Influence of electromagnetic fields on the circadian rhythm: Implications for human health and disease
Author: Jan Martel1, Shih-Hsin Chang1, Gaétan Chevalier2, David M Ojcius3, John D Young4
Affiliation:
1 Center for Molecular and Clinical Immunology, Chang Gung University, 259 Wenhua First Rd, Guishan District, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan.
2 Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
3 Chang Gung Immunology Consortium, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, 5 Fuxing St, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of the Pacific, Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry, Fifth St, San Francisco, CA 94103, USA.
4 Chang Gung Biotechnology Corporation, 201 Dunhua North Rd, Taipei 105, Taiwan. Electronic address: jdyoung@mail.cgu.edu.tw.
Conference/Journal: Biomed J
Date published: 2023 Jan 18
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.01.003. , Word Count: 196
Living organisms have evolved within the natural electromagnetic fields of the earth which comprise atmospheric electricity, Schumann resonances and the geomagnetic field. Research suggests that the circadian rhythm, which controls several physiological functions in the human body, can be influenced by light but also by the earth's electromagnetic fields. Cyclic solar disturbances, including sunspots and seasonal weakening of the geomagnetic field, can affect human health, possibly by disrupting the circadian rhythm and downstream physiological functions. Severe disruption of the circadian rhythm increases inflammation which can induce fatigue, fever and flu-like symptoms in a fraction of the population and worsen existing symptoms in old and diseased individuals, leading to periodic spikes of infectious and chronic diseases. Possible mechanisms underlying sensing of the earth's electromagnetic fields involve entrainment, light-dependent radical pair formation in retina cryptochromes, and paramagnetic magnetite nanoparticles. Factors such as electromagnetic pollution from wireless devices and antennas, shielding by non-conductive materials used in shoes and buildings, and local geomagnetic anomalies may also affect sensing of the earth's electromagnetic fields by the human body and contribute to circadian rhythm disruption and disease development.
Keywords: Circadian rhythm; Covid-19 pandemic; Schumann resonances; geomagnetic field; grounding.
PMID: 36681118 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.01.003
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