Magnetobiology: The kT Paradox and Possible Solutions


The kT problem, the argument against the effects of low intensity electromagnetic fields is based in these assumptions:

• Primary magnetoreception occurs at the atomic or molecular level;
• The interaction of an ac MF and a molecular target is a single-quantum process; and
• The interaction of the field and the target occurs under thermal equilibrium conditions.

But none of this is true; besides molecular targets, relatively large particles with almost macroscopic magnetic moment may be found in organisms (and also macromolecules like proteins acquire dipolar structure). In regard to molecular targets, their interaction with low-frequency magnetic fields is of multiple-quantum character (because in quantum electrodynamics coherent states are multiple-quantum field excitations) and may develop in the absence of thermal equilibrium, and that, the absence of thermal equilibrium (an example of non equilibrium processes are changes in protein structures proceeding at slower rate as compared to their functioning) is precisely an important argument against the validity of kT problem in living systems.

They propose various targets for magnetic fields; proteins (with some magnetosensitive group), free radical pairs, cell membrane, and.. water (a very interesting issue because water is almost omnipresent in bodies and cells, and has curious capacities in regard to its interaction with electromagnetic fields, here there are the sections dedicated to Coherence Domains in Water, Water Exclusion Zones and Water and Information Transfer, those investigations are the estate of the art in water-emf interaction and possibilities).

Anyways the authors of this paper say that magnetic moments of protons forming the hydrogen bonds in water are most likely target, and that changing water structure surrounding proteins can induce variety of changes including specific conformations of the molecules (in a similar way as is viewed in this paper), etc. other influence on water may be mediated by coherent motion of a part of the ions.


Last modified on 15-Mar-16

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