Electromanetic radiation induce electrical current in neuron and create dream

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of inducing an electrical current in neurons through electromagnetic radiation, similar to how an antenna receives radio waves to generate electricity. The effects of electromagnetic radiation on the brain, including the ability to induce dreams and improve dream recall, are currently being researched. While there is ongoing research on the subject, there is no refined method for identifying the ideal wavelength to trigger specific effects or examining the detailed current flow in the brain. However, techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been used to study brain activity and have potential as treatment tools for neurological and psychiatric disorders.
  • #1
fredreload
250
6
I am thinking if electromagnetic radiation can induce an electrical current in the neuron similar to the way antenna works. Since the antenna receive radio wave, which is a type of electromagnetic radiation to generate electricity. Can the neuron also receive electromagnetic radiation and induce an electrical current in a similar way.

This explains electromagnetic radiation:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electromagnetic_radiation

This is an animation on the nerve impulse:
http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter14/animation__the_nerve_impulse.html

How electromagnetic radiation generates electricity:
http://syzygyastro.hubpages.com/hub/How-the-Physics-of-Electromagnetism-can-Generate-Electricity

My questions is what type of electromagnetic radiation would be projected onto the neuron to induce a current flow and how do you receive this signal back containing the information about the electrical current in the neuron. Like how do you examine the current flow within a person's head. Lastly, how do you block this type of electromagnetic radiation?
 
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  • #2
The effect of EM on the brain is a subject of ongoing research ... inducing dreams and improving dream recall are among the effects reported.

On the effect of weak fields on neurons (pertaining to your question)
http://www.jneurosci.org/content/23/19/7255.short
... afaik there is nothing as refined as identifying an ideal wavelength to trigger different effects or to examine the detailed current flow in the brain. Probably the closest would be stuff like this:
http://www.nmr.mgh.harvard.edu/meg/pdfs/Xiong et al 2003.pdf
 
  • #3
fredreload, this may be the technique you are referring to:

"Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive method to cause depolarization or hyperpolarization in the neurons of the brain. TMS uses electromagnetic induction to induce weak electric currents using a rapidly changing magnetic field; this can cause activity in specific or general parts of the brain with minimal discomfort, allowing the functioning and interconnections of the brain to be studied. A variant of TMS, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), has been tested as a treatment tool for various neurological and psychiatric disorders including migraines, strokes, Parkinson's disease, dystonia, tinnitus, depression and auditory hallucinations."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcranial_magnetic_stimulation
 

1. How does electromagnetic radiation affect neurons?

Electromagnetic radiation can affect neurons by inducing electrical currents in the neurons. This means that the radiation can cause the neurons to become more active and communicate with each other more, which can lead to changes in brain activity and potentially influence dream states.

2. Can electromagnetic radiation induce dreams?

While there is some evidence that electromagnetic radiation can influence brain activity and potentially lead to changes in dream states, there is not enough research to definitively say that it can induce dreams. More studies are needed to fully understand the impact of electromagnetic radiation on dreaming.

3. Is electromagnetic radiation safe for the brain and neurons?

The safety of electromagnetic radiation for the brain and neurons is a complex topic and is still being researched. Some studies have shown that certain levels and types of electromagnetic radiation can have negative effects on brain cells and neurons, while others have not found any significant impacts. It is important to limit exposure to high levels of electromagnetic radiation and use caution when using devices that emit it.

4. What types of electromagnetic radiation can affect dreams?

Any type of electromagnetic radiation, including radio waves, microwaves, infrared radiation, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, X-rays, and gamma rays, has the potential to affect brain activity and potentially influence dream states. However, the specific effects and mechanisms may vary depending on the type of radiation.

5. Can electromagnetic radiation be used to control dreams?

At this time, there is no scientific evidence to support the use of electromagnetic radiation to control dreams. While it may be possible to influence brain activity and potentially impact dream states with electromagnetic radiation, more research is needed to fully understand the potential and limitations of this method.

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