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ELECTROMAGNETIC EMISSION AT MICRON WAVELENGTHS FROM ACTIVE NERVES

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Allan Fraser, Allan H. Frey · 1968

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Active nerve cells naturally emit electromagnetic radiation, proving biological systems both generate and respond to EMF.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers in 1968 discovered that active crab nerve cells emit electromagnetic radiation in the micron wavelength range (0.3-10 micrometers), while inactive and dead nerves do not. The study showed this emission comes from specific biological processes in functioning nerves, not just general heat radiation from living tissue.

Why This Matters

This groundbreaking 1968 study revealed something remarkable: our nervous systems naturally generate electromagnetic fields during normal operation. While conducted on crab nerves, this research established a fundamental principle that applies across species - active neural tissue produces measurable electromagnetic emissions distinct from background biological heat. What this means for you is that your body already operates as both a transmitter and receiver of electromagnetic energy. The micron wavelengths detected (infrared range) differ significantly from the radiofrequency emissions of modern wireless devices, but the principle remains crucial for understanding EMF interactions with biological systems. This early work laid scientific groundwork for recognizing that electromagnetic fields and living tissue have complex, bidirectional relationships that go far beyond simple heating effects.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Allan Fraser, Allan H. Frey (1968). ELECTROMAGNETIC EMISSION AT MICRON WAVELENGTHS FROM ACTIVE NERVES.
Show BibTeX
@article{electromagnetic_emission_at_micron_wavelengths_from_active_nerves_g24,
  author = {Allan Fraser and Allan H. Frey},
  title = {ELECTROMAGNETIC EMISSION AT MICRON WAVELENGTHS FROM ACTIVE NERVES},
  year = {1968},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, the 1968 Fraser study demonstrated that active crab nerves emit measurable electromagnetic radiation in the micron wavelength range (0.3-10 micrometers), while inactive live nerves and dead nerves produce no such emissions.
Active crab nerves emit electromagnetic energy between 0.3 and 10 micrometers, which falls in the infrared spectrum. This emission occurs only during neural activity, not from inactive or dead nerve tissue.
No, researchers determined the electromagnetic emission from active nerves results from specific biophysical reactions during neural function, not simple black-body heat radiation that all warm objects produce. This makes it biologically significant.
No, dead crab nerve tissue produces no detectable electromagnetic emissions in the micron wavelength range. Only metabolically active, functioning nerve cells generate these specific electromagnetic signals during neural activity.
This 1968 discovery established that nervous systems naturally generate electromagnetic fields, proving biological tissues both emit and potentially respond to electromagnetic energy through mechanisms beyond simple heating effects.