What does having a finger magnet implant feel like?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the experience and implications of having a neodymium magnet implanted in a fingertip, exploring the sensations reported by individuals who have undergone the procedure, as well as the potential risks and scientific validity of such implants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express curiosity about the sensations experienced with the magnet implant, questioning whether it feels like wind or a tingly nerve sensation.
  • Others challenge the validity of the claims surrounding the magnet's ability to detect electromagnetic fields, suggesting that there is no scientific research supporting these experiences.
  • A few participants assert that if the magnetic field is strong enough, it could physically move the magnet, allowing individuals to feel it.
  • Some contributors mention anecdotal evidence of people lifting small objects with their implants, suggesting a pulling sensation.
  • Concerns are raised about the implications of having a magnet during medical procedures like MRIs, with discussions about the potential risks involved.
  • There are conflicting views on whether the sensation experienced is significant or merely a minimal response, with some dismissing the concept as "crackpot theory."
  • One participant suggests that the presence of nerve endings in the fingertip could allow for some sensation of magnetic forces, while another counters that a surface magnet could provide the same experience without implantation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; multiple competing views remain regarding the validity of the sensations reported, the scientific basis for the claims, and the safety of the implants.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of scientific research on the subject, varying personal experiences, and the dependence on anecdotal evidence. The discussion also highlights unresolved concerns regarding medical implications and the nature of the sensations experienced.

MathJakob
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I just found out today that this is a real thing, people can get a tiny neodymium magnet implanted into your finger tip and apparently it allows you to feel the electromagnetic field, and the strength varies depending on where you are and what your hands are close to.

I just wondered what this would actually feel like, would it just be like the wind or would it feel like a tingley nerve or something?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org
Got a link?
 
MathJakob said:
I just found out today that this is a real thing, people can get a tiny neodymium magnet implanted into your finger tip and apparently it allows you to feel the electromagnetic field, and the strength varies depending on where you are and what your hands are close to.

I just wondered what this would actually feel like, would it just be like the wind or would it feel like a tingley nerve or something?

Sounds like BS to me. Do you have a reference to a scientific journal where this is described?
 
There isn't any actual scientific research about it but people have got it done, I found numerous tattoo shops online who do the precedure. Whether or not you actually feel the electromagnetic field or not is another story all together but lots of people who've had it done claim they feel the same sensation and that after a while it can get pretty annoying.

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/05/27/magnet-implants-sixth-sense-or-nonsense/

http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mods/news/2006/06/71087?currentPage=all
 
If the magnetic field is strong enough to physically move the magnet, then people would be able to feel it. Just like if they were holding the magnet and a magnetic field physically moved it.
 
I've seen pictures of people getting this. As far as feeling magnetic fields go I'm pretty sure it's just a pulling sensation they can feel. I've seen pictures of people lifting small objects like nails and keys with their implants.
 
Why is this in product claims?
 
What happens when you need an MRI?
 
HayleySarg said:
What happens when you need an MRI?
How can people be so stupid as to do this?
 
  • #10
My guess would be that they're feeling a bit more than a tug. But this would be based on speculation.

I know they make my grandmother remove her magnetic arthritis bracelets (lol).
 
  • #11
HayleySarg said:
What happens when you need an MRI?

You have to get it taken out. Other than that the magnet doesn't cause much problems, it isn't strong enough to wipe credit cards or interfer with watches ect.
 
  • #12
MathJakob said:
You have to get it taken out. Other than that the magnet doesn't cause much problems, it isn't strong enough to wipe credit cards or interfer with watches ect.
So, they're in an accident and have to have an MRI, they're unconscious or not thinking clearly. There goes part of the finger. A fool and their finger are soon parted.
 
  • #13
Evo said:
So, they're in an accident and have to have an MRI, they're unconscious or not thinking clearly. There goes part of the finger. A fool and their finger are soon parted.

MRid aren't given to unconscious people in case they have metal implants. A CT scan or other form of x-ray would be used.
 
  • #14
Ryan_m_b said:
MRid aren't given to unconscious people in case they have metal implants. A CT scan or other form of x-ray would be used.
Well, then awake and they forget about it. :biggrin:
 
  • #15
Evo said:
Well, then awake and they forget about it. :biggrin:

There's no accounting for stupidity :-p
 
  • #16
MathJakob said:
There isn't any actual scientific research about it but...

Hey, isn't that a direct quote from the PF Crackpot Thread...? :smile:
 
  • #17
berkeman said:
Hey, isn't that a direct quote from the PF Crackpot Thread...? :smile:

I don't know. This isn't really crackpot theory though... think of it logically, if you had a magnet that was in the tip of your finger which I believe contains a lot of nerve endings, you would be able to feel the force of other magnets attracting or repelling from the one in your finger.

If things give off electromagnetic waves, would the magnet in your finger not react to it? Even if the feeling was minimal, because the magnet is inside your finger surrounded by nerves, it's quite possible you'd feel the force?
 
  • #18
MathJakob said:
I don't know. This isn't really crackpot theory though... think of it logically, if you had a magnet that was in the tip of your finger which I believe contains a lot of nerve endings, you would be able to feel the force of other magnets attracting or repelling from the one in your finger.

If things give off electromagnetic waves, would the magnet in your finger not react to it? Even if the feeling was minimal, because the magnet is inside your finger surrounded by nerves, it's quite possible you'd feel the force?

Yes, it is crackpot crap. First of all, you could superglue the small magnet to your fingertip and get the same experience. No need to insert it under the epidermis.

Second, the article talks about it interacting with microwave ovens and other RF devices which is pure BS. Without some rectification mechanism, the frequencies are way to high to be detected down near DC where we live.

This thread is getting on my nerves. It's closed for now.
 

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