Search Results (34)

Magnetic sensors offer a physically grounded and non-invasive approach to probing biological processes that remain inaccessible to optical, electrochemical, and radio-frequency techniques in complex agricultural environments. In recent years, advances in both classical and quantum magnetic sensors have enabled the detection of bioelectromagnetic signals across plants, soils, animals, and aquatic systems, spanning spatial scales from ionic currents to organ-level electrophysiology and population-level dynamics, positioning magnetometry as an emerging modality within the broader biosensor landscape. This review surveys the evolution of magnetic sensing technologies for agricultural and animal systems, from robust classical sensors used in navigation and soil mapping to quantum-enabled platforms, including Optically Pumped Magnetometers (OPMs) and Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) centers, capable of resolving pT to fT biomagnetic signals. We synthesize the characteristic amplitudes, frequency ranges, and physiological origins of agriculturally relevant magnetic signals, and critically assess how techniques originally developed for medical magnetoencephalography, magnetocardiography, and low-field magnetic resonance imaging (LF-MRI) are being translated into field-deployable agricultural applications. Beyond sensing hardware, we highlight the essential role of artificial intelligence in extracting weak biological signals from dominant environmental noise, enabling synthetic gradiometry, low-field image reconstruction, and scalable interpretation in unshielded settings. Finally, we discuss how the integration of magnetic biosensing with digital twins supports predictive, multiscale monitoring of plant, animal, and ecosystem health. Together, these developments position magnetometry as an enabling technology for next-generation biosensors in precision and sustainable agriculture. Full article

This work presents the design and characterization of a thermoregulated, bandwidth-enhanced TEM cell system optimized for bioelectromagnetic experiments on biological cells, with a focus on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer investigations at 700 MHz and 3.5 GHz. Bandwidth improvement, achieved through geometric modifications and optimized connector transitions, resulted in reduced return and insertion losses and improved field uniformity, particularly in the 2.5–6 GHz range. Numerical simulations showed homogeneous electric field and normalized specific absorption rate (SAR) distributions (~1 W/kg) at 700 MHz. At 3.5 GHz, the improved TEM cell provided the most uniform exposure of the biological sample with SAR values of 15 W/kg and 10.5 W/kg, for the bulk and surface (bottom layer), respectively. Experimental SAR measurements using a ~1 mm³ fluoro-optic probe agreed well with simulations. To counteract RF-induced heating, the system incorporated active thermoregulation at 37 °C. At 3.5 GHz and 20 W input power, a 1.5 °C rise over 120 s was effectively mitigated using water-circulation cooling. This work provides a controlled and reliable setup for future studies on the interaction of 5G-band electromagnetic fields with biological systems. Full article

The effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) on fibroblast proliferation and migration remain debated, largely due to variability in field intensity, orientation, and exposure duration, as well as the predominant use of endpoint-based assays that may not fully capture the temporal dynamics of cellular responses. Thus, it remains unclear whether reported SMF effects reflect changes in proliferation, migration, or both. Here, we examined how SMFs with different field configurations affect NIH3T3 fibroblast behavior. Three setups were tested: a field generated by two neodymium magnets arranged in a face-to-face configuration on opposite sides of the culture dish (SMF1) and single-magnet setups with either the north (SMF2 and SMF2a) or south poles (SMF3 and SMF3a) facing the cells. SMF1 was associated with a 41% increase in proliferation relative to control, while single-cell migration velocities, directional persistence, and collective wound closure showed no detectable changes. In contrast, SMF2 and SMF3, as well as their low-field variants SMF2a and SMF3a, did not produce significant effects. Our results suggest that a specific SMF configuration is associated with increased fibroblast proliferation without detectable changes in migration parameters under the tested conditions. This integrative approach helps contextualize prior divergent findings by suggesting that SMF effects may be configuration-dependent, thereby contributing to a more rational application of magnetic stimulation in cellular and tissue engineering contexts. Full article

(1) Background: The increasing contribution of anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation has altered the Earth’s electromagnetic landscape and poses a serious problem for electromagnetic ecology and medicine. The aim of this study was to develop a working theoretical framework to describe the current state of interaction between the human body and electromagnetic fields in the external environment and to facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration among scientists in studying and addressing this problem. (2) Methods: Extensive research has been conducted in the literature to provide a comprehensive presentation of data, enabling a working concept of the interaction between the human body and electromagnetic fields in the external environment. (3) Results: General data, theoretical foundations, mechanisms, and results of the interaction of external electromagnetic fields with the human body were presented. (4) Conclusions: There is a proven interaction between the human body and external electromagnetic fields, as the body is part of the Earth’s electromagnetic landscape and has biophysical mechanisms for coupling with it. The increase in anthropogenic electromagnetic radiation is an electromagnetic environmental problem, and this requires further study of the safety issues and the impact of anthropogenic electromagnetic fields on the human body, and a reassessment of their biological impact on the human body, tightening the standards and requirements for electromagnetic safety in places where people live, a moratorium on further deployment of 5G, urgent application of the precautionary principle, and stricter exposure limits, especially for Wireless Communication Electromagnetic Fields. Full article

The rapid deployment of 5G technology has raised public concern regarding the potential health effects of electromagnetic radiation from mobile devices. This study systematically evaluates the specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature distribution in a multi-layer spherical head model exposed to near-field radiation from a 5G mobile phone antenna. A planar inverted-F antenna (PIFA) covering the 3.5 GHz band was integrated into a smartphone model, and simulations were performed in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.3 under input powers of 21 dBm and 24 dBm at varying antenna–head distances. The results show that the peak SAR in the brain layer remained at 0.034 W/kg and 0.065 W/kg for the two power levels, both well below the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) safety limit of 2 W/kg. The highest SAR occurred in the scalp layer, decreasing gradually through the skull and brain tissues. After 30 min of exposure, the maximum brain temperature reached only 37.223 °C, far lower than the thermal damage threshold. Increasing the antenna–head distance from 5 mm to 30 mm reduced SAR by up to 50.2%, while temperature variations remained negligible (≤0.18%). These findings demonstrate that under typical usage conditions, 5G mobile phone radiation complies with international safety standards and poses no significant thermal risk, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of bio-electromagnetic interactions and supporting ongoing wireless-communication safety assessments. Full article

Over the past 50 years, scientific interest in electromagnetic field-biology interactions has flourished. Important experimental observations and mathematical hypotheses remain central to academic debate. Adey and Blackman found that specific electromagnetic frequencies affect calcium transport in cells. To explain this phenomenon, Liboff introduced ion cyclotron resonance-like (ICR-like) theory, proposing a specific mechanism for ion modulation. Preparata and Del Giudice introduced quantum electrodynamics (QED), offering controversial quantum-level explanations that complement classical models. Lucia and NASA contributed further with thermomagnetic resonance and experimental observations. Together, these hypotheses have partially clarified how weak electromagnetic fields interact with cells and suggest possible parallel endogenous mechanisms. The aim of this narrative review is to provide a clear and logical framework for understanding biological events, both those that arise naturally within biology and those that can be initiated externally through the application of electromagnetic fields. As electromagnetism constitutes one of the four fundamental forces, this interaction warrants rigorous scientific scrutiny. Full article

Bioelectromagnetism has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by providing a noninvasive, targeted, and potentially more effective complement to traditional therapies. Among bioelectromagnetic techniques, modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) stands out due to its unique characteristics, which have been supported by experimental evidence and clinical validation. Unlike conventional hyperthermia methods, mEHT leverages nonthermal bioelectromagnetic processes, offering a distinct and promising approach in oncology. This differentiation underscores the broader potential for bioelectromagnetic applications in cancer treatment, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of bio-electromagnetic energy regulation (BEMER) therapy on erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in two different centers. Fifty-two male participants with MS were randomly allocated into two groups. Patients received either three weeks of BEMER with pelvic floor exercises or sham BEMER with pelvic floor exercises. The primary measure was the International Index of Erectile Function—Erectile Function (IIEF-EF). Secondary measures included the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM), Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (AXES), Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS), and Multiple Sclerosis, Intimacy, and Sexuality Questionnaire (MSISQ-19). Results: Compared to the sham BEMER group, the BEMER group showed better improvements in the IIEF-EF (mean difference [MD]: −6.9, p < 0.001), SHIM (MD: −6.1, p < 0.001), EHS (MD: −0.4, p = 0.022), AXES (MD: 2.9, p = 0.030), MSISQ-19 (MD: 15.0, p < 0.001), and MFIS (MD: 31.0, p < 0.001). Conclusions: BEMER therapy improved erectile function and sexual satisfaction and reduced fatigue in patients with MS after three weeks of intervention. Long-term follow-up studies are warranted to ascertain the sustained benefits of BEMER therapy for MS-related ED. Full article

Accurate human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dielectric parameters are critical for biological electromagnetic applications such as the electromagnetic field modelling of the human brain, the localization and intensity assessment of electrical generators in the brain, and electromagnetic protection. To detect brain damage signals during temperature changes by electrical impedance tomography (EIT), the change in CSF dielectric parameters with frequency (10 Hz–100 MHz) and temperature (17–39 °C) was investigated. A Debye model was first established to capture the complex impedance frequency and temperature characteristics. Furthermore, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis based on the dielectric parameters of normal and diseased CSF was carried out to identify lesions. The Debye model’s characteristic f_c parameters linearly increased with increasing temperature (R² = 0.989), and R₀ and R₁ linearly decreased (R² = 0.990). The final established formula can calculate the complex impedivity of CSF with a maximum fitting error of 3.79%. Furthermore, the ROC based on the real part of impedivity at 10 Hz and 17 °C yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.898 with a specificity of 0.889 and a sensitivity of 0.944. These findings are expected to facilitate the application of electromagnetic technology, such as disease diagnosis, specific absorption rate calculation, and biosensor design. Full article

For geomagnetic navigation technology, taking inspiration from nature and leveraging the principle of animals’ utilization of the geomagnetic field for long-distance navigation, and employing biomimetic technology to develop higher-precision geomagnetic sensors and more advanced navigation strategies, has emerged as a new trend. Based on the two widely acknowledged biological magnetic induction mechanisms, we have designed a bioinspired weak magnetic vector (BWMV) sensor and integrated it with neural networks to achieve geomagnetic matching navigation. In this paper, we assess the performance of the BWMV sensor through finite element model simulation. The result validates its high measurement accuracy and outstanding adaptability to installation errors with the assistance of specially trained neural networks. Furthermore, we have enhanced the bioinspired geomagnetic navigation algorithm and proposed a more advanced search strategy to adapt to navigation under the condition of no prior geomagnetic map. A simulated geomagnetic navigation platform was constructed based on the finite element model to simulate the navigation of the BWMV sensor in geomagnetic environments. The simulated navigation experiment verified that the proposed search strategy applied to the BWMV sensor can achieve high-precision navigation. This study proposes a novel approach for the research of bioinspired geomagnetic navigation technology, which holds great development prospects. Full article

The thyroid gland, which is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, plays a crucial role in the regulation of the hormonal levels of the human body. Biosensors, on the other hand, are essential to access information and derive metrics about the condition of the thyroid by means of of non-invasive techniques. This paper provides a systematic overview of the recent literature on bioelectromagnetic models and methods designed specifically for the study of the thyroid. The survey, which was conducted within the scope of the radiation transmitter–thyroid model–sensor system, is centered around the following three primary axes: the bands of the frequency spectrum taken into account, the design of the model, and the methodology and/or algorithm. Our review highlights the areas of specialization and underscores the limitations of each model, including its time, memory, and resource requirements, as well as its performance. In this manner, this specific work may offer guidance throughout the selection process of a bioelectromagnetic model of the thyroid, as well as a technique for its analysis based on the available resources and the specific parameters of the electromagnetic problem under consideration. Full article

A choke ring horn antenna has been designed for use as an RF applicator in a compact range in vitro 28 GHz bioelectromagnetic exposure system. The 30 mm × 50 mm horn antenna was fabricated and measured to operate from 27.75 GHz to 34.5 GHz with a −20 dB measured S11 and a measured antenna gain of more than 10 dBi. A wide sectoral (flat top) and symmetric E- and H-plane pattern with a half-power beamwidth of more than 60 degrees was achieved with a cross-polarization discrimination of better than 28 dB. Electromagnetic slots were introduced in the antenna to suppress excess cavity mode radiation which inherently impacts the cross-polarization levels of choke ring antennas. The proposed antenna was successfully integrated into the compact measurement chamber in partnership with the Korea Telecommunication Research Institute (ETRI) and is currently in use for real-time 5G millimeter-wave dosimetry studies. Full article

We have previously reported wearable loop sensors that can accurately monitor knee flexion with unique merits over the state of the art. However, validation to date has been limited to single-leg configurations, discrete flexion angles, and in vitro (phantom-based) experiments. In this work, we take a major step forward to explore the bilateral monitoring of knee flexion angles, in a continuous manner, in vivo. The manuscript provides the theoretical framework of bilateral sensor operation and reports a detailed error analysis that has not been previously reported for wearable loop sensors. This includes the flatness of calibration curves that limits resolution at small angles (such as during walking) as well as the presence of motional electromotive force (EMF) noise at high angular velocities (such as during running). A novel fabrication method for flexible and mechanically robust loops is also introduced. Electromagnetic simulations and phantom-based experimental studies optimize the setup and evaluate feasibility. Proof-of-concept in vivo validation is then conducted for a human subject performing three activities (walking, brisk walking, and running), each lasting 30 s and repeated three times. The results demonstrate a promising root mean square error (RMSE) of less than 3° in most cases. Full article

The design and experimental verification of a deeply implanted conformal printed antenna is presented. The hip implant acts as the ground plane for a coaxial-cable-fed trapezoidal radiator designed to transmit biological signals collected within the body by proper biosensors. The arrangement, consisting of a metallic (or equivalent) hip implant, bio-compatible gypsum-based dielectric, and conformal radiator, was tested when the hosting 3D-printed plastic bone was immersed in tissue-like liquid contained in a plastic bucket. The dimensions of the set-up are similar to a human leg. Matching and radiation characteristics are presented in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) frequency band (2.4–2.5 GHz), showing the feasibility of the proposed arrangement. Full article

Mitohormesis is a process whereby mitochondrial stress responses, mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), act cumulatively to either instill survival adaptations (low ROS levels) or to produce cell damage (high ROS levels). The mitohormetic nature of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure thus makes it susceptible to extraneous influences that also impinge on mitochondrial ROS production and contribute to the collective response. Consequently, magnetic stimulation paradigms are prone to experimental variability depending on diverse circumstances. The failure, or inability, to control for these factors has contributed to the existing discrepancies between published reports and in the interpretations made from the results generated therein. Confounding environmental factors include ambient magnetic fields, temperature, the mechanical environment, and the conventional use of aminoglycoside antibiotics. Biological factors include cell type and seeding density as well as the developmental, inflammatory, or senescence statuses of cells that depend on the prior handling of the experimental sample. Technological aspects include magnetic field directionality, uniformity, amplitude, and duration of exposure. All these factors will exhibit manifestations at the level of ROS production that will culminate as a unified cellular response in conjunction with magnetic exposure. Fortunately, many of these factors are under the control of the experimenter. This review will focus on delineating areas requiring technical and biological harmonization to assist in the designing of therapeutic strategies with more clearly defined and better predicted outcomes and to improve the mechanistic interpretation of the generated data, rather than on precise applications. This review will also explore the underlying mechanistic similarities between magnetic field exposure and other forms of biophysical stimuli, such as mechanical stimuli, that mutually induce elevations in intracellular calcium and ROS as a prerequisite for biological outcome. These forms of biophysical stimuli commonly invoke the activity of transient receptor potential cation channel classes, such as TRPC1. Full article