Naslov
The Growth and Sporulation of Bacillus subtilis in Nanotesla Magnetic Fields

Autori
Obhođaš, Jasmina ; Valković, Vladivoj ; Kollar, Robert ; Hrenović, Jasna ; Nađ, Karlo ; Vinković, Andrija ; Orlić, Željko

Izvornik
Astrobiology (1531-1074) 21 (2021), 3; 323-331

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, znanstveni

Ključne riječi
Bacillus subtilis ; Nanotesla magnetic fields ; Geomagnetic reversals ; Human voyages into deep space

Sažetak
The order of magnitude of increased growth, multiplication rate, and decreased sporulation of Bacillus subtilis after exposure to nanotesla magnetic fields (MFs) relative to control samples were observed experimentally. Earth’s total magnetic field intensity was reduced from 47.9 +– 0.4 mT to cover the range from 97.5 +– 1.7 nT to 1115 +– 158 nT in eight subsequent experiments by using three pairs of Helmholtz coils combined with Mu-metal shielding. The growth, multiplication rate, sporulation, and potassium content were measured in the probe and control containing B. subtilis cultures after 24 h of exposure to nanotesla and Earth’s magnetic fields, respectively. The observed effect is discussed with regard to its possible repercussions on Earth’s living species during geomagnetic reversals that occurred when the magnetic field was much weaker than the field that exists today. In addition, effects on future manned voyages into deep space, an environment with reduced magnetic field intensity, are considered.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Fizika, Biologija

POVEZANOST RADA