Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2025

Author Spotlight: Deciphering the Long-Term Effects of Low-Level Blast Exposures in Mice
Published on: May 24, 2024
The Effect of Long-Term Moderate Static Magnetic Field Exposure on Adult Female Mice
Xingxing Yang1, Biao Yu2, Chao Song2
1School of Life Sciences, Hefei Normal University, Hefei 230601, China.
Abstract:
Because of the high cost and safety of ultra-high magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), its application has certain limitations. Whereas 0.5−3 T MRI has been widely applied in hospitals, static magnetic fields (SMFs) have been shown to improve mice mental health and have anti-tumor potentials. Here, we compared the effects of the upward and downward 150 mT SMF groups with the sham group on C57BL/6J adult female mice. Locomotor and exploratory activity were also measured by behavioral tests, including the open field and elevated plus test. Additionally, physiology, pathology indicators and gut microbiota were examined. We found that 150 mT SMFs long-term exposure enhanced locomotive and exploratory activity of mice, especially the downward 150 mT SMF. Compared with the downward 150 mT SMF group, the movement speed and distance in the center area of the sham group were increased by 65.99% (p < 0.0001) and 68.58% (p = 0.0038), respectively. Moreover, compared to the sham group, downward 150 mT SMF increased the number of entrances to the center area by 67.0% (p = 0.0082) and time in the center area by 77.12% (p = 0.0054). Additionally, we observed that upward 150 mT SMF improved the number of follicles (~2.5 times, p = 0.0325) and uterine glands through increasing the total antioxidant capacity and reducing lipid peroxidation level in mice. Gut microbiome analysis showed that 150 mT SMFs long-term exposure improved the microbiota abundance (Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Ralstonia and Yaniella) in the genus level, which may affect metabolism, anxiety and behavior in adult female mice. Our results demonstrated that 150 mT SMFs long-term exposure not only had good biosafety, but also improved athletic performance, emotion and the function of ovarian, uterine and gut microbiota abundance in adult female mice, which unraveled the potential of moderate long-term SMF exposure in clinical applications.
Insights
Long-term exposure to 150 mT static magnetic fields (SMFs) enhanced mice
Area of Science:
- Biophysics
- Neuroscience
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ultra-high magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has limitations due to cost and safety concerns.
- Lower field MRI (0.5–3 T) is common in hospitals.
- Static magnetic fields (SMFs) show potential for improving mental health and anti-tumor effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of upward and downward 150 mT SMF exposure on adult female mice.
- To evaluate the impact of SMFs on behavior, physiology, and gut microbiota.
- To assess the biosafety and potential clinical applications of moderate SMF exposure.
Main Methods:
- C57BL/6J adult female mice were exposed to upward, downward, or sham 150 mT SMFs.
- Behavioral tests (open field, elevated plus maze) measured locomotor and exploratory activity.
- Physiological indicators, pathology, and gut microbiota composition were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Long-term 150 mT SMF exposure enhanced locomotive and exploratory activity, particularly the downward SMF.
- Downward 150 mT SMF increased center area activity (speed, distance, entrances, time) compared to sham.
- Upward 150 mT SMF improved ovarian and uterine health by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing lipid peroxidation.
- SMF exposure positively modulated gut microbiota abundance (Clostridium, Bifidobacterium, Ralstonia, Yaniella).
Conclusions:
- 150 mT SMFs demonstrate good biosafety with long-term exposure.
- Moderate SMF exposure can improve athletic performance, emotional state, and ovarian/uterine function in mice.
- SMF-induced changes in gut microbiota suggest potential impacts on metabolism and behavior, warranting further clinical investigation.

