RF effects on radical pair mechanics

RF effects on radical pair mechanics

The radical pair mechanism, a fascinating concept in the world of spin chemistry, is thought to play a vital role in how birds navigate using Earth's magnetic field. This mechanism is susceptible to even the gentlest magnetic fields. Intriguingly, there is evidence to suggest that radio-frequency (RF) fields have the power to interfere with this mechanism, altering the outcomes of the chemical reactions. This raises questions about the potential impact of human-made RF fields on the environment.

To unravel this captivating puzzle, we employ cutting-edge computational techniques to simulate the intricate dance of these radical pair reactions. Our main goal is to deepen our understanding of how RF fields affect these reactions. We're particularly focused on exploring how disruptions in the radical pair mechanism can provide insights into the underlying chemical processes and help identify the specific molecules involved. These simulations serve as valuable roadmaps for designing experiments that aim to unveil the hidden workings of the radical pair mechanism, shedding light on the secrets of avian magneto-reception and its potential vulnerabilities in our changing world.

Recent Publications

External RF-EMF alters cell number and ROS balance possibly via the regulation of NADPH metabolism and apoptosis, Sheung-Ching Chow, Yang Zhang, Raymond W. M. Ng, Shu-Yuen Ron Hui, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Wing-Yee Lui, Frontiers in Public Health, 12, 1425023-(1-11), (2024)
Upper bound for broadband radiofrequency field disruption of magnetic compass orientation in night-migratory songbirds, Bo Leberecht, Siu Ying Wong, Baladev Satish, Sara Döge, Jakob Hindman, Lalitha Venkatraman, Shambhavi Apte, Katrin Haase, Isabelle Musielak, Glen Dautaj, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Michael Winklhofer, Henrik Mouritsen, P. J. Hore, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, USA, 120, e2301153120, (2023)
Modeling spin relaxation in complex radical systems using MolSpin, Luca Gerhards, Claus Nielsen, Daniel R. Kattnig, P. J. Hore, Ilia A. Solov'yov, Journal of Computational Chemistry, 44, 1704-1714, (2023)
Broadband 75-85 MHz radiofrequency fields disrupt magnetic compass orientation in night-migratory songbirds consistent with a flavin-based radical pair magnetoreceptor, Bo Leberecht, Dmitry Kobylkov, Thiemo Karwinkel, Sara Döge, Lars Burnus, Siu Ying Wong, Shambhavi Apte, Katrin Haase, Isabelle Musielak, Raisa Chetverikova, Glen Dautaj, Marco Bassetto, Michael Winklhofer, P. J. Hore, Henrik Mouritsen, Journal of Comparative Physiology A, 208, 97-106, (2022)
Towards predicting intracellular radiofrequency radiation effects, Claus Nielsen, Ron Hui, Wing-Yee Lui, Ilia A. Solov'yov, PLoS ONE, 14, e0213286, (2019)