Abstract

Overview

This study focuses on the significant effects that weak magnetic fields have on varied biological systems through the radical pair mechanism. This abstract provides a consolidated view of how these phenomena are notably more influential than previously recognized, despite the involved energies being substantially lower than thermal energies.

Findings

• The radical pair mechanism, involving quantum dynamics of electron and nuclear spins in transient radical molecules, is used to explain the observational effects of magnetic fields on biological systems.
• Magnetosensitivity through various types such as static, hypomagnetic, and oscillating magnetic fields are discussed along with isotope effects.
• Highlighted effects include influences on xenon anaesthesia, lithium treatment of hyperactivity, circadian clocks, neurogenesis, and microtubule assembly.

Conclusion

The abstract calls for further investigation into the radical pair mechanism as it holds potential as a unifying model in quantum biology, opening new lines of critical research in magnetosensitivity across diverse biological functions.