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A Hypothesis Concerning the Absorption Mechanism of Atmospherics in the Nervous System

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H. W. Ludwig · 1968

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1968 research proposed how natural lightning electromagnetic pulses could be absorbed by human nervous system synapses.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1968 research by Ludwig proposed a theoretical mechanism for how natural electromagnetic pulses from lightning (called atmospherics) might be absorbed by the human nervous system. The study focused on extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields and their potential interaction with neural tissue, particularly at synapses where nerve cells communicate.

Why This Matters

This pioneering work from 1968 represents some of the earliest scientific thinking about how electromagnetic fields interact with our nervous systems. Ludwig's hypothesis about atmospheric electromagnetic pulses affecting neural function was remarkably prescient, predating our modern concerns about EMF exposure by decades. What makes this research particularly relevant today is that it examined ELF frequencies, the same range emitted by power lines, electrical wiring, and many household appliances. The study's focus on synaptic absorption mechanisms suggests that even natural electromagnetic phenomena were recognized as having biological significance. This foundational research helped establish the scientific framework for understanding how electromagnetic fields might influence neural activity, a question that remains central to EMF health research today.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 0.01-300 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 0.01-300 HzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

To discuss a mechanism by which atmospherics (electromagnetic pulses from atmospheric discharges in the very low frequency range) may be absorbed in the nervous system

Quantitative calculation using published results of measurements of electrical properties of nerves ...

The absorbed power per synapse in general is smaller than 10-135 watts. A threshold of electrical fi...

The hypothesis suggests that specific synapses with their liquid crystal structure may be in resonance with atmospherics frequencies and that the absorption of energy causes an alternation of membrane permeability. The absorbed energy may cause an effect in the membrane. Such wireless influences were also discussed by Adrian, 1947.

Cite This Study
H. W. Ludwig (1968). A Hypothesis Concerning the Absorption Mechanism of Atmospherics in the Nervous System.
Show BibTeX
@article{a_hypothesis_concerning_the_absorption_mechanism_of_atmospherics_in_the_nervous__g3802,
  author = {H. W. Ludwig},
  title = {A Hypothesis Concerning the Absorption Mechanism of Atmospherics in the Nervous System},
  year = {1968},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

Atmospherics are natural electromagnetic pulses generated by lightning strikes around the world. These extremely low frequency signals travel through the atmosphere and can be detected globally, representing one of our planet's most powerful natural EMF sources.
Ludwig hypothesized that these natural ELF pulses could be absorbed at synapses, the connection points between nerve cells where electrical and chemical signals are transmitted. This suggested that electromagnetic fields might directly influence neural communication processes.
Scientists recognized that if natural electromagnetic fields from lightning could affect the nervous system, this would establish a biological precedent for EMF sensitivity. Understanding natural EMF interactions helps explain how artificial sources might also influence human physiology.
Atmospheric electromagnetic pulses from lightning contain extremely low frequencies, typically in the same range as modern power line emissions (around 50-60 Hz and harmonics). This frequency overlap makes Ludwig's early research relevant to contemporary EMF exposure concerns.
Ludwig's work provided early theoretical groundwork for understanding electromagnetic field bioeffects. His focus on nervous system absorption mechanisms anticipated decades of research into how EMF exposure might influence neural function, sleep patterns, and neurological health.