Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
OPERANT BEHAVIOR OF RHESUS MONKEYS IN THE PRESENCE OF EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY-LOW INTENSITY MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC FIELDS: EXPERIMENT 2
John de Lorge · 1973
1973 monkey study found no behavioral changes from brief ELF exposure, but used too few subjects to detect subtle effects.
Plain English Summary
Researchers exposed two rhesus monkeys to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic and electric fields at 45 Hz and 10 Hz to test behavioral effects. The study found no significant changes in reaction time, operant responding, or cognitive tasks. Even minor effects observed at 10 Hz were not clinically meaningful and couldn't be replicated.
Why This Matters
This 1973 Navy-funded study represents early research into ELF effects on primate behavior, predating our modern understanding of electromagnetic bioeffects. While the researchers found no behavioral changes in monkeys exposed to 45 Hz fields, the study's limitations are significant. Using only two subjects makes it nearly impossible to detect subtle effects, and the behavioral tests may not capture the neurological changes we now know EMF can produce. The reality is that ELF fields from power lines typically operate at 50-60 Hz, very close to the 45 Hz tested here. What this means for you is that while this study suggests no immediate behavioral disruption from brief ELF exposure, it doesn't address the chronic, low-level exposures you experience daily from electrical wiring, appliances, and power infrastructure. The science has evolved considerably since 1973, with hundreds of studies now documenting biological effects from ELF fields at the cellular level.
Figures from the Original Paper
Diagrams extracted from the original research document.
Show BibTeX
@article{operant_behavior_of_rhesus_monkeys_in_the_presence_of_extremely_low_frequency_lo_g7215,
author = {John de Lorge},
title = {OPERANT BEHAVIOR OF RHESUS MONKEYS IN THE PRESENCE OF EXTREMELY LOW FREQUENCY-LOW INTENSITY MAGNETIC AND ELECTRIC FIELDS: EXPERIMENT 2},
year = {1973},
}