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'''Robert O. Becker''' (May 31, 1923 − May 14, 2008) was a U.S. [[orthopedic]] [[surgeon]] and researcher in [[electrophysiology]]/[[electromedicine]]. He worked mainly as professor at Upstate Medical Center in [[State University of New York]], [[Syracuse (New York)|Syracuse]], and as Director of [[Orthopedic Surgery]] at the [[Veterans Health Administration|Veterans Administration Hospital]], Syracuse, New York. <ref>[http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080529/OBIT01/622148355/-1/obit Dr. Robert O. Becker (1923-2008)]</ref>{{dubious-inline|date=March 2012|reason=It claims Becker was nominated twice for a nobel prize, this seems to be from a misreading of the nomination database, which lists two different Beckers but not Robert Becker see here: http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/nomination/nomination.php?string=Becker&action=simplesearch&submit.x=0&submit.y=0}}
'''Robert O. Becker''' (May 31, 1923 − May 14, 2008) was a U.S. [[orthopedic]] [[surgeon]] and researcher in [[electrophysiology]]/[[electromedicine]]. He worked mainly as professor at Upstate Medical Center in [[State University of New York]], [[Syracuse (New York)|Syracuse]], and as Director of [[Orthopedic Surgery]] at the [[Veterans Health Administration|Veterans Administration Hospital]], Syracuse, New York. <ref>[http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20080529/OBIT01/622148355/-1/obit Dr. Robert O. Becker (1923-2008)]</ref>{{dubious-inline|date=March 2012|reason=It claims Becker was nominated twice for a nobel prize, this seems to be from a misreading of the nomination database, which lists two different Beckers but not Robert Becker see here: http://www.nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/peace/nomination/nomination.php?string=Becker&action=simplesearch&submit.x=0&submit.y=0 This search is invalid, as the nomination database only goes up to 1951.}}

The official [http://www.upstate.edu/ortho/research/pdf/research_history.pdf research history] of the former states: “For his contributions, Robert O. Becker MD was awarded the Middleton Award in 1964 by the U.S. Veteran's Administration, the Nicholas Andry Award by the American Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons in 1979, and was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize.”


==His research==
==His research==
Becker's research-related work was mainly research in electromedicine, within the two areas wound/fracture healing and regeneration of amputated limbs, supplemented with informing on electromagnetic pollution.
⚫
Becker having observed in his clinical practice that broken bones sometimes failed to grow together, he set out to study experimentally why, and if external physical conditions could improve the growth. He found that a [[Direct current|DC]] current through the broken bone (about 1 [[nanoampere]]) would greatly improve the growth and fusion of the bones. During this work, Becker found it significant that lower animals had much better [[Regeneration (biology)|regeneration]] capabilities: [[Salamander]]s could regrow lost limbs, while [[frog]]s seemed to be a little too high on the evolutionary ladder to achieve this regeneration. He studied these animals for years in order to find out why evolution caused impaired regeneration capabilities, and whether [[electric field]]s or currents could stimulate regeneration. His experiments and theorizing could be regarded as a continuation of the similar work of [[Harold Saxton Burr]]. Becker thought, like Burr, that some sort of [[Field (physics)|field]] encompassed the body, governing and stimulating regeneration. He found that an [[electrostatic field]], positive away from the limb stump, could enable regeneration of a frog limb.<ref>Mae-Wan Ho, Fritz Albert Popp, Ulrich Warnke ''Bioelectrodynamics and biocommunication'' 1994, p. 21</ref><ref>Albert A. Anderson ''Universal justice: a dialectical approach'' 1997, pp. 68-69</ref>

===Bone fracture healing===
Having observed in his clinical practice that broken bones sometimes failed to grow together, he set out to study experimentally why, and if external physical conditions could improve the growth. He found that a [[Direct current|DC]] current through the broken bone (about 1 [[nanoampere]]) would greatly improve the growth and fusion of the bones. He was (for both fracture healing and regeneration) not concerned with the frequency aspect of the stimulation − in contrast to e.g. [[Royal Rife]] and [[Hulda Clark]].

===Regeneration of amputated limbs===
⚫
During this work, Becker found it significant that lower animals had much better [[Regeneration (biology)|regeneration]] capabilities: [[Salamander]]s could regrow lost limbs, while [[frog]]s seemed to be a little too high on the evolutionary ladder to achieve this regeneration. He studied these animals for years in order to find out why evolution caused impaired regeneration capabilities, and whether [[electric field]]s or currents could stimulate regeneration. His experiments and theorizing could be regarded as a continuation of the similar work of [[Harold Saxton Burr]]. Becker thought, like Burr, that some sort of [[Field (physics)|field]] encompassed the body, governing and stimulating regeneration. He found that an [[electrostatic field]], negative away from the limb stump, could enable regeneration of a frog limb.<ref>Mae-Wan Ho, Fritz Albert Popp, Ulrich Warnke ''Bioelectrodynamics and biocommunication'' 1994, p. 21</ref>

Becker ascribed regeneration capability to the existence of a [[cell nucleus|nucleus]] in the salamander's [[Red blood cell|erythrocyte]]. (The mature erythrocytes of frogs and higher animals lacked nucleus.) Erythrocytes with nuclei seemed to have the [[dedifferentiation]] capability required for later differentiating into the various cell types needed in the growth area. Becker described these studies in his 1985 book ''[[The Body Electric (book)]]'', and also (condensed and compared with other fields) in the first part of his 1990 book ''Cross Currents''.

===Wound healing===
His newest and most efficient regeneration/healing technique for humans is based on [[iontophoresis]]: [[Silver]] [[ions]] are pulled into the [[lesion]] area by means of a positive silver [[electrode]] placed upon the wound. This would create a regeneration-inducing [[blastema]] in human tissues that would else have [[atrophy|atrophied]]. Becker patented this procedure in 1998, [http://rexresearch.com/becker/becker1.htm U.S. patent 70005556].

==Other activities==
===Electropollution===
Having discovered the physiological importance of electricity in the environment, Becker was deeply concerned with both the positive and negative effects of these influences<ref>[http://www.wirelessimpacts.org/science/becker.html British Cell Phone Safety Alert and An Interview with Robert O. Becker, M. D ]</ref>. This is evidenced by the subtitle of the book in which he described and discussed these influences: ''Cross Currents. The Promise of Electromedicine, the Perils of Electropollution''.


Having worked as an expert member in committees examining various potentially electropolluting projects, Becker became involved in public debates. He advocated far stricter limits for permitted electromagnetic emissions, being in agreement with an EU parliament report:
He had the unsubstantiated belief that [[Electromagnetic_radiation_and_health#Electric_power_transmission|power lines are dangerous]], he also claimed human bodies and immune systems are affected by electromagnetic fields from radar, satellites and electric appliances.<ref>[http://www.wirelessimpacts.org/science/becker.html British Cell Phone Safety Alert and An Interview with Robert O. Becker, M. D ]</ref>
{{quote|...it is most curious, to say the least, that the applicable official threshold values for limiting the health impact of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and high frequency waves were drawn up and proposed to international political institutions (WHO, European Commission, governments) by the ICNIRP, an NGO whose origin and structure are none too clear and which is furthermore suspected of having rather close links with the industries whose expansion is shaped by recommendations for maximum threshold values for the different frequencies of electromagnetic fields.|Report, Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs}}[http://assembly.coe.int/Main.asp?link=/Documents/WorkingDocs/Doc11/EDOC12608.htm]


This is in agreement with the much stricter safety limits established in eastern Europe. Becker asserted that the career and research finance problems he experienced in his later years were due to hostility from the electrical utility companies and the military, as he had sharply criticized the electropolluting activities of both.
''The Body Electric: Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life'' is a book by Becker which describes his research into "our bioelectric selves".


===Parapsychology===
Becker also published papers on [[parapsychology]].<ref>Becker, R. O. (1990). The relationship between bioelectromagnetics and psychic phenomena. ASPR Newsletter, XVI, 11–14. </ref><ref>Becker, R. O. (1992). Electromagnetism and psi phenomena. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 86, 1–17. </ref> Becker believed that [[extrasensory perception]] could occur from [[extremely low frequency]] (ELF) waves.<ref>Harvey J. Irwin, Caroline Watt ''An Introduction to Parapsychology'' 2007, p. 125</ref>
Becker also published papers on [[parapsychology]].<ref>Becker, R. O. (1990). The relationship between bioelectromagnetics and psychic phenomena. ASPR Newsletter, XVI, 11–14. </ref><ref>Becker, R. O. (1992). Electromagnetism and psi phenomena. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 86, 1–17. </ref> He believed that [[extrasensory perception]] could occur from [[extremely low frequency]] (ELF) waves.<ref>Harvey J. Irwin, Caroline Watt ''An Introduction to Parapsychology'' 2007, p. 125</ref>


==Published works==
==Published works==
;Books
;Books
* ''The Body Electric. Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life'' (with Gary Selden). Morrow, New York 1985, ISBN 0-688-06971-1
* ''[[The Body Electric (book)|The Body Electric]]. Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life'' (with Gary Selden). Morrow, New York 1985, ISBN 0-688-06971-1
* ''Electromagnetism and Life.'' State University of New York Press, Albany 1982, ISBN 0-87395-560-9
* ''Electromagnetism and Life.'' State University of New York Press, Albany 1982, ISBN 0-87395-560-9
* ''Cross Currents. The Promise of Electromedicine, the Perils of Electropollution.'' Torcher, Los Angeles 1990, ISBN 0-87477-536-1
* ''Cross Currents. The Promise of Electromedicine, the Perils of Electropollution.'' Torcher, Los Angeles 1990, ISBN 0-87477-536-1

Revision as of 06:45, 11 May 2012

Robert O. Becker (May 31, 1923 − May 14, 2008) was a U.S. orthopedic surgeon and researcher in electrophysiology/electromedicine. He worked mainly as professor at Upstate Medical Center in State University of New York, Syracuse, and as Director of Orthopedic Surgery at the Veterans Administration Hospital, Syracuse, New York. [1][dubious – discuss]

The official research history of the former states: “For his contributions, Robert O. Becker MD was awarded the Middleton Award in 1964 by the U.S. Veteran's Administration, the Nicholas Andry Award by the American Association of Bone and Joint Surgeons in 1979, and was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize.”

His research

Becker's research-related work was mainly research in electromedicine, within the two areas wound/fracture healing and regeneration of amputated limbs, supplemented with informing on electromagnetic pollution.

Bone fracture healing

Having observed in his clinical practice that broken bones sometimes failed to grow together, he set out to study experimentally why, and if external physical conditions could improve the growth. He found that a DC current through the broken bone (about 1 nanoampere) would greatly improve the growth and fusion of the bones. He was (for both fracture healing and regeneration) not concerned with the frequency aspect of the stimulation − in contrast to e.g. Royal Rife and Hulda Clark.

Regeneration of amputated limbs

During this work, Becker found it significant that lower animals had much better regeneration capabilities: Salamanders could regrow lost limbs, while frogs seemed to be a little too high on the evolutionary ladder to achieve this regeneration. He studied these animals for years in order to find out why evolution caused impaired regeneration capabilities, and whether electric fields or currents could stimulate regeneration. His experiments and theorizing could be regarded as a continuation of the similar work of Harold Saxton Burr. Becker thought, like Burr, that some sort of field encompassed the body, governing and stimulating regeneration. He found that an electrostatic field, negative away from the limb stump, could enable regeneration of a frog limb.[2]

Becker ascribed regeneration capability to the existence of a nucleus in the salamander's erythrocyte. (The mature erythrocytes of frogs and higher animals lacked nucleus.) Erythrocytes with nuclei seemed to have the dedifferentiation capability required for later differentiating into the various cell types needed in the growth area. Becker described these studies in his 1985 book The Body Electric (book), and also (condensed and compared with other fields) in the first part of his 1990 book Cross Currents.

Wound healing

His newest and most efficient regeneration/healing technique for humans is based on iontophoresis: Silver ions are pulled into the lesion area by means of a positive silver electrode placed upon the wound. This would create a regeneration-inducing blastema in human tissues that would else have atrophied. Becker patented this procedure in 1998, U.S. patent 70005556.

Other activities

Electropollution

Having discovered the physiological importance of electricity in the environment, Becker was deeply concerned with both the positive and negative effects of these influences[3]. This is evidenced by the subtitle of the book in which he described and discussed these influences: Cross Currents. The Promise of Electromedicine, the Perils of Electropollution.

Having worked as an expert member in committees examining various potentially electropolluting projects, Becker became involved in public debates. He advocated far stricter limits for permitted electromagnetic emissions, being in agreement with an EU parliament report:

...it is most curious, to say the least, that the applicable official threshold values for limiting the health impact of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and high frequency waves were drawn up and proposed to international political institutions (WHO, European Commission, governments) by the ICNIRP, an NGO whose origin and structure are none too clear and which is furthermore suspected of having rather close links with the industries whose expansion is shaped by recommendations for maximum threshold values for the different frequencies of electromagnetic fields.

— Report, Committee on the Environment, Agriculture and Local and Regional Affairs

[1]

This is in agreement with the much stricter safety limits established in eastern Europe. Becker asserted that the career and research finance problems he experienced in his later years were due to hostility from the electrical utility companies and the military, as he had sharply criticized the electropolluting activities of both.

Parapsychology

Becker also published papers on parapsychology.[4][5] He believed that extrasensory perception could occur from extremely low frequency (ELF) waves.[6]

Published works

Books
  • The Body Electric. Electromagnetism and the Foundation of Life (with Gary Selden). Morrow, New York 1985, ISBN 0-688-06971-1
  • Electromagnetism and Life. State University of New York Press, Albany 1982, ISBN 0-87395-560-9
  • Cross Currents. The Promise of Electromedicine, the Perils of Electropollution. Torcher, Los Angeles 1990, ISBN 0-87477-536-1
As publisher
  • Mechanisms of Growth Control, edited by Robert O. Becker. Thomas, Springfield 1981, ISBN 0-398-04469-4
Selected papers

See also

References

  1. ^ Dr. Robert O. Becker (1923-2008)
  2. ^ Mae-Wan Ho, Fritz Albert Popp, Ulrich Warnke Bioelectrodynamics and biocommunication 1994, p. 21
  3. ^ British Cell Phone Safety Alert and An Interview with Robert O. Becker, M. D
  4. ^ Becker, R. O. (1990). The relationship between bioelectromagnetics and psychic phenomena. ASPR Newsletter, XVI, 11–14.
  5. ^ Becker, R. O. (1992). Electromagnetism and psi phenomena. Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research, 86, 1–17.
  6. ^ Harvey J. Irwin, Caroline Watt An Introduction to Parapsychology 2007, p. 125

External links

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