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Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

DNA & Genetic Damage

No effect of 60 Hz electromagnetic fields on MYC or beta-actin expression in human leukemic cells

No Effects Found

Authors not listed · 1995

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Cambridge researchers found no gene activation in human leukemic cells from 60 Hz magnetic fields, contradicting earlier studies.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Cambridge researchers exposed human leukemic cells to 60 Hz magnetic fields at various strengths for 20 minutes, measuring gene activity that could indicate cancer promotion. Despite using improved methods and testing conditions similar to previous studies that found effects, they detected no changes in key cancer-related genes. This negative result adds to the mixed scientific picture on whether power line frequencies can influence cellular processes.

Why This Matters

This 1995 Cambridge study represents the kind of rigorous follow-up research we need more of in EMF science. The researchers specifically attempted to replicate previous findings that 60 Hz fields could rapidly activate cancer-promoting genes in human blood cells. Their failure to reproduce these effects, despite using similar exposure conditions and improved measurement techniques, highlights a persistent problem in EMF research: the lack of consistent, reproducible results across laboratories.

The 60 Hz frequency tested here is identical to what your household electrical system produces. The magnetic field strengths ranged from 0.57 to 57 microTesla, with the higher end representing fairly strong exposures you might encounter very close to power lines or electrical panels. While this negative study doesn't prove 60 Hz fields are harmless, it does suggest that if effects exist, they may be more subtle or require different conditions than initially thought.

Exposure Information

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

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
Unknown (1995). No effect of 60 Hz electromagnetic fields on MYC or beta-actin expression in human leukemic cells.
Show BibTeX
@article{no_effect_of_60_hz_electromagnetic_fields_on_myc_or_beta_actin_expression_in_human_leukemic_cells_ce1596,
  author = {Unknown},
  title = {No effect of 60 Hz electromagnetic fields on MYC or beta-actin expression in human leukemic cells},
  year = {1995},
  doi = {10.2307/3579230},
  
}
DOI: 10.2307/3579230PubMed: 7568776

Quick Questions About This Study

This Cambridge study found no activation of cancer-promoting genes (MYC) in human leukemic cells exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields, even at relatively strong exposures up to 57 microTesla for 20 minutes.
Researchers tested three magnetic field strengths: 0.57, 5.7, and 57 microTesla. The highest level represents fairly strong exposure you might encounter very close to power lines or electrical equipment.
No, despite using very similar conditions to previous studies that reported gene activation, Cambridge researchers could not replicate those findings. They used improved methods and enhanced measurement accuracy but detected no effects.
The human leukemic cells were exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields for 20 minutes. This duration was chosen to match previous studies that reported rapid gene activation effects.
This study used a new field-exposure system design, protocol modifications to optimize any response, and a novel method for enhanced accuracy in measuring gene activity (mRNA levels).