Enhancement of Cortical Network Activity in vitro and Promotion of GABAergic Neurogenesis by Stimulation with an Electromagnetic Field with a 150 MHz Carrier Wave Pulsed with an Alternating 10 and 16 Hz Modulation.
Gramowski-Voß A, Schwertle HJ, Pielka AM, Schultz L, Steder A, Jügelt K, Axmann J, Pries W5. · 2015
View Original AbstractSpecific electromagnetic field patterns can enhance brain development in laboratory studies, suggesting therapeutic potential while highlighting EMF exposure complexity.
Plain English Summary
German researchers exposed developing mouse brain tissue to electromagnetic fields combining low frequencies (10 and 16 Hz) with a higher carrier frequency (150 MHz) for 10 days. The exposure accelerated brain development, increased electrical activity, and promoted the growth of specific neurons called GABAergic neurons, which help regulate brain function. The researchers suggest this type of electromagnetic stimulation might have therapeutic potential for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Why This Matters
This study represents an intriguing departure from the typical EMF research focus on potential harm. The science demonstrates that specific electromagnetic field patterns can actually enhance neurogenesis and brain network development in laboratory conditions. What makes this particularly noteworthy is the precise frequency combination used - extremely low frequencies (10-16 Hz) modulated onto a 150 MHz carrier wave, creating a complex signal that appears to interact beneficially with developing neural tissue. The reality is that this research opens important questions about how different EMF exposures might affect brain development and function. While the study used controlled laboratory conditions with mouse brain tissue, it suggests that not all electromagnetic exposures are inherently harmful - the frequency, intensity, and modulation pattern matter enormously. What this means for you is that the EMF health debate is more nuanced than simple 'good versus bad' narratives, though this therapeutic application shouldn't overshadow legitimate concerns about uncontrolled exposures from everyday devices.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 10 and 16 Hz piggy backed onto a 150 MHz Duration: 10 Days
Study Details
In this study, differentiating murine cortical networks on multiwell microelectrode arrays were repeatedly exposed to an extremely low-electromagnetic field (ELEMF) with alternating 10 and 16 Hz frequencies piggy backed onto a 150 MHz carrier frequency.
The ELEMF exposure stimulated the electrical network activity and intensified the structure of burst...
Overall, the development of cortical activity under these conditions was accelerated. These function...
The results support the initial hypothesis that this kind of ELEMF stimulation could be a treatment option for specific indications with promising potential for CNS applications, especially for degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_2015_enhancement_of_cortical_network_2121,
author = {Gramowski-Voß A and Schwertle HJ and Pielka AM and Schultz L and Steder A and Jügelt K and Axmann J and Pries W5.},
title = {Enhancement of Cortical Network Activity in vitro and Promotion of GABAergic Neurogenesis by Stimulation with an Electromagnetic Field with a 150 MHz Carrier Wave Pulsed with an Alternating 10 and 16 Hz Modulation.},
year = {2015},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26236278/},
}