Cryptochrome Mediates Light-Dependent Magnetosensitivity of Drosophila's Circadian Clock

Since 1960, magnetic fields have been discussed as Zeitgebers for circadian clocks, but the mechanism by which clocks perceive and process magnetic information has remained unknown. Recently, the radical-pair model involving light-activated photoreceptors as magnetic field sensors has gained considerable support, and the blue-light photoreceptor cryptochrome (CRY) has been proposed as a suitable molecule to mediate such magnetosensitivity. Since CRY is expressed in the circadian clock neurons and acts as a critical photoreceptor of Drosophila's clock, we aimed to test the role of CRY in magnetosensitivity of the circadian clock. In response to light, CRY causes slowing of the clock, ultimately leading to arrhythmic behavior. We expected that in the presence of applied magnetic fields, the impact of CRY on clock rhythmicity should be altered. Furthermore, according to the radical-pair hypothesis this response should be dependent on wavelength and on the field strength applied. We tested the effect of applied static magnetic fields on the circadian clock and found that flies exposed to these fields indeed showed enhanced slowing of clock rhythms. This effect was maximal at 300 μT, and reduced at both higher and lower field strengths. Clock response to magnetic fields was present in blue light, but absent under red-light illumination, which does not activate CRY. Furthermore, cry^b and cry^OUT mutants did not show any response, and flies overexpressing CRY in the clock neurons exhibited an enhanced response to the field. We conclude that Drosophila's circadian clock is sensitive to magnetic fields and that this sensitivity depends on light activation of CRY and on the applied field strength, consistent with the radical pair mechanism. CRY is widespread throughout biological systems and has been suggested as receptor for magnetic compass orientation in migratory birds. The present data establish the circadian clock of Drosophila as a model system for CRY-dependent magnetic sensitivity. Furthermore, given that CRY occurs in multiple tissues of Drosophila, including those potentially implicated in fly orientation, future studies may yield insights that could be applicable to the magnetic compass of migratory birds and even to potential magnetic field effects in humans.     

Magnetic Orientation in Solenopsis sp. Ants

It is known that magnetic fields affect ants behavior. It has been shown that Solenopsis ants are sensitive to magnetic fields but there is no experimental evidence for magnetic orientation. In this paper experiments were done to verify the magnetic orientation of Solenopsis sp. ants. The spontaneous orientation of ants in a circular arena was studied in two different magnetic conditions: in the natural geomagnetic field and under an altered magnetic field, with the horizontal geomagnetic axis shifted in 90?o. Our results show that ants consistently change their orientation direction when the magnetic field was altered. Axial circular statistics analysis showed that, in the absence of other cues, ants orient spontaneously to the horizontal geomagnetic field axis. The present paper shows for the first time magnetic orientation in Solenopsis sp. ants.     

Effects of static magnetic fields at the cellular level

There have been few studies on the effects of static magnetic fields at the cellular level, compared to those of extremely low frequency magnetic fields. Past studies have shown that a static magnetic field alone does not have a lethal effect on the basic properties of cell growth and survival under normal culture conditions, regardless of the magnetic density. Most but not all studies have also suggested that a static magnetic field has no effect on changes in cell growth rate. It has also been shown that cell cycle distribution is not influenced by extremely strong static magnetic fields (up to a maximum of 10 T). A further area of interest is whether static magnetic fields cause DNA damage, which can be evaluated by determination of the frequency of micronucleus formation. The presence or absence of such micronuclei can confirm whether a particular treatment damages cellular DNA. This method has been used to confirm that a static magnetic field alone has no such effect. However, the frequency of micronucleus formation increases significantly when certain treatments (e.g., X-irradiation) are given prior to exposure to a 10 T static magnetic field. It has also been reported that treatment with trace amounts of ferrous ions in the cell culture medium and exposure to a static magnetic field increases DNA damage, which is detected using the comet assay. In addition, many studies have found a strong magnetic field that can induce orientation phenomena in cell culture.     

The influence of variable and constant magnetic fields on biota and biological activity of ordinary chernozem soils

In model experiments on influence variable magnetic fields of industrial frequency (50 Hz) an induction of 1500 and of 6000 mkTl and the constant magnetic field an induction of 6000 mkTl and of 15000 mkTl during 5 days of exposure on biological properties of chernozem ordinary is shown, that the soil microflora is more sensitive to magnetic fields, than enzymes activity. Bacteria are more sensitive, than microscopic mushrooms. Dehydrogenase it is steady against influence of all variants. Constant magnetic field by the induction of 15000 mkTl rendered practically identical authentic overwhelming influence on catalase and saccharase activity - on 51 and 47% accordingly.     

磁场的生物学效应及最新进展

伴随科技的发展,磁场与人类的关系越来越密切。然而目前人们对磁场如何影响机体结构和(或)功能还未达成共识,其中磁场在致癌或抑癌方面的作用受到人们的广泛关注。但是关于磁场对机体的作用的研究还处在比较初始的阶段,并且目前的研究结果仍然存在许多的不同与矛盾。由于研究人员对磁场强度、照磁量的确定方法不一,使实验结果的可比性下降。本文从目前电磁场,静磁场,以及磁场作用机制等方面就磁场与机体作用最新的研究结果进行综述,探讨磁场在癌症发生发展过程中的作用,寻找治疗癌症的新思路。     

Analysis of electric and magnetic fields leaking from induction heaters

Results are presented of an investigation on electric and magnetic fields leaking from inductive (magnetic) heaters that are used for thermal processing of high-power electron tubes and lasers in an industrial plant. Measurements of electric and magnetic fields were done using both commercially available and laboratory-developed instrumentation. Isotropic H-field sensors were developed to allow quantitative evaluation of high-intensity magnetic fields. Ten induction heaters with nominal A.C. power ranging from 2.5 kW to 15 kW and operating at frequencies between 300 kHz and 790 kHz were surveyed. Electric field strengths up to 8 kV/m and magnetic field strengths up to 20 A/m were measured.     

Analysing a magnetic molecule detection system--computer simulation

The detection of single molecules, e.g. in biology is possible by marking the interesting molecules with magnetic beads and detect the influence of the beads on giant magnetoresistance (GMR)/tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR)/spin valve (SV) sensors. The development of suitable multilayers has been studied experimentally as well as theoretically in order to optimize the sensor parameters. A finite difference (FD) method including the usually used contributions to the total energy [exchange, antiferromagnetically (af) coupling, anisotropy and magnetostatic] is used for the simulation with additional contributions to the local field according to the stray fields of the beads. In this work, we will show the results of micromagnetic calculations of the magnetization behavior of GMR/TMR sensors considering also the interaction between the domains in the magnetic layers of the sensor and the bead area. We can present first calculations where the bead particles (signal source) and the magnetic layers (sensor device) are considered as a whole magnetic ensemble.     

Design,construction, and validation of a large capacity rodent magnetic field exposure laboratory

A magnetic field exposure laboratory has been constructed to support National Toxicology Program studies for the evaluation of the toxicity and carcinogenicity of pure, linearly polarized, 60 Hz magnetic fields in rodents. This dual corridor, controlled access facility can support the simultaneous exposure of 1200 rats and 1200 mice. The facility contains fully redundant electrical and environmental control systems and was constructed using non‐metallic materials to maintain low levels of background (ambient), stray, and cross‐talk magnetic fields. The exposure module design provides for large uniform exposure volumes with good control of stray and cross‐talk fields, while allowing the use of roll‐around cage racks for simplified animal husbandry. Stray fields and cross‐talk have been further reduced by the inclusion of “steering coils” in each exposure module. Ambient 60 Hz fields (less cross‐talk) in all exposure rooms are <0.1 μT (1 mG), and static magnetic fields have been mapped extensively. Magnetic field strength, waveform, temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, noise level, vibration, and air flow in all animal holding areas are tightly regulated, and are monitored continuously during all studies. Field uniformity in the animal exposure volumes is better than ±10%; a systematic program of cage, rack, and room rotation controls for possible positional effects within the exposure system. Magnetic fields are turned on and off over multiple cycles to prevent the induction of transients associated with abrupt field level changes. Total harmonic distortion is <3% at all field strengths. The facility has been used to study magnetic field bioeffects in rodent model systems in experiments ranging in duration from 8 weeks to 2 years. Bioelectromagnetics 20:13–23, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

A Role for the Geomagnetic Field in Cell Regulation

We advance the hypothesis that biological systems utilize the geomagnetic field (GMF) for functional purposes by means of ion cyclotron resonance-like (ICR) mechanisms. Numerous ICR-designed experiments have demonstrated that living things are sensitive, in varying degrees, to magnetic fields that are equivalent to both changes in the general magnetostatic intensity of the GMF, as well as its temporal perturbations. We propose the existence of ICR-like cell regulation processes, homologous to the way that biochemical messengers alter the net biological state through competing processes of enhancement and inhibition. In like manner, combinations of different resonance frequencies all coupled to the same local magnetic field provide a unique means for cell regulation. Recent work on ultraweak ICR magnetic fields by Zhadin and others fits into our proposed framework if one assumes that cellular systems generate time-varying electric fields of the order 100 mV/cm with bandwidths that include relevant ICR frequencies.     

普鲁士蓝纳米粒子在生物医学诊断和治疗中的应用及进展

随着生物医学诊断和治疗的持续深入研究,出现了多种医学诊断和治疗新方法,为人类的健康提供了更大的保证,其中纳米生物技术在生物医学诊断和治疗中的应用日益增多,基于纳米技术,开发传统材料的生物医学新应用成为了人们的研究热点。普鲁士蓝是一种历史悠久的蓝色染料,其制备过程简单、绿色、成本低,化学结构稳定,具有优良的物理、化学、光学以及磁性等性能,已经在许多领域得到了广泛的应用。近年来,普鲁士蓝开始在生物医学诊断和治疗领域中崭露头角,它已经成功的被开发为新型的核磁共振造影剂和光声成像造影剂,并且在药物输送系统和光热治疗等领域也开始占有一席之地,开发基于纳米技术的普鲁士蓝的生物医学应用已经成为极具吸引力的研究方向。本文对普鲁士蓝在生物医学诊断和治疗中的应用及进展进行综述。     

Switch on or switch off: an optical DNA sensor based on poly(p-phenylenevinylene) grafted magnetic beads

There has been an enormous demand for commercial label-free DNA sensors in a diverse range of fields including pre-emptive medicine, diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and food industry. Addressing the need for sensitive, selective and facile DNA sensors, we demonstrate a novel switch on/off sensor design that utilizes sandwich hybridization between photoluminescent anionic conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) bound captureprobe coated onto magnetic beads, target and the signaling probe. The hybridization-readout in our sensor was monitored by either fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET, switch-on) or superquenching (switch-off) depending on the type of signaling probe used. Moreover recent designs that utilize beads for sensing DNA have been limited towards using electrostatic interactions or intercalation of dyes to observe FRET. To our knowledge this is the first report of a switch on/off sensor utilizing either FRET or superquenching thus providing flexibility for future development of such rapid, facile and sensitive DNA sensors. The FRET-based sensor was investigated by optimizing the reaction parameters and selectivity. A low detection limit of 240 fmol in 2 mL of SSC buffer was achieved.     

Behavioral Studies with Electromagnetic Fields: Implications for Psychobiology

Research In the behavioral effects of non-ionizing radiation has progressed very slowly over the past twenty years. Of the little that has been done, much of it has been in imitation of Soviet work using archaic, insensitive behavioral techniques. Much of this work has been done by scientists not qualified in experimental psychology and they seem to be unaware of the elegance and sensitivity of behavioral techniques that have been developed in the United States. A critical review of the literature available, though, reveals that (1) effects are most clearly and reliably discerned when time-based schedules of reinforced behavior are used; (2) pulsed or modulated fields have more impact than CW fields, something that can be observed only if the behavioral measure is reliable and sensitive; and (3) magnetic fields may be especially potent for some species, if not all. Directions for future research are suggested.     

Detection and manipulation of biomolecules by magnetic carriers

The detection and manipulation of single molecules on a common platform would be of great interest for basic research of biological or chemical systems. A promising approach is the application of magnetic carriers. The principles are demonstrated in this contribution. It is shown that paramagnetic beads can be detected by highly sensitive magnetoresistive sensors yielding a purely electronic signal. Different configurations are discussed. The capability of the sensors to detect even single markers is demonstrated by a model experiment. In addition, the paramagnetic beads can be used as carriers for biomolecules. They can be manipulated on-chip via currents running through specially designed line patterns. Thus, magnetic markers in combination with magnetoresistive sensors are a promising choice for future integrated lab-on-a-chip systems.     

Magnetic field effects on pineal indoleamine metabolism and possible biological consequences.

In recent years, there has been a great deal of publicity concerning the possible health effects of electric and/or magnetic field exposure. One of the most frequently reported observations after the exposure of animals to either electric or magnetic fields relates to alterations in the metabolism of serotonin (5HT) to melatonin within the pineal gland. This review summarizes these results particularly in animals exposed to intermittently inverted, non-time varying magnetic fields, i.e., pulsed static magnetic fields. When exposure occurs at night, the conversation of 5HT to melatonin is typically depressed, not unlike that after light exposure at night. The mechanisms by which pulsed magnetic fields alter the ability of the pineal to convert 5HT to the chief pineal hormone melatonin remains unknown but may involve effects on any or all of the following: the retinas, the suprachiasmatic nuclei, the peripheral sympathetic nervous system, and the pinealocytes. Results to date suggest that induced electrical currents (eddy currents) produced by the pulsed magnetic fields are particularly detrimental to pineal indoleamine metabolism and may be an important causative factor in the metabolic changes measured. The physiological consequences of perturbations in the melatonin rhythm induced by magnetic field exposure remain unknown.     

Effect of the low-frequency impulse magnetic field on the autonomic nervous system in animals

The effect of weak (up to 3.5 mT) low-frequency (up to 100 Hz) impulse magnetic field on the state of the vegetative nervous system of animals has been studied by analyzing the variability of the heart rate. The effect of the magnetic field was estimated by a specially designed complex for recording cardiac signals of animals. Several specially selected regimes of impulse magnetic fields were studied. It was shown that the impulse magnetic field possesses a high biological activity at all regimes used, and the indices of the vegetative nervous system after the exposure to the impulse magnetic field approach the values typical for normotonic animals. This makes it possible to use magnetic fields at these regimes in magnetotherapy.     

Optically pumped magnetometers disclose magnetic field components of the muscular action potential

AimAiming at analysing the signal conduction in muscular fibres, the spatio-temporal dynamics of the magnetic field generated by the propagating muscle action potential (MAP) is studied.MethodIn this prospective, proof of principle study, the magnetic activity of the intrinsic foot muscle after electric stimulation of the tibial nerve was measured using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). A classical biophysical electric dipole model of the propagating MAP was implemented to model the source of the data. In order to account for radial currents of the muscular tubules system, a magnetic dipole oriented along the direction of the muscle was added.ResultsThe signal profile generated by the activity of the intrinsic foot muscles was measured by four OPM devices. Three OPM sensors captured the spatio-temporal magnetic field pattern of the longitudinal intrinsic foot muscles. Changes of the activation pattern reflected the propagating muscular action potential along the muscle. A combined electric and magnetic dipole model could explain the recorded magnetic activity.InterpretationOPM devices allow for a new, non-invasive way to study MAP patterns. Since magnetic fields are less altered by the tissue surrounding the dipole source compared to electric activity, a precise analysis of the spatial characteristics and temporal dynamics of the MAP is possible. The classic electric dipole model explains major but not all aspects of the magnetic field. The field has longitudinal components generated by intrinsic structures of the muscle fibre. By understanding these magnetic components, new methods could be developed to analyse the muscular signal transduction pathway in greater detail. The approach has the potential to become a promising diagnostic tool in peripheral neurological motor impairments.     

Effect of low-intensity magnetic fields on the development of satellite muscle cells of a newborn rat in the primary culture

The influence of Earth magnetic field shielded down to 0.3 microT and static magnetic field (60-160 microT) on the proliferation and differentiation of satellite muscle cells in the primary culture has been investigated. A stimulatory effect of static magnetic fields on the rate of the formation of massive multinucleated myotubes and an increase in the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) have been detected for magnetic fields of the microtesla range. On the other hand, it was shown that the reduction of earth magnetic fields to 0.3 microT leads to the inhibition of proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle cells in the primary culture. Since the formation of contractile myotubes during in vitro experiments is similar to the regeneration of skeletal muscle fibers under muscle damage in vivo, it may be concluded that weak magnetic fields have a strong effect on intracellular processes by influencing all phases of muscle fiber formation. It is necessary to take this fact into consideration when forecasting probable complications of skeletal muscle regeneration during long-term exposure of man to low-intensity magnetic fields and also for the potential use of low static magnetic fields as a tool to recover the affected myogenesis.     

A newly designed and constructed 20 kHz magnetic field exposure facility for in vivo study

Exposure to man-made electromagnetic fields has increased over the past century. As a result of exposure to these fields, concerns have been raised regarding the relationship between electromagnetic fields and human health. Interest in the biological and health effects of intermediate frequency (IF) magnetic fields has grown recently because of the increase in public concern. In order to investigate whether IF magnetic fields have biological effects, we have developed a 20 kHz (IF) magnetic field exposure system for in vivo studies. The exposure facility was designed to study the biological effects of IF magnetic field on laboratory animals. The facility consists of a 9 m x 9 m x 5 m high room containing seven separate rooms including a 5.3 m x 4.5 m x 3 m high specific-pathogen free exposure room. The dimensions of the exposure system are 1.6 m x 1.6 m x 1.616 m high located inside this exposure room. The system is designed to provide magnetic fields up to 200 microT at 20 kHz with the uniformity within +/-5% over the space occupied by animals. After constructing the facility, performance tests were carried out. As a result, it was confirmed that our facility met requirements for evaluation of the biological effects of IF magnetic field on small animal experiments. In this paper, the design, construction, and results of evaluation of an animal exposure facility for the in vivo biological effects of an IF magnetic field are described.     

Modulation of channel activity and gadolinium block of MscL by static magnetic fields

The magnetic field of the Earth has for long been known to influence the behaviour and orientation of a variety of living organisms. Experimental studies of the magnetic sense have, however, been impaired by the lack of a plausible cellular and/or molecular mechanism providing meaningful explanation for detection of magnetic fields by these organisms. Recently, mechanosensitive (MS) ion channels have been implied to play a role in magnetoreception. In this study we have investigated the effect of static magnetic fields (SMFs) of moderate intensity on the activity and gadolinium block of MscL, the bacterial MS channel of large conductance, which has served as a model channel to study the basic physical principles of mechanosensory transduction in living cells. In addition to showing that direct application of the magnetic field decreased the activity of the MscL channel, our study demonstrates for the first time that SMFs can reverse the effect of gadolinium, a well-known blocker of MS channels. The results of our study are consistent with a notion that (1) the effects of SMFs on the MscL channels may result from changes in physical properties of the lipid bilayer due to diamagnetic anisotropy of phospholipid molecules and consequently (2) cooperative superdiamagnetism of phospholipid molecules under influence of SMFs could cause displacement of Gd³⁺ ions from the membrane bilayer and thus remove the MscL channel block.