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

Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can alter neuroprocessing in humans

Bioeffects Seen

Robertson JA et al · 2009

Share:

Low-frequency magnetic field exposure produces measurable changes in human brain activity related to pain processing, detectable through functional neuroimaging.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 2009 functional MRI study investigated how exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (DC to 300 Hz) affects pain processing in the human brain. The researchers found significant differences in brain activation patterns between exposed and sham-exposed groups in regions including the insula, anterior cingulate, and hippocampus/caudate, suggesting that low-intensity magnetic fields can modulate neural processing of acute thermal pain in humans.

Why This Matters

The study builds on prior observations of magnetic field effects on pain sensitivity in various organisms by providing the first functional brain imaging evidence in humans. The findings suggest magnetoreception mechanisms in humans may operate through different pathways than those used for navigation and orientation in other species.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 15 Hz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 15 HzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Robertson JA et al (2009). Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can alter neuroprocessing in humans.
Show BibTeX
@article{low_frequency_pulsed_electromagnetic_field_exposure_can_alter_neuroprocessing_in_humans_ce1729,
  author = {Robertson JA et al},
  title = {Low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field exposure can alter neuroprocessing in humans},
  year = {2009},
  doi = {10.1002/bem.20459},
  
}
DOI: 10.1002/bem.20459PubMed: 19656823

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that 15 Hz pulsed electromagnetic field exposure for 8 hours caused osteoblasts (bone-forming cells) to release chemical signals that dramatically increased endothelial cell proliferation by 54-fold, demonstrating altered intercellular communication.
The researchers used a 1.8 millitesla (mT) magnetic field strength at 15 Hz frequency. This relatively low intensity field was applied for 8 hours and triggered the dramatic increase in blood vessel cell proliferation.
The study found EMF effects were indirect. When bone cells were exposed to 15 Hz fields, they released unknown chemical mediators that caused blood vessel cells to proliferate. Direct EMF exposure to blood vessel cells alone had no effect.
No, the researchers specifically tested for VEGF-A (vascular endothelial growth factor) and found it wasn't responsible. The 15 Hz electromagnetic field caused bone cells to release some other unknown angiogenic mediator that stimulated blood vessel growth.
The study used 8-hour exposure periods to 15 Hz pulsed electromagnetic fields. This duration was sufficient to trigger the release of chemical signals from bone cells that caused the 54-fold increase in blood vessel cell proliferation.