Effects of the Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on NMDA-Receptor Gene Expression and Visual Working Memory in Male Rhesus Macaques.
Kazemi M, Sahraei H, Aliyari H, Tekieh E, Saberi M, Tavacoli H, Meftahi GH, Ghanaati H, Salehi M, Hajnasrollah M. · 2018
View Original AbstractThis study found that 12 Hz magnetic fields at 0.7 microTesla improved memory and increased melatonin in primates, suggesting specific EMF frequencies may enhance cognitive function.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed four male rhesus monkeys to 12 Hz magnetic fields for four hours daily over 30 days. The monkeys showed significantly improved visual working memory and increased brain chemicals linked to learning. This suggests certain EMF frequencies might enhance cognitive function.
Why This Matters
This study presents an intriguing counterpoint to concerns about EMF exposure by demonstrating potential cognitive benefits from specific frequencies. The 12 Hz frequency used here falls within the alpha brainwave range, which has long been associated with relaxed alertness and optimal learning states. What makes this research particularly significant is the use of non-human primates, whose brain structure and function closely mirror humans, making the findings more translatable than typical rodent studies.
The exposure level of 0.7 microTesla is relatively low - comparable to what you might encounter near some household appliances or power lines, though the specific 12 Hz frequency is less common in everyday environments. While these results shouldn't be interpreted as proof that all EMF exposure is beneficial, they highlight the complexity of bioeffects and suggest that frequency, duration, and intensity all matter. The reality is that EMF research continues to reveal nuanced effects that don't fit simple 'all good' or 'all bad' narratives.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.0007 mG
- Source/Device
- 1 Hz,12 Hz
- Exposure Duration
- 4 h/d for 30 consecutive days.
Exposure Context
This study used 0.0007 mG for magnetic fields:
- 35x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 7x 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
The present research aimed to examine Visual Working Memory (VWM) test scores, as well as hormonal, genomic, and brain anatomic changes in the male rhesus macaques exposed to Extremely Low Frequency Magnetic Field (ELF-MF).
Four monkeys were exposed to two different ELF-MF frequencies: 1 Hz (control) and 12 Hz (experiment)...
Results indicated that VWM scores in primates exposed to 12 Hz frequency ELF increased significantly...
In short, these results indicate that ELF (12 Hz) may have a beneficial value for memory enhancement (indicated by the increase in VWM scores). This may be due to an increase in plasma melatonin and or expression of NMDA glutamate receptors. However, direct involvement of the hippocampus in this process needs more research.
Show BibTeX
@article{m_2018_effects_of_the_extremely_663,
author = {Kazemi M and Sahraei H and Aliyari H and Tekieh E and Saberi M and Tavacoli H and Meftahi GH and Ghanaati H and Salehi M and Hajnasrollah M.},
title = {Effects of the Extremely Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields on NMDA-Receptor Gene Expression and Visual Working Memory in Male Rhesus Macaques.},
year = {2018},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6037432/},
}