Transduction of the Geomagnetic Field as Evidenced from Alpha-band Activity in the Human Brain

Authors: Wang CX, Hilburn IA, Wu D-A, Mizuhara Y, Cousté CP, Abrahams JNH, Bernstein SE, Matani A, Shimojo S, Kirschvink JL

Year: 18 March 2019

Category: Neuroscience

Journal: eNeuro

Institution: eNeuro

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1523/ENEURO.0483-18.2019

URL: http://www.eneuro.org/content/early/2019/03/18/ENEURO.0483-18.2019

Abstract

Overview

Magnetoreception, the perception of geomagnetic fields, is a known sensory modality in vertebrates and some invertebrates. Although seldom tested in humans, this study identifies a strong, specific brain response to rotations of Earth-strength magnetic fields in the human brain.

Findings

  • A decrease in the amplitude of EEG alpha oscillations (8-13 Hz) termed alpha event-related desynchronization (alpha-ERD) occurred with geomagnetic stimulation.
  • This response, similar to sensory stimulation in vision, auditory, and somatosensory perception, was contingent on field direction native to the Northern Hemisphere.
  • Biophysical tests affirm the neural response's sensitivity to the magnetic field's polarity, objecting common electrical induction and free-radical based detection theories.
  • The viable biophysical mechanism for sensory transduction might involve ferromagnetism via magnetite.

Conclusion

Our results disclose that some humans possess the ability to sense changes in Earth-strength magnetic fields. This study offers insights into possible evolutionary traces of geomagnetic navigation, proposing further investigation into human magnetoreception.

Magnetoreception Geomagnetic Field EEG Alpha Oscillations Human Brain Cognitive Processing Sensory Transduction
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