Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Huwiler SG et al, (February 2012) Genome-wide transcription analysis of Escherichia coli in response to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, Bioelectromagnetics
No Effects Found
Authors not listed · 2012
Even magnetic fields 10,000 times stronger than household exposure showed no biological effects on bacterial genes or growth.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Swiss researchers exposed E. coli bacteria to 50 Hz magnetic fields at 1 mT (10,000 times stronger than typical household exposure) for up to 15 hours and found no changes in bacterial growth or gene expression. The study used comprehensive genome-wide analysis to monitor all 4,358 genes, finding no statistically significant biological effects from power line frequency magnetic fields.
Exposure Information
Cite This Study
Unknown (2012). Huwiler SG et al, (February 2012) Genome-wide transcription analysis of Escherichia coli in response to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, Bioelectromagnetics.
Show BibTeX
@article{huwiler_sg_et_al_february_2012_genome_wide_transcription_analysis_of_escherichia_coli_in_response_to_extremely_low_frequency_magnetic_fields_bioelectromagnetics_ce2093,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Huwiler SG et al, (February 2012) Genome-wide transcription analysis of Escherichia coli in response to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields, Bioelectromagnetics},
year = {2012},
doi = {10.1002/bem.21709},
}Quick Questions About This Study
No. Researchers monitored all 4,358 E. coli genes during 50 Hz magnetic field exposure and found no statistically significant changes in gene expression, even after 15 hours of continuous exposure at very high field strength.
The 1 mT (millitesla) magnetic field was approximately 10,000 times stronger than typical household magnetic field exposure from appliances or power lines, making this an extreme exposure scenario compared to real-world conditions.
Based on this comprehensive study, bacteria appear unable to detect or respond to 50 Hz magnetic fields. No changes in growth rate, cell counts, or gene expression were observed across multiple exposure scenarios.
No. The researchers tested three different 50 Hz signal patterns (continuous sinusoidal, intermittent sinusoidal, and power line intermittent) and found no biological effects from any of the signal types tested.
Exposure times ranged from 8 minutes to 15 hours (equivalent to 8.7 bacterial generations). Even the longest exposures at extremely high field strength produced no detectable changes in bacterial biology or gene expression.