Challenges in coupling atmospheric electricity with biological systems
← Research streamThis paper synthesizes current understanding of how atmospheric electricity (from global electric circuit fields to lightning and ions) may couple to biological systems across ecosystems, and highlights conceptual and technical challenges and research opportu…
Study snapshot
Abstract
Challenges in coupling atmospheric electricity with biological systems Ellard R Hunting, James Matthews, Pablo Fernández de Arróyabe Hernáez, Sam J England, Konstantinos Kourtidis, Kuang Koh, Keri Nicoll, R Giles Harrison, Konstantine Manser, Colin Price, Snezana Dragovic, Michal Cifra, Anna Odzimek, Daniel Robert. Challenges in coupling atmospheric electricity with biological systems. Int J Biometeorol. 2020 Jul 14. doi: 10.1007/s00484-020-01960-7. Abstract The atmosphere is host to a complex electric environment, ranging from a global electric circuit generating fluctuating atmospheric electric fields to local lightning strikes and ions. While research on interactions of organisms with their electrical environment is deeply rooted in the aquatic environment, it has hitherto been confined to interactions with local electrical phenomena and organismal perception of electric fields. However, there is emerging evidence of coupling between large- and small-scale atmospheric electrical phenomena and various biological processes in terrestrial environments that even appear to be tied to continental waters. Here, we synthesize our current understanding of this connectivity, discussing how atmospheric electricity can affect various levels of biological organization across multiple ecosystems. We identify opportunities for research, highlighting its complexity and interdisciplinary nature and draw attention to both conceptual and technical challenges lying ahead of our future understanding of the relationship between atmospheric electricity and the organization and functioning of biological systems. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov Excerpts In biological systems, alternating currents (AC) range from a fraction of hertz to approximately 1000 Hz. Early studies focussed on biological effects of electromagnetic fields in the ELF range in relation to possible effects since ELF is measurable-albeit weak in comparison-in the activity of the human central nervous system (e.g., König et al. 1981). An increasing interest in higher radiofrequencies and microwaves subsequently developed due to the growing application in radio-communication and industry (Repacholi 1998). This interest persists as ELF is now nearly ubiquitous in both industrial and domestic environments (e.g., Bortkiewicz et al. 2006). ELF has also been considered to present potential health or therapeutic applications (König et al. 1981). While biological organisms have been naturally subjected to geomagnetic and electromagnetic fields over the course of the evolution of life on earth, scientific knowledge on the possible beneficial or deleterious effects of such fields remains sparse. Yet, evidence points to responses of biological systems, albeit inconsistent, to the action of electromagnetic fields and waves, including the current expansion of 5G wireless communication with potential adverse effects on DNA and membrane integrity, sperm function, and viability as well as immune and neuronal functioning (Marron et al. 1975; König et al. 1981; Liboff et al. 1984; Mikolajczyk 1990; Bortkiewicz et al. 2006; Valberg et al. 2006; Huss et al. 2007; Engels et al. 2014; Panagopoulos et al. 2015; Kocaman et al. 2018; Russell 2018; Saliev et al. 2019).
AI evidence extraction
Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.
Main findings
This paper synthesizes current understanding of how atmospheric electricity (from global electric circuit fields to lightning and ions) may couple to biological systems across ecosystems, and highlights conceptual and technical challenges and research opportunities. It notes emerging evidence of coupling between atmospheric electrical phenomena and various biological processes, but emphasizes complexity and that knowledge of beneficial or deleterious effects remains sparse and responses can be inconsistent.
Outcomes measured
- biological processes across multiple ecosystems
- organization and functioning of biological systems
Limitations
- Narrative synthesis/review; no primary study methods or quantitative effect estimates described in the abstract
- Abstract emphasizes sparse knowledge and inconsistent responses, limiting conclusions about direction or magnitude of effects
View raw extracted JSON
{
"study_type": "review",
"exposure": {
"band": null,
"source": "atmospheric electricity (global electric circuit, atmospheric electric fields, lightning, ions)",
"frequency_mhz": null,
"sar_wkg": null,
"duration": null
},
"population": null,
"sample_size": null,
"outcomes": [
"biological processes across multiple ecosystems",
"organization and functioning of biological systems"
],
"main_findings": "This paper synthesizes current understanding of how atmospheric electricity (from global electric circuit fields to lightning and ions) may couple to biological systems across ecosystems, and highlights conceptual and technical challenges and research opportunities. It notes emerging evidence of coupling between atmospheric electrical phenomena and various biological processes, but emphasizes complexity and that knowledge of beneficial or deleterious effects remains sparse and responses can be inconsistent.",
"effect_direction": "unclear",
"limitations": [
"Narrative synthesis/review; no primary study methods or quantitative effect estimates described in the abstract",
"Abstract emphasizes sparse knowledge and inconsistent responses, limiting conclusions about direction or magnitude of effects"
],
"evidence_strength": "insufficient",
"confidence": 0.74,
"peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
"keywords": [
"atmospheric electricity",
"global electric circuit",
"atmospheric electric fields",
"lightning",
"ions",
"biological systems",
"ecosystems",
"electromagnetic fields",
"ELF",
"radiofrequencies",
"microwaves",
"5G"
],
"suggested_hubs": [
{
"slug": "5g-policy",
"weight": 0.22,
"reason": "Excerpts mention the expansion of 5G wireless communication and potential adverse effects, though the paper focus is atmospheric electricity."
}
]
}AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Identifiers and source
DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-01960-7
PubMed: 32666310