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DNA & Genetic Damage

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

No Effects Found

Lacy-Hulbert, A, Wilkins, R.C., Hesketh, T.R., Metcalfe, J.C. · 1995

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Human leukemia cells showed no gene activation when exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields, failing to replicate previous claimed effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed human leukemia cells (HL60) to 60 Hz magnetic fields at various strengths for 20 minutes, then measured whether genes linked to cancer growth (MYC and beta-actin) became more active. Despite using conditions similar to previous studies that claimed to find effects, they found no changes in gene activity from the electromagnetic field exposure.

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
Cite This Study
Lacy-Hulbert, A, Wilkins, R.C., Hesketh, T.R., Metcalfe, J.C. (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_ce4089,
  author = {Lacy-Hulbert and A and Wilkins and R.C. and Hesketh and T.R. and Metcalfe and J.C.},
  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 study found no activation of MYC or beta-actin genes in human leukemia cells exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields, contradicting some previous reports that claimed such effects occurred.
Researchers tested three different magnetic field strengths: 0.57, 5.7, and 57 microTesla. These levels range from typical household appliance exposures to higher occupational exposure levels.
The human leukemia cells were exposed to 60 Hz magnetic fields for 20 minutes, which matches the exposure duration used in previous studies that claimed to find gene activation effects.
The researchers used improved experimental design, enhanced measurement accuracy, and optimized protocols specifically to detect any response, yet still found no gene activation effects from 60 Hz magnetic field exposure.
The study measured MYC and beta-actin gene expression levels. MYC is a proto-oncogene involved in cancer development, while beta-actin is a structural protein gene commonly used as a control marker.