Experimental difficulties in observing the effects of magnetic fields on biological and chemical processes

The effects of magnetic fields on biological and chemical processes are investigated. Time-varying magnetic fields produce eddy currents which stimulate excitable tissues at low frequencies and give rise to thermal effects at high frequencies. Biological and chemical effects of static magnetic fields are poorly understood. The effects of magnetic fields on combustion of alcohol and hydrocarbons are studied to simulate in part the oxidation of organic matter in the living body. The combustion temperature of alcohol with platinum catalysis decreases rapidly within a range 100-200°C when the place of combustion reaction is exposed to gradient magnetic fields (0.5-1.4T, 20- 200 T/m). To explain this phenomenon, an experiment is demonstrated where candle flames are exposed to gradient magnetic fields. The flames bend so as to escape from magnetic fields of higher intensities. The study is focused on the role of oxygen as a paramagnetic molecule and on the behavior of charged particles in magnetic fields. In contrast with the combustion experiments, no clear positive effects are observed in experiments of biochemical reactions and embryogenesis under magnetic fields of the same intensities.