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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Free Radicals in Chemical Biology: from Chemical Behavior to Biomarker Development
Published on: April 15, 2013
Role of radical pairs and feedback in weak radio frequency field effects on biological systems
Frank Barnes1, Ben Greenebaum2
1ECEE Department, University of Colorado, Campus Box 425, Boulder, CO 80309, United States.
Abstract:
Radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF) have been shown to modify the concentrations of the radical O2-, H2O2 and cancer cell growth rates at exposure levels below those that cause significant heating. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are both signaling molecules and species that can do damage, depending on timing, location and concentrations. We briefly look at some mechanisms by which electromagnetic fields can modify the concentrations of ROS and some of the feedback and repair processes that lead to variable biological effects. Of particular interest are the role of radical pairs and their spins, which have received considerable attention recently, and the role of feedback in biological systems, to which less attention has been paid.
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