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Alexander
Presman
From Vilhelm
Schjelderup: ”Elektromagnetismen og livet – en konfrontasjon mellom to
supermakters vitenskap” 1987, ny utgave, Kolofon Forlag, Oslo 2006,
27-38.
In biophysics Russian medicine
has been in intimate contact with modern physics. While Western medicine
as yet is anchored in a mechanistic way of thought, Russian
biophysicists have been more open for the theoretical development in
modern physics. The basic philosophy is materialistic, but it is a more
open and sophisticated materialism. Lenin once defined communism as
“socialism plus electricity”. And Soviet scientists to day will defend
their interest for subtle biophysical phenomena and parapsychology,
referring to citations like this: “It is of course pure nonsense to say
that materialism has ever claimed consciousness to be less real, and
that it necessarily regards a ‘mechanistic’ and not an electromagnetic,
or even another far more complex, understanding of living matter.”
On this background
it is easy to understand why research on biological effects of
electromagnetic fields has had high priority in Soviet science. While
Western medicine largely neglected this field of research, believing
that life basically was a biochemical phenomenon, and that there are no
organs or physiological systems in the body that are sensitive to
electromagnetic radiation, Russian scientists regarded life as primarily
an electromagnetic phenomenon. And from this perspective it was quite
reasonable to think that living processes may respond to electromagnetic
forces. For this reason the basic attitude to this research has been
quite different from that in Western countries: “Soviet scientists have
all the time believed that radiations that are not present in nature,
will have some kind of effect on living beings, while we have had the
opposite attitude,” writes an American scientist who has engaged himself
in this matter. (1)
A main work in the
scientific literature about the biological effects of electromagnetic
fields is the book by the Russian biophysicist Alexander Presman on
“Electromagnetic Fields and Life” which was published in Russian in 1968
and in English translation in 1970. (2) It is an epoch-making work that
may range as one of the great contributions to 20th century
science. Presman had done extensive research in this field and he knew
it better than anyone else. Besides an almost complete knowledge of the
relevant scientific literature (the bibliography of the book covers 45
pages) he had the scientific qualities necessary to judge this field of
research both from a physical, a biological and a cybernetic point of
view. This makes, as Academician V.V.Parin writes in the preface, that
his representation and conclusions have an exceptional degree of
objectivity and impartiality. Electromagnetic radiation consists in a
continuous spectrum from the most short-waved and energetic gamma rays,
through the x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, visible light, infrared
radiation, microwaves and radio waves to extremely low frequency
electromagnetic waves that turn into static electric and magnetic fields
at the other end of the spectrum. It has been known for a long time that
the highly energetic, ionising gamma and x-rays may give biological
effects and cause biological damage even in low dosages. Through the
Gurvitch research and modern photobiology Russian biophysicists had
become aware that ultraviolet light, visible light and infrared light
may serve as communication between living cells, and that such radiation
may give biological effects even in ultra-weak dosages. In his book
Presman takes up the question of possible biological effects of the long
wave parts of the electromagnetic spectrum from microwaves and radio
waves to the extremely low frequency oscillations from 0 – 100 Hertz
where the wave lengths are astronomical distances. Research in this
field was partly pioneering work. Presman takes it up in its full
extent, gives a thorough analysis of the scientific problems and the
methodological difficulties and makes a brilliant synthesis. Thereby he
does an important pioneering work and succeeds in establishing this as a
comprehensive scientific research field with great and previously
unexpected theoretical and practical significance.
Already at the end
of the 19th century research had given results indicating
that electromagnetic fields and radiation may give biological effects
that can not be explained as due to their thermal effect. A large number
of scientific studies later had confirmed the existence of such
non-thermal biological effects, both in bacteria and other primitive
micro-organisms, in plants, animals and humans. Especially during the
last ten years before Presman wrote his book, Soviet research had
discovered a series of clearly documented biological effects of
electromagnetic radiation, proving that such radiation of even very low
intensity could give significant biological effects.
This research had,
however, given many apparently contradictory and paradoxical results. It
was especially remarkable that in many cases there was no proportional
relation between the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation and the
effect it had at the living organism. Actually it was sometimes found
that the effect increased when the intensity decreased. In such cases it
has been discovered that the living organism will react optimally at a
low intensity, and that the reaction will disappear if you increase the
intensity of the radiation above a certain limit.
This phenomenon was
later in Western research given the name of the ‘window effect’, because
the biological reaction only occurs when the intensity of the radiation
is within a certain ‘window’. Although Presman clearly emphasises this
phenomenon, Western scientists seem not to have been aware of this until
1980. In view of the fact that Presman’s book was published in an
American edition in 1970, and that it was the most comprehensive and
best documented scientific work published in the field, this
demonstrates a serious failure in scientific communication in this
field. This failure in communication is, however, in this case a failure
East-West. Presman was well oriented about Western research and
demonstrates excellent knowledge about developments in American research
in this field.
In addition to the
intensity, the reaction of living organisms will also depend on other
physical parameters of the electromagnetic radiation. These include
frequency, coherence, polarisation, and modulation, where one
electromagnetic signal may be modulated on another one. Cumulative
effects over time and space, where a repetition over time or exposure to
different parts of the body give an added effect, have also been
recorded.
On the basis of all
these different empirical data Presman reached the conclusion that the
biological effects of electromagnetic radiation could not be explained
exclusively as energetic effects. When ultra-weak electromagnetic
exposures could have such profound biological effects, this had to imply
that they acted as biological information and somehow interfered with
organic systems of information. Accordingly we have to study the
non-thermal effects of electromagnetic radiation and electromagnetic
fields on the basis of modern information theory. And from this
scientific angle Presman found that the seemingly contradictory results
started to make sense, and that the empirical data made up a rational
whole.
Dealing with
information, we know that the effect of a signal does not depend on the
intensity of the signal, but on the information it transmits. If the
intensity of the signal becomes too strong, the information content may
seem to drown. The receiving system will be overwhelmed and will guard
itself by some defensive reaction. We all know this phenomenon from our
senses. If light becomes too strong, we will shut our eyes involuntarily
to protect our eyes. Presman explained how similar defensive reactions
may come into play if electromagnetic disturbances interfere with
electromagnetic information systems in the living body. We will,
therefore, get the strongest physiological reactions by relatively weak
stimulations that act at the same level of intensity as the information
systems of the body are operating. They may then act without
interference from defensive systems which the organism has developed to
shield itself from disturbing electromagnetic fields. The window effect,
where the physiological reactions occur within a defined, optimal range
of intensity, is, therefore, a decisive argument that the non-thermal
effects of electromagnetic fields are due to their information value,
and not just an energy effect. On this basis we may also explain the
cumulative effect of electromagnetic radiation, whereby stimuli that are
too weak to cause a reaction, may add over time or space to give a
measurable physiological effect.
The information
content of electromagnetic radiation is determined by its frequency,
frequency range, coherence, pulse form, polarization and modulation. The
fact that all of these physical properties of the radiation had been
found experimentally to be of significance for its biological effects,
is also an argument for an explanation on the basis of information
theory. When living beings turn out to be extremely sensitive to
specific types of electromagnetic fields, Presman believes this is
because they act directly on biological information system and thus act
as biological information.
During its
development on earth life has continuously been exposed to various forms
of electromagnetic fields and radiation, including the whole spectrum
from the short waved gamma rays to the slow variations in the electric
and magnetic field of the earth. Life has emerged and developed in
intimate co-existence with this natural, electromagnetic environment. Vi
know that the natural gamma radiation and also the electromagnetic
radiation in that part of the spectrum where we find ultraviolet
radiation, visible light and infrared radiation has been of decisive
significance for the development of life on this planet. Presman assumed
that also the long waved part of the spectrum, from microwaves and radio
waves up to the slow variations in the magnetic field of the earth, has
played a significant part in the development of life. He thought that
life has utilized these natural electromagnetic fields in the
development of organic information systems for the integration and
co-ordination of physiological processes. The long waved, slow frequency
part of the electromagnetic spectrum has got special significance for
what we call the higher functions of life, both at the physiological and
the mental level. For this reason environmental factors in this part of
the electromagnetic spectrum, he believed, would be of greater
significance for humans and other highly developed organisms than for
more primitive forms of life.
The biological
effects of such kinds of electromagnetic fields will, according to
Presman, affect three different levels of biological organisation:
1.
Effects on the physiological regulation of vital functions.
2.
Effects on the transmission of biological information within the
organism and its internal regulation and co-ordination.
3.
Effects on the interaction between living beings and in the
social interplay between them.
In his book Presman discusses
the possible significance of electromagnetic information at all of these
levels, and analyses the empirical data from these angles.
Several kinds of
electromagnetic exposure will affect the organism as a whole, not giving
clear data if we only study the effect on isolated organs or cell
preparations. Presman, therefore, argues that we have to take our
starting point in the study of how whole, intact organisms react to
electromagnetic exposure. Then, as the next step we may study the effect
on separate organs and at the cellular level. At this crucial point
Presman follows another methodology than what is the usual norm in the
more analytical approach that is common in Western countries. He defends
his approach by comparing it with what has become accepted norm in the
study of complex instruments, engine systems and electronics.
If we study an
electronic circuit, we know that this will have a characteristic
resonance that makes it extremely sensitive to electromagnetic
oscillations of a certain frequency. The electric vibrations that are
induced in the circuit, certainly will depend on micro-processes, like
the movement of electrons in the conductors and the dielectric
polarization of molecules in the isolator of the condensers. But the
resonance effect can not be explained on the basis of these
micro-processes, nor from the separate parts of the system. It will
depend on the circuit as a whole. In the case of specific non-thermal
effects of electromagnetic vibrations, it may be a question of similar
resonance effects. If so, we will have to study the effect on the whole
system, just as we do in electronics. And in many cases this will
include the whole organism -and even in some cases groups of
interconnected individuals.
In most cases
electromagnetic exposure will not give clear resonance effects in living
beings. It will then act as what we may call ‘electromagnetic noise’. As
such it may act as a load on electromagnetic information systems in the
body, causing unspecific stress and impairment of organic
self-regulation. We may expect that the biological effects of such
electromagnetic noise will be similar to other unspecific stress
reactions. Soviet researchers in the 1950.s and 1960.s had found signs
of such physiological stress reactions and increased morbidity, both in
animals and humans, who had been exposed to microwaves and strong
electromagnetic fields from radars and other electric and
electromagnetic installations.
This way Presman was
able to explain both the unspecific physiological stress reactions due
to electromagnetic exposure, and the fact that living beings may react
distinctly to highly specific electromagnetic signals, on the basis of
modern information theory. With lucidity he explains on the basis of his
theory why this field of research has appeared so confusing and has
given seemingly contradictory results. The key to real insight into this
difficult area of research is to bring in modern information theory and
learn to understand how living beings may behave like integrated
electronic systems.
Presman’s theory has
enormous implications. He was himself aware that some of his conclusions
might be too bold, and that the experimental data available may not be
sufficient to prove some of his hypothetic deductions. He makes here a
very clear distinction between the very strict criteria we have to
demand as regards scientific data, and the more open attitude we may
have towards the theories we propose to explain these data. In this
context he brings at the end of the book a citation from Charles Darwin:
“Wrong data are very harmful for the development of science because they
often are acclaimed for a long time. Wrong theories, however, if they
are supported by scientific data at all, do no harm. Anyone will have
great pleasure refuting them, and when their failure has been
sufficiently demonstrated, one of the wrong alleys of science has been
closed, and the way to truth will be wide open”.
When Presman here
quotes Darwin, he does so with a certain right. In his dealing with
scientific data he is as careful as the great English naturalist. And,
just as Darwin did, he succeeds in creating clarity and rational insight
in a great and significant field of knowledge. This does not mean,
however, that his theory pretends to be final, scientific truth. Just as
Darwin’s theory of evolution, however, was verified through research in
the second half of the 19th century, recent research seems to
support ever more strongly the main ideas of Presman’s theory. It is,
therefore, not unlikely that future science will come to regard
Presman’s book as the one contribution to biological science in the 20th
century that best can stand a comparison with Darwin’s “Origin of the
Species”.
In his preface to
the American edition of Presman’s book Professor Frank A. Brown wrote in
1969 that the modest hope of Presman that the ideas he presents will
stimulate further critical discussion and research, undoubtedly would be
fulfilled. The exciting possibilities of new discoveries, the many
unsolved mysteries in biology that may be explained on this basis, and
the almost limitless possibilities for practical applications of such
knowledge about organic information and control systems, would be a
guarantee that those hypotheses Presman had presented, would be
thoroughly researched in the coming years.
Professor Brown, who
himself had discovered how life rhythms of animals and plants are
determined by the extremely weak terrestrial effects of the magnetic
fields of the sun and moon, was, however, a lonely swallow in American
science. Presman’s book did stir some interest among several American
scientists, but it did not cause any really comprehensive and serious
debate in Western science, nor any really systematic research to verify
or disprove his conclusions.
While Presman’s book
only had a peripheral impact in Western countries, it was much more in
accord with main streams of interest in Soviet science. Before he
published the book, Presman had given it for critical reading, not only
to Academician Parin who wrote the preface, but also to three other
prominent Soviet scientists, Professor L. A. Blumenfeld, Professor P. I.
Gulyaev and Professor S. F. Shnol. There is no doubt that in the Soviet
Union there were prominent scientists in central positions who quite
well understood the significance of the pioneering work of Presman. His
theory has been thoroughly discussed with its possibly enormous
theoretical and practical implications. It is reasonable to believe that
Soviet research in the field, which already was extensive, has been even
more intensified and has now also become more purposeful.
We have, however,
less knowledge about this research in the Soviet Union after the book of
Presman was published, and what results it has given. It is reason to
believe that Soviet military authorities got aware of the significance
of this research, and that they realized that the enormous possibilities
for practical application which Professor Brown had emphasised, also
might include possibilities for military use. In the Soviet Union the
threshold for military secrecy as regards scientific research has been
lower than in Western countries. We, therefore, have to expect that a
large part of the research into this field has come under military
secrecy, and that this not only includes research data, but also part of
scientific methodology and biophysical theory.
Although we do not
know the results of this subsequent research in the Soviet Union, we may
on the basis of results that have become known from research in other
parts of the world, make some probable conclusions.
It has been found
that the perhaps most significant aspect of electromagnetic radiation,
as regards its biological effect, is coherency. By phase-coherence we
understand that the waves are all in the same phase. The waves are
accordingly in tact, and we may indeed compare it to a platoon of
soldiers marching in step, compared to walking disorderly. Coherent
light is called laser (for
Light-Amplification-by-Stimulated-Emission-of-Radiation),
And coherent microwaves are
called maser (for
Microwave-Amplification-by-Stimulated-Emission-of-Radiation), but other
types of waves can also be coherent. Electromagnetic radiation and
fields that are coherent have an enormous capacity as regards
transmission and storage of information. It is, therefore, in accordance
with what we might expect on the basis of information theory, that
coherent electromagnetic signals can have strong biological effects and
that this may occur at extremely low intensities. It has been found that
microwaves and also electromagnetic waves of extremely low frequency are
highly significant in their effect on human beings. For microwaves
signals of an intensity of only 10 (minus 15th potency)
watt/cm2 can give clear biological effects (that is more than a billion
times weaker intensity than the limit value accepted in most Western
countries for health protection). And for the extremely low frequency
electromagnetic oscillations it has been found biological effects at a
field intensity lower than 10 (minus 10th potency) vol/m2.
This is at the lower border of what we are able to day to measure with
our most sensitive instruments. This is in fact solid evidence that the
biological effects involved can not be explained as thermal effects.
To day it is
actually possible to use such ultra-weak, hardly measurable
electromagnetic signals to affect physiological processes in living
cells and even re-program their behaviour. We may influence the
endocrine and the immunological system in animals and humans. And in
different ways we may affect the functioning of the brain. Research is
done whether it is possible to initiate disease processes by specific
electromagnetic signals, and possibly to stop such processes by other
signals. This research is so far not known beyond small groups of
initiated scientists. But it is that significant that a few scientists,
like Robert Becker, call it the most significant discovery in the whole
history of science. There is little doubt that they open for undreamed
of possibilities, and may get enormous significance for the further
development of biology and medicine.
In this area Soviet
research is at least 10 years ahead of the development in America. We
have reason to believe that Soviet scientists had made decisive advances
in this field when Brezhnev gave his speech in 1975. If the new weapons
he was referring to, really were electromagnetic weapons, we have to
accept that the enormous and ghastly perspectives he mentioned were
based on the estimates given by prominent Soviet scientists.
At that time,
however, American experts apparently did not understand the message
Brezhnev tried to communicate, and what he really was talking about. How
are we to explain that Soviet and American science had developed so
differently and were out of communicative contact in a question of such
a crucial significance?
To try to explain
this we have to take a look at the development of medical research and
the general scientific attitudes respectively in the Soviet Union and
the United States. I have chosen to do this focusing the attention
around two great scientists, Robert O. Becker and Viktor Injushin, the
one American, the other Russian, who both of them have made remarkable
contributions to recent medical research. Both of them are relatively
little known, due to the fact that their research brought them into
conflict with military interests in their respective countries.
Hopefully, I may this way be able to balance the sinister perspectives
connected with possibilities of misuse of this field of modern
biophysics, with a more positive appreciation of what benefits this
research may bring to humanity.
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