Effect of Increased Ionizing Radiation and Near-Null Magnetic Field on Electrical Signals of Plants

Authors: Grinberg MA, Il'in NV, Nemtsova YA et al.

Year: 2025

Category: Biophysics

Journal: Radiophysics and Quantum Electronics

DOI: 10.1007/s11141-025-10418-y

URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11141-025-10418-y

Abstract

Overview

There remains a significant gap in understanding how astro- and geophysical factors, including ionizing and non-ionizing radiation (such as electromagnetic fields), impact living organisms.

  • These effects are particularly important for predicting outcomes both on Earth and during space travel, where exposure conditions can change drastically.
  • Of all biological indicators, the signaling systems responsible for processing and amplifying stimuli appear to be the most sensitive to these changes.

Findings

This study explored how increased ionizing radiation (β radiation, dose rate of 31.3 μGy/h) and hypomagnetic conditions (induced magnetic field 0-1.5 μT) influence the electrical signals in plants exposed to stimuli.

  • A specially designed experimental setup using triaxial Helmholtz rings maintained precise changes in the electromagnetic environment.
  • Results showed that increased ionizing radiation enhanced electrical signals in plants.
  • Conversely, near-null magnetic field conditions weakened these signals.

Conclusion

The data suggest that the observed effects result from changes in reactive oxygen species concentration, a key component of plant stress signaling. These findings offer new avenues for studying the mechanisms by which ionizing and non-ionizing radiation affect living organisms, highlighting a clear association between electromagnetic fields and physiological responses.

ionizing radiation hypomagnetic field electromagnetic fields plant signaling stress response reactive oxygen species space biology
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