Intermittent exposures to nanoTesla range, 7 Hz, amplitude-modulated magnetic fields increase regeneration rates in planarian

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.

Keywords::

• Planarian
• weak magnetic fields
• regeneration
• ELF patterns

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.