Does Schumann resonance affect our blood pressure?

Biological Effects of Magnetic Storms and ELF Magnetic Fields

Magnetic fields are a constant and essential part of our environment. The main components of ambient magnetic fields are the constant part of the geomagnetic field, its fluctuations caused by magnetic storms, and man-made magnetic fields. These fields refer to extremely-low-frequency (<1 kHz) magnetic fields (ELF-MFs). Since the 1980s, a huge amount of data has been accumulated on the biological effects of magnetic fields, in particular ELF-MFs. However, a unified picture of the patterns of action of magnetic fields has not been formed. Even though a unified mechanism has not yet been generally accepted, several theories have been proposed. In this review, we attempted to take a new approach to analyzing the quantitative data on the effects of ELF-MFs to identify new potential areas for research. This review provides general descriptions of the main effects of magnetic storms and anthropogenic fields on living organisms (molecular-cellular level and whole organism) and a brief description of the main mechanisms of magnetic field effects on living organisms. This review may be of interest to specialists in the fields of biology, physics, medicine, and other interdisciplinary areas.

Sound stimulation using the individual's heart rate to improve the stability and homeostasis of the autonomic nervous system

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we explain the role of enhancing the stability and homeostasis of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by proposing the average heart rate sound resonance (aHRSR), a sound stimulation to prevent imbalance of ANS due to dynamic movement. The effect of aHRSR on ANS was analyzed through the time and frequency domain of heart rate variability (HRV) using the photoplethysmogram data (PPG) of 22 participants (DUIRB-202109-12).

METHOD

When the subjects performed dynamic movements that could cause changes in the ANS, HRV indicators using PPG data for 5 min before and after the movements were analyzed according to the presence or absence of aHRSR. The standard deviation of the NN intervals (SDNN), the square root of the mean squared differences of the NN intervals (RMSSD), low-frequency band (LF), and high-frequency band (HF), which represent sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve activity, were used as indicators, where SNDD and LF represent total ANS and sympathetic activity, while RMSSD and HF represent parasympathetic activity.

RESULTS

As the effects of aHRSR on dynamic movement, the recovery time of RR interval was advanced by about 15 s, SDNN increased from ([44.16 ± 13.11] to [47.85 ± 15.16]) ms, and RMSSD increased from ([23.73 ± 9.95] to [31.89 ± 12.48]) ms (p < 0.05), increasing the stability of the ANS and reducing instability. The effect of homeostasis of the ANS according to aHRSR is also shown in reducing the change rate of LF from (-13.83 to -8.83) %, and the rate of change of HF from (10.59 to 3.27) %.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that aHRSR can affect the cardiovascular system by assisting physiological movements that occur during dynamic movement.

Linkages Between Geomagnetic Activity and Blood Pressure

This review aims to critically examine and present evidence for and against potential linkages between geomagnetic activity and its effects on blood pressure (BP). Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers written in English: PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Biomedical Reference Collection. Retrieved titles were first screened for potential relevance followed by an abstract review for further clarifications if warranted. The preponderance of the reported evidence is consistent with the concept that space weather and related events that cause sufficiently large changes in the geomagnetic field (GMF) can impact BP. The associated BP change in most but not all cases is one in which both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure increase, with SBP appearing to be more consistently involved. The magnitude of the reported BP increase ranges from about 3 to 8 mmHg depending on the intensity of the geomagnetic activity. The initiation of these BP changes has been variably reported to occur shortly before the GMF change or in synchrony with the abrupt change in the GMF. Such GMF-linked BP changes are not present in all persons and there appears to be increased sensitivity in women and in persons with co-existing hypertension. The utility of these findings in assessing or treating persons with known or suspected hypertension remains to be determined via future research. Further, research directed at determining the factors that determine responders from non-responders to GMF changes is warranted.

The Possible Effect of Space Weather Factors on Various Physiological Systems of the Human Organism

A systematic review of heliobiological studies of the last 25 years devoted to the study of the potential influence of space weather factors on human health and well-being was carried out. We proposed three criteria (coordinates), according to which the work on solar–biospheric relations was systematized: the time scale of data sampling (years, days, hours, minutes); the level of organization of the biological system under study (population, group, individual, body system); and the degree of system response (norm, adaptation, failure of adaptation (illness), disaster (death)). This systematic review demonstrates that three parameters mentioned above are closely related in the existing heliobiological studies: the larger the selected time scale, the higher the level of estimated biological system organization and the stronger the potential response degree is. The long-term studies are devoted to the possible influence of solar activity on population disasters, i.e., significant increases in morbidity and mortality. On a daily scale, a probable effect of geomagnetic storms and other space weather events on short-term local outbreaks of morbidity is shown as well as on cases of deterioration in people functional state. On an intraday scale, in the regular functioning mode, the heart and brain rhythms of healthy people turn to be synchronized with geomagnetic field variations in some frequency ranges, which apparently is the necessary organism’s existence element. The applicability of different space weather indices at different data sampling rates, the need to take into account the contribution of meteorological factors, and the prospects for an individual approach in heliobiology are discussed. The modern important results of experiments on modeling the action of magnetic storms in laboratory conditions and the substantiation of possible theoreical mechanisms are described. These results provide an experimental and theoretical basis for studies of possible connections of space weather and human health.

Glossary on atmospheric electricity and its effects on biology

There is an increasing interest to study the interactions between atmospheric electrical parameters and living organisms at multiple scales. So far, relatively few studies have been published that focus on possible biological effects of atmospheric electric and magnetic fields. To foster future work in this area of multidisciplinary research, here we present a glossary of relevant terms. Its main purpose is to facilitate the process of learning and communication among the different scientific disciplines working on this topic. While some definitions come from existing sources, other concepts have been re-defined to better reflect the existing and emerging scientific needs of this multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary area of research.

The influence of circulation weather types on the exposure of the biosphere to atmospheric electric fields

We present an analysis of the impact of circulation weather types (CT) on a factor that might influence biological systems and the human condition, the electric state of the atmosphere. We present results on the influence of CT to the magnitude, the direction (positive or negative), the fluctuation magnitude, and the short-term peaks of the atmospheric electric field (potential gradient, PG), using data from a station in Greece. CTs with high vorticity centers over Greece are associated with high positive and negative excursions of the PG, higher PG variability, and rain events. CTs with thinner 850-500 hPa layer are associated with higher daily mean values of fair-weather PG. We also examine the influence of CT on the frequency and amplitude of the naturally occurring extremely low-frequency electric field fluctuations known as Schumann resonances (SR) using data from a station in Hungary. The first and second mode SR frequencies are increased during CTs associated with higher 500 hPa geopotential heights and higher 850-500 hPa layer thickness. This hints to a lower-upper atmosphere coupling. So, CTs not only influence the general temperature and humidity conditions to which the biosphere is exposed, but they also affect its exposure to atmospheric electric fields.

Effectiveness of NexQuest Natural Frequency Technology® on sleep and mood of adults with insomnia symptoms: a randomized, double blind and placebo controlled crossover trial

Objectives:

The study purpose was to conduct a four-week randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial on adults with insomnia symptoms to examine the effectiveness of Natural Frequency Technology^(®) (NFT), found in Philip Stein Sleep Bracelets, on sleep quality, anxiety/stress levels, and mood.

Methods:

Adults (N = 44, M age = 41.9 years) were randomized to the Placebo Bracelet (PB) or NFT Sleep Bracelet (SB) for two weeks and then the alternative bracelet for two weeks. Self-reported mood, anxiety/stress, and sleep quality were completed at Day 0 (PRE) and following each condition; POST PB and POST SB).

Results:

When the participants wore the SB, compared to the PB, they had improved sleep quality (i.e., Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), anxiety/perceived stress, and mood, p’s < .05.

Discussion:

The SB may be simple, noninvasive, and non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep quality and daytime mood.

Schumann resonance and cardiovascular hospital admission in the area of Granada, Spain: An event coincidence analysis approach

The study of bio-effects of Schumann resonances is a very complex issue. There is a need to identify mechanisms and pathways that explain how Extremely Low Frequency magnetic fields affect biology or human health. This particular study tries to identify statistical associations between ELF magnetic fields in the province of Granada (Spain) and cardiovascular related hospital admission in the same province for the period April, 1st 2013 to March, 31st 2014. Research is developed under an epidemiological approach based on an Event Coincidence Analysis statistical method. Clustered events, statistically significant (ECA shuffle-surrogate test p = .01 and p < .01), were found for the minimum values of the first and the third Schuman resonances frequency on east-west and north-south directions, and for the amplitude parameter of the second resonance and the total signal energy in the north-south direction. Empirical measurements of SR parameters were recorded at the Sierra Nevada Mountain in Granada province (Spain). Results show a clear coincidence of the events for the minima amplitudes of Shuman resonances and energy in the north-south orientation and the number of the cardiovascular related hospital admissions. Further research is needed with longer temporal series and a new approach based on gender seems to be also interesting for future studies.

Advances in Residential Design Related to the Influence of Geomagnetism

Since the origin of the Modern Movement, there has been a basic commitment to improving housing conditions and the well-being of occupants, especially given the prediction that 2/3 of humanity will reside in cities by 2050. Moreover, a compact model of the city with tall buildings and urban densification at this scale will be generated. Continuous constructive and technological advances have developed solid foundations on safety, energy efficiency, habitability, and sustainability in housing design. However, studies on improving the quality of life in these areas continue to be a challenge for architects and engineers. This paper seeks to contribute health-related information to the study of residential design, specifically the influence of the geomagnetic field on its occupants. After compiling information on the effects of geomagnetic fields from different medical studies over 23 years, a case study of a 16-story high-rise building is presented, with the goal of proposing architectural design recommendations for long-term occupation in the same place. The purpose of the present work is three-fold: first, to characterize the geomagnetic field variability of buildings; second, to identify the causes and possible related mechanisms; and third, to define architectural criteria on the arrangement of uses and constructive elements for housing.

Long-Term Study of Heart Rate Variability Responses to Changes in the Solar and Geomagnetic Environment

This long-term study examined relationships between solar and magnetic factors and the time course and lags of autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to changes in solar and geomagnetic activity. Heart rate variability (HRV) was recorded for 72 consecutive hours each week over a five-month period in 16 participants in order to examine ANS responses during normal background environmental periods. HRV measures were correlated with solar and geomagnetic variables using multivariate linear regression analysis with Bonferroni corrections for multiple comparisons after removing circadian influences from both datasets. Overall, the study confirms that daily ANS activity responds to changes in geomagnetic and solar activity during periods of normal undisturbed activity and it is initiated at different times after the changes in the various environmental factors and persist over varying time periods. Increase in solar wind intensity was correlated with increases in heart rate, which we interpret as a biological stress response. Increase in cosmic rays, solar radio flux, and Schumann resonance power was all associated with increased HRV and parasympathetic activity. The findings support the hypothesis that energetic environmental phenomena affect psychophysical processes that can affect people in different ways depending on their sensitivity, health status and capacity for self-regulation.

Synchronization of Human Autonomic Nervous System Rhythms with Geomagnetic Activity in Human Subjects

A coupling between geomagnetic activity and the human nervous system’s function was identified by virtue of continuous monitoring of heart rate variability (HRV) and the time-varying geomagnetic field over a 31-day period in a group of 10 individuals who went about their normal day-to-day lives. A time series correlation analysis identified a response of the group’s autonomic nervous systems to various dynamic changes in the solar, cosmic ray, and ambient magnetic field. Correlation coefficients and p values were calculated between the HRV variables and environmental measures during three distinct time periods of environmental activity. There were significant correlations between the group’s HRV and solar wind speed, Kp, Ap, solar radio flux, cosmic ray counts, Schumann resonance power, and the total variations in the magnetic field. In addition, the time series data were time synchronized and normalized, after which all circadian rhythms were removed. It was found that the participants’ HRV rhythms synchronized across the 31-day period at a period of approximately 2.5 days, even though all participants were in separate locations. Overall, this suggests that daily autonomic nervous system activity not only responds to changes in solar and geomagnetic activity, but is synchronized with the time-varying magnetic fields associated with geomagnetic field-line resonances and Schumann resonances.

A human source for ELF magnetic perturbations

Current models that frame consciousness in terms of electromagnetic field theory carry implications that have yet to be fully explored. Endogenous weak extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields are generated by ionic charge flow in axons, dendrites and synaptic transmitters. Because neural tissues are transparent to such fields, these provide the basis for the globally unifying qualities required to properly describe consciousness as a field. At the same time, however, an electromagnetic approach predicts partial transmission of this 1-100 nT field, suggesting external interactions similar to the various ELF magnetic perturbations that are linked to homeostatic and endocrine-related physiological effects. It follows that humans may represent an additional, previously unrecognized source of weak (1-10 nT) ambient ELF magnetic fields.

Analysis of the charge exchange between the human body and ground: evaluation of "earthing" from an electrical perspective

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate "earthing" from an electrical perspective through measurement and analysis of the naturally occurring electron flow between the human body or a control and ground as this relates to the magnitude of the charge exchange, the relationship between the charge exchange and body functions (respiration and heart rate), and the detection of other information that might be contained in the charge exchange.

METHODS

Sensitive, low-noise instrumentation was designed and fabricated to measure low-level current flow at low frequencies. This instrumentation was used to record current flow between human subjects or a control and ground, and these measurements were performed approximately 40 times under varied circumstances. The results of these measurements were analyzed to determine if information was contained in the current exchange.

RESULTS

The currents flowing between the human body and ground were small (nanoamperes), and they correlated with subject motion. There did not appear to be any information contained in this exchange except for information about subject motion.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that currents flow between the environment (earth) and a grounded human body; however, these currents are small (nanoamperes) and do not appear to contain information other than information about subject motion.

Electromagnetic fields as structure-function zeitgebers in biological systems: environmental orchestrations of morphogenesis and consciousness

Within a cell system structure dictates function. Any interaction between cells, or a cell and its environment, has the potential to have long term implications on the function of a given cell and emerging cell aggregates. The structure and function of cells are continuously subjected to modification by electrical and chemical stimuli. However, biological systems are also subjected to an ever-present influence: the electromagnetic (EM) environment. Biological systems have the potential to be influenced by subtle energies which are exchanged at atomic and subatomic scales as EM phenomena. These energy exchanges have the potential to manifest at higher orders of discourse and affect the output (behavior) of a biological system. Here we describe theoretical and experimental evidence of EM influence on cells and the integration of whole systems. Even weak interactions between EM energies and biological systems display the potential to affect a developing system. We suggest the growing literature of EM effects on biological systems has significant implications to the cell and its functional aggregates.

Stronger geomagnetic fields may be a risk factor of male suicides

AIM

Some previous studies have shown a positive relation between geomagnetic disturbances and an increased incidence of suicide. If such a relation exists, stronger geomagnetic fields may affect the number of suicides, because stronger geomagnetic fields generally cause larger geomagnetic field disturbances. Therefore, we here investigated the relation between local geomagnetic field magnetic flux density and the standardized morbidity ratios (SMR) for suicide by each prefecture in Japan.

METHODS

Monthly suicide data for each prefecture in the period January 1999 to December 2008 was obtained, and it was found that a total of 216 171 male individuals and 85 154 female individuals committed suicide during this period. A multiple linear regression analysis was carried out with a backward elimination procedure. The SMR for suicide by each prefecture was taken as the response variable and the explanatory variables were each prefecture's local geomagnetic field magnetic flux density (nT), north latitude (°), monthly mean unemployment rate (%), monthly mean air pressure (hPa), monthly mean air temperature (°C), monthly mean humidity (%), and monthly total day length (hours). Analyses were carried out separately for each sex.

RESULTS

In the multiple linear regression analysis for male subjects, the local geomagnetic field magnetic flux density (nT), monthly mean unemployment rate (%), and monthly mean humidity (%) were associated with the incidence of suicide, but in the multiple linear regression analysis of female subjects, only north latitude was associated with that.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we generated a hypothesis that stronger geomagnetic fields affect the number of cases of male suicide.

Association of geomagnetic disturbances and suicides in Japan, 1999-2010

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have shown a positive relationship between geomagnetic disturbances and an increased incidence of suicide. The Japanese suicide rate is the ninth highest in the world, but there have been no reports examining the relationship between geomagnetic disturbance and the number of suicides, and, therefore, this paper examines this relationship.

METHODS

The number of Japanese suicides per month from January 1999 to December 2010 was obtained, and it was found that a total of 262,596 males and 102,539 females committed suicide during this period. To adjust the other factors which affect the number of suicides, a multiple linear regression analysis with backward elimination was carried out, with the monthly number of suicides as the response variable and the monthly mean K index value, monthly mean number of sunspots, monthly mean unemployment rate, proportion of elderly people (%), monthly mean air pressure (hPa), monthly mean air temperature (°C), monthly mean humidity (%), and monthly mean day length (h) as the explanatory variables.

RESULTS

In the multiple linear regression analysis for males, the monthly mean K index value was associated with the monthly number of suicides, but in females, the monthly mean K index value was not associated with the monthly number of suicides.

CONCLUSION

In this study, we generated a hypothesis that geomagnetic disturbances may trigger male suicides.

Possible Electromagnetic Effects on Abnormal Animal Behavior Before an Earthquake

The former statistical properties summarized by Rikitake (1998) on unusual animal behavior before an earthquake (EQ) have first been presented by using two parameters (epicentral distance (D) of an anomaly and its precursor (or lead) time (T)). Three plots are utilized to characterize the unusual animal behavior; (i) EQ magnitude (M) versus D, (ii) log T versus M, and (iii) occurrence histogram of log T. These plots are compared with the corresponding plots for different seismo-electromagnetic effects (radio emissions in different frequency ranges, seismo-atmospheric and -ionospheric perturbations) extensively obtained during the last 15-20 years. From the results of comparisons in terms of three plots, it is likely that lower frequency (ULF (ultra-low-frequency, f ≤ 1 Hz) and ELF (extremely-low-frequency, f ≤ a few hundreds Hz)) electromagnetic emissions exhibit a very similar temporal evolution with that of abnormal animal behavior. It is also suggested that a quantity of field intensity multiplied by the persistent time (or duration) of noise would play the primary role in abnormal animal behavior before an EQ.

Chronomics of heart rate variability on earth and in space

Chronomes are time structures consisting of multifrequency rhythms, elements of chaos, and trends in chaotic and rhythmic endpoints. Chronomics maps the dynamics of organisms' broad interactions with the environment near and far, rather than merely the daily routines. We introduced the chronomics of heart rate variability (HRV), characterized by a broad time structure, that includes the prominent circadians and also ultradian (notably about 8h and about 12h) and infradian (notably about-weekly, about-yearly, and about 10-yearly) changes, in addition to undergoing trends with aging. Alterations in these HRV chronomes are known to predict the presence of disease in the near future. Thus, for the health and safety of astronauts, HRV chronomes should be assessed before, during and after the mission in the International Space Station to check for any alteration. Future work should focus on how phenomena in the cosmos, including helio- and geomagnetics, can affect physiological chronomes, those of the HRV in particular.

Pain perception and electromagnetic fields

A substantial body of evidence has accumulated showing that exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) affects pain sensitivity (nociception) and pain inhibition (analgesia). Consistent inhibitory effects of acute exposures to various EMFs on analgesia have been demonstrated in most studies. This renders examinations of changes in the expression of analgesia and nociception a particularly valuable means of addressing the biological effects of and mechanisms underlying the actions of EMFs. Here we provide an overview of the effects of various EMFs on nociceptive sensitivity and analgesia, with particular emphasis on opioid-mediated responses. We also describe the analgesic effects of particular specific EMFs, the effects of repeated exposures to EMFs and magnetic shielding, along with the dependence of EMF effects on lighting conditions. We further consider some of the underlying cellular and biophysical mechanisms along with the clinical implications of these effects of various EMFs.