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Published on: April 8, 2019
Atmospheric electromagnetism: individual differences in brain electrical response to simulated sferics
A Schienle1, R Stark, R Kulzer
1Department of Clinical and Physiological Psychology, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany. Anne.Schienle@psychol.uni-giessen.de
Summary
Exposure to natural sferics (electromagnetic impulses from lightning) significantly reduced alpha brainwave activity in participants. Individual differences in physical health and neuroticism influenced this response, suggesting an adaptational deficit in some individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Environmental Science
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Living organisms are continuously influenced by natural electromagnetic phenomena.
- Atmospherics, or sferics, are weak electromagnetic impulses generated by lightning.
- Understanding the biological impact of sferics is crucial for environmental health studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of simulated sferics on human electroencephalogram (EEG) activity.
- To identify individual factors mediating the response to sferics stimulation.
Main Methods:
- A novel simulation system was used to present a registered sferics signal to 52 subjects.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were taken during sferics exposure and a control condition.
- Statistical analysis identified constitutional factors influencing the EEG response.
Main Results:
- Ten minutes of repeated sferics stimulation significantly decreased alpha power in parietal and occipital brain regions.
- Effectiveness of sferics was mediated by subjects' general physical condition and neuroticism levels.
- Individuals with somatic complaints and high emotional lability showed no significant response to sferics.
Conclusions:
- Sferics can modulate human brain activity, specifically reducing alpha power.
- Individual psychological and physical states determine the capacity to adapt to atmospheric electromagnetic variations.
- Lack of response to sferics may indicate an adaptational deficit to environmental atmospheric changes.
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