exposure: Individuals exposed to ELF-EMF (75 Hz, 550 µT) for 6 hours for both acute and chronic assessments.
  • Chronic Exposure: Whole life cycle, from egg to adult, exposed for 6 hours daily.

Findings

  • Larvae experience significantly reduced crawling ability under both exposures.
  • No change in climbing ability; however, a decrease in climbing speed noted in chronic exposure.
  • Significant impact on survivability with delayed eclosion in chronic exposure.
  • Oxidative stress indicated by elevated levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
  • Internal gut damage assessed by trypan blue uptake.

Conclusion

ELF-EMF has notably affected the acute and chronic stages of Drosophila melanogaster, highlighting the potential health impacts of electromagnetic radiation, despite its indispensable part in modern life.

Drosophila melanogaster ELF-EMF oxidative stress cellular damage electromagnetic fields
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