Direction of magnetic field of earth and brain

In summary, the magnetic field of the Earth doesn't effect the human brain to any measurable degree (and if it did, well the brain evolved in the magnetic field so it wouldn't matter). I'm not sure what you mean by "external factors". The brain, like any other part of the body, is effected by things like drugs, nutrition, environmental factors like heat etc.
  • #1
shivakumar06
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does direction of magnetic field influence the process occurring in brain? what are the other external factor that influence the brain other than information?
 
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  • #2
No the magnetic field of the Earth doesn't effect the human brain to any measurable degree (and if it did, well the brain evolved in the magnetic field so it wouldn't matter). I'm not sure what you mean by "external factors". The brain, like any other part of the body, is effected by things like drugs, nutrition, environmental factors like heat etc.
 
  • #3
There are many experiments whereby magnetic fields influence behavior and brain circuitry, but it requires magnetic field strengths on the order of 10 Teslas, whereas the Earth's magnetic field is on the order of [itex]10^{-5}[/itex] Teslas. A refrigerator magnet is on the order of .01 Teslas.

To get even a single Tesla takes a considerable amount of energy (usually generated with an electromagnet).
 
  • #4
shivakumar06 said:
does direction of magnetic field influence the process occurring in brain? what are the other external factor that influence the brain other than information?

The brains of insects and various animals may be affected by the Earth's magnetic field, according to the following entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetoception
Magnetoception (or magnetoreception as it was first referred to in 1972[1]) is a sense which allows an organism to detect a magnetic field to perceive direction, altitude or location. This sense has been proposed to explain animal navigation in vertebrates and insects, and as a method for animals to develop regional maps. For the purpose of navigation, magnetoception deals with the detection of the Earth's magnetic field.

Magnetoception has been observed in bacteria. It has also been commonly hypothesized in birds, where sensing of the Earth's magnetic field may be important to the navigational abilities during migration; insects (including fruit flies and honeybees); and other animals such as turtles, lobsters, sharks and stingrays.
 

1. What is the direction of the magnetic field of the Earth?

The magnetic field of the Earth is generally oriented from the geographic south pole to the geographic north pole. This means that a compass needle will point towards the north when placed anywhere on the Earth's surface.

2. How is the direction of the Earth's magnetic field determined?

The direction of the Earth's magnetic field is determined by the movement of molten iron within the Earth's outer core. This movement creates electric currents, which in turn generate a magnetic field.

3. Does the direction of the Earth's magnetic field change over time?

Yes, the direction of the Earth's magnetic field has been known to change over time. This phenomenon is called geomagnetic reversal and has occurred multiple times throughout Earth's history.

4. How does the Earth's magnetic field protect us?

The Earth's magnetic field acts as a shield, protecting us from harmful solar radiation and cosmic rays. It deflects these particles away from the Earth, making it possible for life to exist on our planet.

5. Is there a connection between the Earth's magnetic field and the human brain?

While there is ongoing research on the topic, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest a direct connection between the Earth's magnetic field and the human brain. However, some studies have shown that changes in the Earth's magnetic field can affect certain brain functions.

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