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8 postsFilters: tag: electric-fields Clear
Mechanism first explanation of how the plasma membrane potential controls immune responses
An RF Safe article argues that plasma membrane potential (Vm) is a key control variable for immune cell behavior by shaping ion driving forces, especially Ca2+ influx through CRAC channels and K+ channel–mediated hyperpolarization. It describes proposed links between Vm-regulated ion flux and downstream immune functions such as T-cell activation (NFAT/NF-κB signaling), macrophage polarization, respiratory burst capacity, and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The piece also mentions that external electric fields can influence T-cell migration and activation markers under some conditions, but it does not present new experimental data in the excerpt provided.
Modeling the interplay between myelin architecture and local electromagnetic fields
This engineering/modeling study developed a 3D myelin microstructure model using finite element analysis and high-resolution imaging to simulate local electromagnetic field distributions. It reports that myelin architecture substantially shapes the distribution of electromagnetic fields across neural tissues. The authors suggest these field variations could potentially serve as non-invasive indicators of myelin integrity and may support tracking neurodegenerative disease progression.
Weak anthropogenic electric fields affect honeybee foraging
This animal ecology study reports that weak anthropogenic-like airborne electric fields can reduce honeybee floral landing rates. It reports deterrent effects for AC and positive DC fields, with no statistically significant effect for negative DC fields. The authors also report that electric fields measured near high-voltage power lines can match the levels that affected bees and extend tens of meters at foraging-relevant heights.
Analysis of Human Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields While Charging and Driving an Electric Vehicle
This paper describes planned experimental measurements of electric and magnetic fields generated by electric vehicles during charging and driving. The abstract emphasizes that occupants can experience notable EMF exposure due to proximity to vehicle electrical systems, while stating that specific health risks in the EV context remain uncertain. It also notes that manufacturers implement technological design solutions intended to reduce exposure.
Bus-exposure matrix, a tool to assess bus drivers' exposure to physicochemical hazards
This paper describes the development of a Bus-Exposure Matrix (BEM) to retrospectively estimate Swiss bus drivers’ exposures to 10 physicochemical hazards, including electric and magnetic fields. Measurements in representative buses were combined with technical inventories and INLA modeling to estimate annual exposures from 1985–2022. Reported trends include increasing peak noise and electric-field exposures over time, alongside decreases in several air pollution, vibration, and noise metrics.
Active matter as the underpinning agency for extraordinary sensitivity of biological membranes to electric fields
This biophysics paper presents a nonequilibrium (active matter) statistical mechanics model for electromechanical biological membranes. It argues that energy-driven activity in membranes could enable detection of electric fields far below equilibrium thermal-noise limits, and reports that the model can reproduce experimental observations by tuning activity. The abstract frames this as a potential mechanistic link between weak electromagnetic fields and biological responses, while also noting future modeling directions and possible implications for exposure safety discussions.
Sensation of electric fields in the Drosophila melanogaster larva
This animal study reports that Drosophila melanogaster larvae can sense electric fields and exhibit robust electrotaxis toward the cathode in controlled environments. The authors identify head-tip sensory neurons required for this behavior and report calcium-imaging evidence that Gr66a-positive neurons encode field strength and orientation. The work supports electrosensation as a functional sensory modality in Drosophila larvae and demonstrates measurable neural and behavioral responses to electric fields under the studied conditions.
Biological effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields: a review
This review summarizes reported biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields, describing them as significant and often acting as stressors. Reported outcomes include metabolic, hormonal, and body weight changes in rodents, lethality at high exposure levels in mice and insects, and increased mitotic index in mouse tissues/cells under specified exposure conditions. The review suggests many effects may be mediated through neuroendocrine, nervous system, or behavioral responses to field exposure.