Bioelectromagnetism

Bioelectromagnetism (sometimes equated with bioelectricity) refers to the electrical, magnetic or electromagnetic fields produced by living cells, tissues or organisms. Examples include the cell membrane potential and the electric currents that flow in nerves and muscles, as a result of action potentials. 'Bioelectromagnetism' is somewhat similar to bioelectromagnetics, which deals with the effect on life from external electromagnetism; yet such an effect also falls under the definition of 'bioelectromagnetism'.

Description

Short living electrical events called action potentials occur in several types of animal cells which are called excitable cells, a category of cell include neurons, muscle cells, and endocrine cells, as well as in some plant cells. These action potentials are used to facilitate inter-cellular communication and activate intracellular processes. The physiological phenomena of action potentials are possible because voltage-gated ion channels allow the resting potential caused by electrochemical gradient on either side of a cell membrane to resolve.

Bioelectromagnetism is studied primarily through the techniques of electrophysiology. In the late eighteenth century, the Italian physician and physicist Luigi Galvani first recorded the phenomenon while dissecting a frog at a table where he had been conducting experiments with static electricity. Galvani coined the term animal electricity to describe the phenomenon, while contemporaries labeled it galvanism. Galvani and contemporaries regarded muscle activation as resulting from an electrical fluid or substance in the nerves.

Some usually aquatic animals have acute bioelectric sensors providing a sense known as electroreception while migratory birds navigate in part by orienteering with respect to the Earth's magnetic field. In an extreme application of electromagnetism the electric eel is able to generate a large electric field outside its body used for hunting and self defense through a dedicated electric organ.

Popular culture

• Electricity is used to create Frankenstein's monster in the classic story Frankenstein as well as most of its adaptations.
• An episode of Fringe, "Power Hungry", sees Walter Bishop (John Noble), describe an experiment he once worked on to track humans with pigeons, using their electromagnetic signatures.
• In The Matrix, the machines harness the bioelectricity of humans (along with harvested body heat) to power themselves.
• In the video game, "Deus Ex" and its sequel "Deus Ex: Invisible War", the main characters, JC Denton and Alex D, as well as other characters in the series, utilizes bioelectricity to fuel their biomodifications. It is stored in a meter that depletes with each use of biomodifications, and can be restored with cells or over time throughout the game.
• In the video game "Yuri's Revenge", an expansion of "Red Alert II", Yuri faction's basic power source comes from "Bio-reactors" and garrisoning infantry adds to its total power output.
• Various Sci-Fi shows, such as the Stargate series, include life signs detectors, which could possibly detect bioelectric fields.

See also

• Electrophysiology
  • Electroreception - Sensing of electric fields by organisms
  • Magnetoception - Sensing of magnetic fields by organisms
• Electroencephalography
• Electrochemical potential
• Electrochemistry
• Electric fish
• Electrical brain stimulation
• Electromyography
• Kirlian photography
• Magnetobiology
• Membrane potential
  • Resting potential
  • Action potential
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation

External links

Information

• A brief history of Bioelectromagnetism, by Jaakko and Plonsey.
• Malmivuo, Jaakko, and Robert Plonsey, "Bioelectromagnetism, Principles and Applications of Bioelectric and Biomagnetic Fields". Oxford University Press, New York - Oxford. 1995.
• International Journal of Bioelectromagnetism
• International Society for Bioelectromagnetism
• Direct and Inverse Bioelectric Field Problems
• Greendewlife

Groups

• Institute of Bioelectromagnetism
• Vanderbilt University, Living State Physics Group, archived page
• Ragnar Granit Institute.

Bibliography

• Conesa, J. (1995). Relationship between isolated sleep paralysis and geomagnetic field influences: a case study. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 80, 1263-1273.
• Conesa, J. (1997). Isolated sleep paralysis, vivid dreams and geomagnetic field influences: II. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 85, 579-584.
• Conesa, J. (2000). Geomagnetic, cross-cultural and occupational faces of sleep paralysis: An ecological perspective. Sleep and Hypnosis, 2, (3), 105-111.