Biomagnetic

Biomagnetism refers to the magnetic fields produced by living organisms and the study of those fields. It encompasses both the generation of magnetic signals by biological processes and the detection and interpretation of those signals using specialized instrumentation.

In nature, magnetic materials such as magnetite have been found in various organisms and are implicated in magnetoreception in animals like birds and some bacteria. Endogenous electrical activity in tissues such as the brain and heart also generates magnetic fields that can be measured externally.

Measurement techniques include magnetoencephalography (MEG) for brain activity and magnetocardiography (MCG) for cardiac activity, often employing superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs) or room-temperature magnetometers such as optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs). These methods require shielding from ambient magnetic noise to achieve sufficient sensitivity.

In medicine and neuroscience, biomagnetism enables noninvasive functional mapping, epilepsy localization, and cardiac monitoring, contributing to research and clinical decision-making. The field also intersects with biophysics and bioengineering as scientists seek to understand how magnetic fields interact with biological matter.

Biomagnetic therapies and consumer devices marketed as magnetic cures are controversial. There is limited high-quality evidence supporting therapeutic benefits, and medical authorities generally consider such claims unproven. Regulatory oversight and safety considerations vary by jurisdiction.