Weak radiofrequency fields affect the insect circadian clock

BARTOŠ, Přemysl, Radek NETUŠIL, Pavel SLABÝ, David DOLEŽEL, Thorsten RITZ and Martin VÁCHA. Weak radiofrequency fields affect the insect circadian clock. In International Workshop: Environmental effects of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields: Flora and Fauna. 5th-7th November. Munich. 2019.

Basic information

• Original name: Weak radiofrequency fields affect the insect circadian clock
• Name in Czech: Weak radiofrequency fields affect the insect circadian clock
• Name (in English): Weak radiofrequency fields affect the insect circadian clock
• Authors: BARTOŠ, Přemysl, Radek NETUŠIL, Pavel SLABÝ, David DOLEŽEL, Thorsten RITZ and Martin VÁCHA.
• Edition: International Workshop: Environmental effects of electric, magnetic and electromagnetic fields: Flora and Fauna. 5th-7th November. Munich. 2019.

Other information

• Type of outcome: Conference abstract
• Confidentiality degree: is not subject to a state or trade secret
• Keywords (in Czech): radiofrequency field, circadian clock, magnetoreception, magnetic field, insects, free-running rhythm
• Keywords in English: radiofrequency field, circadian clock, magnetoreception, magnetic field, insects, free-running rhythm
• Tags: International impact, Reviewed

Abstract

Man-made radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields have been shown to have effects on animal compass orientation at remarkably weak intensities, but have until now been considered to be linked to orientation of migratory animals. Here, we tested if weak RF fields also affect the circadian rhythm of the German cockroach. We observed that static MFs slow down the cockroach clock rhythm, consistent with results on the Drosophila circadian clock. Remarkably, three hundred times weaker RF fields likewise slowed down the cockroach clock. This demonstrates that the internal clock, a ubiquitous feature of many animals can be sensitive to weak RF fields, consequently opening the possibility of an influence of man-made RF fields on many clock-dependent events in living systems.

Abstract (in Czech)

Man-made radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields have been shown to have effects on animal compass orientation at remarkably weak intensities, but have until now been considered to be linked to orientation of migratory animals. Here, we tested if weak RF fields also affect the circadian rhythm of the German cockroach. We observed that static MFs slow down the cockroach clock rhythm, consistent with results on the Drosophila circadian clock. Remarkably, three hundred times weaker RF fields likewise slowed down the cockroach clock. This demonstrates that the internal clock, a ubiquitous feature of many animals can be sensitive to weak RF fields, consequently opening the possibility of an influence of man-made RF fields on many clock-dependent events in living systems.

Abstract (in English)

Man-made radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields have been shown to have effects on animal compass orientation at remarkably weak intensities, but have until now been considered to be linked to orientation of migratory animals. Here, we tested if weak RF fields also affect the circadian rhythm of the German cockroach. We observed that static MFs slow down the cockroach clock rhythm, consistent with results on the Drosophila circadian clock. Remarkably, three hundred times weaker RF fields likewise slowed down the cockroach clock. This demonstrates that the internal clock, a ubiquitous feature of many animals can be sensitive to weak RF fields, consequently opening the possibility of an influence of man-made RF fields on many clock-dependent events in living systems.

Links

• MUNI/G/1391/2018, interní kód MU: Name: At the Cross-road of Magnetic Fields and Light: A New Perspective of Cell Clock Control.

Investor: Masaryk University, INTERDISCIPLINARY - Interdisciplinary research projects