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Terahertz radiation affects the dynamics of neurons by decreasing membrane area ratio

Bioeffects Seen

Ma S, Li S, Wang H, Li Y, Lu C, Li X · 2025

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Terahertz radiation can modulate neuronal morphology and firing patterns through changes in membrane structure, potentially offering a novel approach for neuromodulation in treating neuronal degenerative diseases.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This study investigated how terahertz radiation affects neuronal morphology and function in a technical model system. The researchers found that terahertz radiation decreased the membrane area ratio of neuronal cytosol to protrusions, which correlated with changes in neuronal firing patterns, including reduced inter-cluster discharge frequency and action potential amplitude, while increasing intra-cluster discharge and postsynaptic current peaks.

Why This Matters

This appears to be a computational or in vitro modeling study examining terahertz-induced effects on neuronal properties rather than in vivo animal research. The findings propose a mechanistic link between morphological changes and electrophysiological alterations, though the translation to therapeutic applications would require further validation.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Ma S, Li S, Wang H, Li Y, Lu C, Li X (2025). Terahertz radiation affects the dynamics of neurons by decreasing membrane area ratio.
Show BibTeX
@article{ma_s_li_s_wang_h_li_y_lu_c_li_x_ce3359,
  author = {Ma S and Li S and Wang H and Li Y and Lu C and Li X},
  title = {Terahertz radiation affects the dynamics of neurons by decreasing membrane area ratio},
  year = {2025},
  
  
}
PubMed: 40339995

Quick Questions About This Study

The evidence shows terahertz radiation decreased the membrane area ratio between a neuron's central cell body and its protrusions (the branch-like extensions neurons use to communicate). This 2025 study by Ma and colleagues found this structural shift correlated directly with altered electrical firing patterns in the neurons tested.
Yes, this study found terahertz radiation reduced inter-cluster discharge frequency and lowered action potential amplitude (the strength of the electrical spike neurons use to send signals). At the same time, intra-cluster discharge and postsynaptic current peaks increased, showing terahertz exposure disrupts normal neuronal firing rhythms.
Terahertz radiation sits far above the frequencies used by WiFi and cell phones, in a range increasingly explored for imaging and emerging wireless technologies. This study specifically examined its biological effects on neuron function, finding measurable changes in membrane structure and firing behavior rather than testing typical consumer device frequencies.
The study found terahertz radiation exposure reduced action potential amplitude, meaning the electrical spikes neurons generate to transmit signals became weaker. This reduction happened alongside decreased membrane area ratio, suggesting the structural changes to neuron shape may directly influence the strength of electrical signaling.
Yes, the study reported increased postsynaptic current peaks (the electrical signal a neuron receives from neighboring cells) following terahertz radiation exposure. This occurred even as inter-cluster discharge frequency dropped, indicating terahertz radiation produces a mixed pattern of increased and decreased neuronal activity depending on the specific measure.