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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
Electric and Magnetic Field Devices for Stimulation of Biological Tissues
Published on: May 15, 2021
Background ELF magnetic fields in incubators: a factor of importance in cell culture work
Kjell Hansson Mild1, Jonna Wilén, Mats-Olof Mattsson
1Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. kjell.hansson.mild@radfys.umu.se
Abstract:
Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields in cell culture incubators have been measured. Values of the order of tens of muT were found which is in sharp contrast to the values found in our normal environment (0.05-0.1microT). There are numerous examples of biological effects found after exposure to MF at these levels, such as changes in gene expression, blocked cell differentiation, inhibition of the effect of tamoxifen, effects on chick embryo development, etc. We therefore recommend that people working with cell culture incubators check for the background magnetic field and take this into account in performing their experiments, since this could be an unrecognised factor of importance contributing to the variability in the results from work with cell cultures.
Insights
Extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields in cell culture incubators are significantly higher than normal environmental levels. Researchers should measure these magnetic fields to account for potential impacts on cell culture experiment variability.
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Cell Biology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Cell culture incubators generate extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF).
- Measured MF levels in incubators (tens of microteslas) far exceed typical environmental MF levels (0.05-0.1 microteslas).
- Elevated MF exposure is linked to various biological effects, including altered gene expression and cell differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify ELF magnetic field levels within cell culture incubators.
- To highlight the potential impact of these fields on cell culture experimental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Magnetic field measurements were conducted within standard cell culture incubators.
- Comparison of measured incubator MF levels with established environmental MF data.
Main Results:
- Incubators were found to produce ELF magnetic fields orders of magnitude higher than ambient levels.
- Significant discrepancies between incubator and environmental MF exposure were confirmed.
Conclusions:
- The high background MF in incubators may be an unrecognized factor influencing cell culture results.
- Researchers are advised to measure and consider incubator MF levels to improve experimental reproducibility and data interpretation.
