Natural rf Oscillations in Dividing Cells

In 1968, H. Frohlich predicted that the chemical energy of cells could evoke high-frequency electrical oscUlations. We have now observed such outputs from cells. We see them to be associated with cell division. 

To observe such rf oscillations, we have used two very different techniques, each needing only relatively simple apparatus. The first technique is called micro-DEP and essentially requires only a microscope. Here one observes the collection of various highly polarizable particles by a cell so as to examine the radio frequency (if) field emitted from it. In the second technique, direct observation is made of the spinning of cells evoked by external rf fields. Both methods yields similar conclusions as to the nature, frequency, strength, and occurrence of the rf electrical oscillations of cells. We believe, therefore, that the presence of the postulated rf oscillations has been established beyond reasonable doubt. It now remains to study their meaning. Are they cause or effect, necessity or frill, in the life of cells Where and how do they operate What causes them What controls, intracellular or intercellular, do they evoke or reflect With what processes are they associated in the cellular life cycle  

In particular, the rf fields of cells can be examined by using the principles of DEP. If the cells generate electromagnetic fields, they may collect highly polarizable particles more readily than they do ones of low polarizability. Such a study can be done with simple means a good microscope and a knowledge of what to look for.  

In the following sections we shall give a brief survey of the microdielectrophoresis and the spinning studies to date, and show how they demonstrate the existence of natural rf oscillations in cells. Next, we shall indicate the line of future research and make some suggestions as to the applications. 

The ju-DEP experiments are relatively simple and direct. A typical experiment consists of mixing a suspension of cells with a suspension of smaller powder particles, then observing the number of particles associated 

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