Modified Morris-Lecar neuron model: effects of very low frequency electric fields and of magnetic fields on the local and network dynamics of an excitable media

A Morris-Lecar neuron model is considered with electric and magnetic field effects where the electric field is a time-varying sinusoid and magnetic field is simulated using an exponential flux memristor. We have shown that the exposure to electric and magnetic fields have significant effects on the neurons and has exhibited complex oscillations. The neurons exhibit a frequency-locked state for the periodic electric field and different ratios of frequency-locked states with respect to the electric field frequency is also presented. To show the impact of the electric and magnetic fields on network of neurons, we have constructed different types of network and have shown the network wave propagation phenomenon. Interestingly, the nodes exposed to both electric and magnetic fields exhibit more stable spiral waves compared to the nodes exhibited only to the magnetic fields. Also, when the number of layers is increased, the range of electric field frequency for which the layers exhibit spiral waves also increases.

Automated summary

The study investigated the effects of electric and magnetic fields on neurons, showing that exposure to both fields can significantly impact neurons, leading to complex oscillations. In network models, nodes exposed to both electric and magnetic fields exhibit more stable spiral waves compared to nodes exposed only to magnetic fields, and increasing the number of network layers increases the range of electric field frequencies for which spiral waves are formed.