Real-time assessment of possible electromagnetic-field-induced changes in protein conformation and thermal stability

Interactions between electromagnetic radiation and biological systems

Even though the bioeffects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) have been extensively investigated during the past several decades, our understandings of the bioeffects of EMR and the mechanisms of the interactions between the biological systems and the EMRs are still far from satisfactory. In this article, we introduce and summarize the consensus, controversy, limitations, and unsolved issues. The published works have investigated the EMR effects on different biological systems including humans, animals, cells, and biochemical reactions. Alternative methodologies also include dielectric spectroscopy, detection of bioelectromagnetic emissions, and theoretical predictions. In many studies, the thermal effects of the EMR are not properly controlled or considered. The frequency of the EMR investigated is limited to the commonly used bands, particularly the frequencies of the power line and the wireless communications; far fewer studies were performed for other EMR frequencies. In addition, the bioeffects of the complex EM environment were rarely discussed. In summary, our understanding of the bioeffects of the EMR is quite restrictive and further investigations are needed to answer the unsolved questions.

Evaluation of the effects of weak oscillating magnetic fields applied during freezing on systems of different complexity

The effects of weak oscillating magnetic fields (OMFs ≤7 mT at 50 Hz) on freezing were studied in three systems of different complexity. To do so, ferric chloride solutions, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and minced hake muscle experimentally infected with Anisakis L3 were frozen with and without OMF application. OMFs did not affect freezing kinetics of either ferric chloride solutions or minced hake muscle. LDH activity, Anisakis mortality, and water-holding capacity of the hake muscle after thawing were not affected by OMF either. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of stronger OMFs in a wider frequency range.