Amplification of weak magnetic field effects on oscillating reactions

We explore the possibility that chemical feedback and autocatalysis in oscillating chemical reactions could amplify weak magnetic field effects on the rate constant of one of the constituent reactions, assumed to proceed via a radical pair mechanism. Using the Brusselator model oscillator, we find that the amplitude of limit cycle oscillations in the concentrations of reaction intermediates can be extraordinarily sensitive to minute changes in the rate constant of the initiation step. The relevance of such amplification to biological effects of 50/60 Hz electromagnetic fields is discussed.

Automated summary

This study explores how chemical feedback and autocatalysis in oscillating chemical reactions could amplify weak magnetic field effects on reaction rates. Using the Brusselator model oscillator, researchers found that even minute changes in the rate constant of the initiation step can result in significant fluctuations in the concentrations of reaction intermediates. The relevance of such amplification to biological effects of 50/60 Hz electromagnetic fields is also discussed.