45).
McCleave (46) showed that eels and salmon were able to perceive 0.007 v/m at 60-70 Hz; this
appears to be the most sensitive EMF-induced biological effect yet reported in any animal. The studies
point to a susceptibility to EMFs in a diverse array of creatures, the significance of which, in relation to
natural ecological systems, cannot presently be satisfactorily determined. Despite this, the studies
suggest that there are impacts on such systems.
Summary
Our initial hypothesis was that electromagnetic energy was used by the body to integrate,
interrelate, harmonize, and execute diverse physiological processes. In chapter 2, we presented direct
evidence showing that such intrinsic energy is in fact created and transmitted in the body, and that it
controls specific biological functions.
Natural electromagnetic energy is an omnipresent factor in the environment of each organism
on earth. From an evolutionary standpoint, nature would favor those organisms that developed a
capacity to accept information about the earth, atmosphere, and the cosmos in the form of
electromagnetic signals and to adjust their internal processes and behavior accordingly. Thus it follows
from the initial hypothesis that natural environmental electromagnetic energy could convey information
to an organism about its surroundings, thereby facilitating behavioral changes. In chapter 3, we showed
that studies of biological cycles and animal navigation support the thesis that environmental
electromagnetic energy mediates the transfer of information from the environment to the organism.
If nature gave certain organisms the ability to receive information about the environment via
unseen electromagnetic signals, then there must also have been the gift of an ability to discriminate
between meaningful and meaningless signals. Signals having no information, or those outside certain
physiological bandwidths or intensity ranges, would have to be recognized and responded to differently
than informationally significant signals (which lead to behavioral changes that are ultimately geared to
help the organism survive or compete). Based on these considerations, our original hypothesis led to
the further conclusion that organisms would be particularly sensitive to artificial electromagnetic
energy having electrical characteristics-frequency and intensity-similar to those of natural
environmental electromagnetic fields. Signals outside this physiological range would elicit a
nonspecific systemic reaction geared toward the re-establishment of homeostasis. The evidence for this
was presented in chapters 4 to 9. We showed that low-strength electromagnetic fields within the
physiological frequency range can alter the electroencephalogram, the electrocardiogram, biological
rhythms, calcium metabolism, and human and animal behavior. We also showed, beyond good-faith
dispute, that electromagnetic energy at nonphysiological frequencies and intensities induces adaptive
homeostatic responses in animals and humans.
Three separate lines of research, therefore, have established the general validity of our initial
hypothesis-the physiological-control role of intrinsic electromagnetic energy. The task now is nothing
less than to develop a new biology in which electromagnetic energy receives the critical consideration
and evaluation that it merits on the basis of present knowledge. Thus far, the studies have mostly
concentrated on the areas of the peripheral nervous system and growth control. It can be anticipated
that future work will lead to significant advances in other areas, perhaps even to a more satisfying
understanding of the physical basis of life itself.
ELECTROMAGNETISM & LIFE - 153