8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Cellular Effects

Formation and resealing of pores of controlled sizes in human erythrocyte membrane

Bioeffects Seen

R. S. Molday, S. P. S. Yen, A. Rembaum · 1977

Share:

Electric pulses can create controllable pores in human cell membranes, proving cells respond directly to electromagnetic fields.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers applied electric pulses of a few thousand volts per centimeter to human red blood cells for microseconds, causing the cell membranes to develop controlled pores that could later reseal. This 1977 study demonstrated that brief, intense electric fields can temporarily breach cellular barriers in predictable ways.

Why This Matters

This foundational research reveals something crucial about how electric fields interact with our cells. The science demonstrates that electric pulses at intensities of just a few kilovolts per centimeter can punch holes through red blood cell membranes in microseconds. While these field strengths are much higher than typical EMF exposures from everyday devices, the study establishes a clear biological mechanism: electric fields can directly compromise cellular integrity. What this means for you is that cells aren't impervious to electromagnetic forces. The reality is that if brief, intense pulses can create pores in cell membranes, we need to understand what chronic, lower-level exposures might do over time. This research laid groundwork for understanding cellular electropermeabilization, a process now used in medical treatments but also relevant to EMF safety questions.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
R. S. Molday, S. P. S. Yen, A. Rembaum (1977). Formation and resealing of pores of controlled sizes in human erythrocyte membrane.
Show BibTeX
@article{formation_and_resealing_of_pores_of_controlled_sizes_in_human_erythrocyte_membra_g6116,
  author = {R. S. Molday and S. P. S. Yen and A. Rembaum},
  title = {Formation and resealing of pores of controlled sizes in human erythrocyte membrane},
  year = {1977},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The study found that electric pulses at field intensities of a few kilovolts per centimeter (kV/cm) successfully created pores in human red blood cell membranes. These are extremely high field strengths compared to everyday EMF exposures.
The researchers used electric pulses lasting only microseconds (millionths of a second) to create pores in the cell membranes. This demonstrates that very brief electromagnetic exposures can have immediate biological effects on cells.
Yes, the study specifically examined both the formation and resealing of membrane pores, indicating that red blood cells can repair the damage caused by electric field exposure under certain conditions.
Electric pulse exposure causes hemolysis, meaning the red blood cells break down and release their contents. The study showed this occurs when cells are suspended in isotonic solution and exposed to the electric fields.
No, the field intensities used (several kilovolts per centimeter) are thousands of times stronger than typical EMF exposures from phones, WiFi, or household devices, which operate at much lower field strengths.