Scientists from Kyoto University in Japan have found, that sound waves can affect cell behavior of the human body.
In their study, Japanese scientists developed a special setup with a sound-to-vibration sensor and a diaphragm connected to it, and installed a bowl with living cells, grown in the laboratory. Using a conventional audio player and an amplifier, the sounds were sent in the form of vibrations to the bowl with the cells.
The researchers played sounds with a frequency of 440 Hz (low tone), 14 kHz (high tone), and white noise under a pressure of 100 Pa. In this way, they tried to create a controlled sound environment similar to what might be inside the human body.
The results of the study showed that cells do indeed respond to sound in the range we hear. In response to sound waves, the cells changed their activity. After just 2 hours of sound stimulation, the expression of 42 genes changed. A day later, 142 genes changed their expression.
Genes that have changed their own expression are mainly involved in perception by cells mechanical impacts, regulation inflammatory processes, tissue renewal, and even cell death. In addition, scientists have observed physical changes in cells under the influence of sound. Sound affected the way cells attached to each other (cell adhesion) and to extracellular matrix
The network of proteins and sugars outside cells that provides structural support and regulates cell behavior. The cells acted as if they were in a harsher environment.
The scientists were very surprised by the effect of the sounds they generated on cells that could later become fatty. Continuous 440 Hz tones during the three-day induction phase reduced the expression of two key fat genes, Cebpa and Pparg, by more than 70%. The researchers are not yet certain that the sound will have the same effect in studies involving humans. But this study provides real insight into how sound can be used more accurately and effectively. Japanese scientists did not stop there and identified about 190 more sound-sensitive genes.
«Sound is immaterial. Therefore, sound stimulation — is a non-invasive (i.e., no cuts or injections are required), safe, and fast method of exposure. It is likely that it will find application in medicine», — notes one of the authors of the study, Masahiro Kumeta.
Human skin cells communicate almost like neurons — what they «talk about»
The results of the study are published in the journal Nature
Source: ZMEScience
Spelling error report
The following text will be sent to our editors: