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A Possible Explanation for the Effect of Magnetic Fields on Biological Systems

Nature volume 211, page 968 (1966)Cite this article

Abstract

ALTHOUGH there is considerable controversy over the validity of any given example of the influence of a magnetic field on a biological system, the number of such reported phenomena1 continue to make it a useful task to speculate on mechanisms which are reasonable on a molecular level. The direct influence of magnetic fields on chemical equilibrium or rate of reaction has occasionally been reported; however, this cannot usually be reproduced, and the general weight of evidence is that such effects are insignificant2. No satisfactory picture of what a weak magnetic field can do to molecular-level phenomena seems to have been advanced.

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References

  1. See, for example, Biological Effects of Magnetic Fields, edit. by Barnothy, M. F. (Plenum Press, New York, 1964).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Chemistry Division, The Franklin Institute Research Laboratories, Philadelphia

    M. M. LABES

Authors
  1. M. M. LABES
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LABES, M. A Possible Explanation for the Effect of Magnetic Fields on Biological Systems. Nature 211, 968 (1966). https://doi.org/10.1038/211968a0

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