Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
A Failure to Detect an Influence of Magnetic Fields on the Growth Rate and Circadian Rhythm of Neurospora crassa
No Effects Found
D. Michael Bitz, Malcolm L. Sargent · 1974
Early magnetic field research found no circadian effects in bread mold, but modern studies show human biological clocks are far more EMF-sensitive.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Researchers exposed Neurospora crassa (bread mold) to low-strength magnetic fields of 6.36 and 32.25 gauss using continuous, pulsed, and cycling exposure patterns. The study found no significant effects on the organism's circadian rhythm or growth rate. This represents early research into whether magnetic fields can disrupt biological timing mechanisms.
Cite This Study
D. Michael Bitz, Malcolm L. Sargent (1974). A Failure to Detect an Influence of Magnetic Fields on the Growth Rate and Circadian Rhythm of Neurospora crassa.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_failure_to_detect_an_influence_of_magnetic_fields_on_the_growth_rate_and_circa_g5896,
author = {D. Michael Bitz and Malcolm L. Sargent},
title = {A Failure to Detect an Influence of Magnetic Fields on the Growth Rate and Circadian Rhythm of Neurospora crassa},
year = {1974},
}Quick Questions About This Study
Researchers tested two magnetic field strengths: 6.36 gauss and 32.25 gauss. These are relatively strong fields compared to typical household EMF exposures, which usually measure under 2 gauss even near major appliances like refrigerators or hair dryers.
No, this study found that magnetic fields had no effect on Neurospora crassa's circadian rhythm, even with continuous exposure or various pulsing patterns. However, bread mold is a very simple organism compared to humans and other complex life forms.
Scientists tested three different exposure patterns: continuous magnetic fields, pulsed fields for 20 minutes daily, and fields cycling on a 12:12 hour schedule. None of these patterns affected the organism's growth or biological timing.
Neurospora crassa (bread mold) was chosen because it has a well-documented circadian rhythm and grows quickly, making it ideal for studying whether magnetic fields can disrupt biological timing mechanisms. It's a simple model organism for basic research.
Early studies like this focused on static magnetic fields and simple organisms, finding few effects. Modern research examines radiofrequency radiation from wireless devices on complex biological systems, revealing much stronger evidence for circadian disruption and other health impacts.