Effect of magnetic fields on antioxidative defense and fitness-related traits of Baculum extradentatum (insecta, phasmatodea).
Todorović D, Mirčić D, Ilijin L, Mrdaković M, Vlahović M, Prolić Z, Mataruga VP · 2012
View Original AbstractMagnetic fields triggered stress responses in insects, suggesting biological effects occur even in simple organisms at field strengths near everyday exposures.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed stick insect nymphs to magnetic fields and measured their antioxidant defenses and development patterns. They found that both constant (50 mT) and alternating (6 mT at 50 Hz) magnetic fields increased antioxidant enzyme activity and altered development timing. This suggests magnetic fields can trigger biological stress responses even in simple organisms.
Why This Matters
This research matters because it demonstrates that magnetic fields can trigger measurable biological responses at the cellular level, even in insects. The 50 mT constant field used here is extremely strong compared to everyday exposures (household appliances typically produce 0.1-1 mT), but the 6 mT alternating field is within the range you might encounter near power lines or electrical equipment. The fact that these exposures activated antioxidant defense systems suggests the organisms perceived the fields as a biological stressor. While we can't directly extrapolate from insects to humans, this study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that magnetic fields interact with living systems in ways that go beyond simple heating effects. The reality is that if magnetic fields can alter cellular defenses in organisms as simple as stick insects, we should take seriously the possibility of effects in more complex biological systems.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 50 mG
Exposure Context
This study used 50 mG for magnetic fields:
- 2.5Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 500Kx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
This study aimed to determine the effect of magnetic fields on the antioxidative defense and fitness-related traits of Baculum extradentatum.
Following exposure to magnetic fields, antioxidative defense (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (...
We found increased SOD and CAT activities in animals exposed to constant and AMFs, whereas GSH acti...
In conclusion, CMF and AMF have the possibility to modulate the antioxidative defense and some of the fitness-related traits in B. extradentatum.
Show BibTeX
@article{d_2012_effect_of_magnetic_fields_473,
author = {Todorović D and Mirčić D and Ilijin L and Mrdaković M and Vlahović M and Prolić Z and Mataruga VP},
title = {Effect of magnetic fields on antioxidative defense and fitness-related traits of Baculum extradentatum (insecta, phasmatodea). },
year = {2012},
doi = {10.1002/bem.20709},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bem.20709},
}