Abstract
Purpose: To discern if physiologically and naturally-patterned electromagnetic fields presented with base frequencies of 7 Hz within the 100 nT range could facilitate regeneration in planarian similar to microTesla, 60 Hz fields.
Methods: In two separate experiments planarian were decapitated and exposed to either 140 or 400 nT peak amplitude-modulated 7 Hz magnetic fields for 6 min once per hour, 8 h per night for 5 days. Daily regeneration rates and movement velocities (cm/min) were measured.
Results: The planarian exposed to either intensity magnetic field exhibited faster regeneration of photoreceptors and auricles compared to sham field and reference groups. The magnetic field exposure accommodated 50% of the variance during the faster growth days.
Conclusions: Naturally-patterned, intermittently-presented weaker electromagnetic fields may produce enhanced regeneration rates in flat worms similar to those observed for 60 Hz, higher intensity fields.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Viger Persinger for constructive comments.
Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.