Accession Number:

ADA071476

Title:

A Physiological and Biochemical Study of the Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept. 1 Jul 75-31 Dec 78

Corporate Author:

WISCONSIN UNIV-MADISON

Personal Author(s):

• Goodman, Eugene M.
• Marron, Michael T.
• Greenebaum, Ben

Report Date:

1979-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

80.0

Abstract:

Exposure of the myxomycete Physarum polycephalum to either continuous wave 75 Hz or frequency modulated wave 76 Hz electromagnetic EMF fields 0.1G to 2.0 G and 0.035 Vm to 0.7 Vm lengthens the mitotic cycle and depresses the respiration rate. Once induced, these effects persist indefinitely without increasing or decreasing in magnitude beyond that due to normal variability of the organism. Similar effects are observed when either individual electric fields 0.7 Vm or magnetic fields 2.0 G are applied, however the magnitude of the response is less than that observed with simultaneous fields. The individual field effects appear to be additive for respiration but not for nuclear division rate. For fields applied simultaneously at levels below 0.14 V m and 0.4 G the response was independent of field intensity. No threshold was observed for simultaneously applied electric and magnetic fields however, indirect evidence is presented that suggests either the electric or magnetic field is below threshold at levels of 0.14 Vm and 0.4 G respectively. Frequency modulation of the fields seems to have no major effect on the response induced in P. polycephalum. Results of additional experiments re presented that are designed to rule out certain non-EMF factors as being responsible for the biological changes.

Descriptors:

• *ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
• *EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY
• *MOLDS(ORGANISMS)
• MAGNETIC FIELDS
• BIOCHEMISTRY
• ELECTRIC FIELDS
• RESPIRATION
• OXYGEN CONSUMPTION
• MITOSIS
• SLIME

Subject Categories:

• Radiobiology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE