Radio waves in Neuro Science

[Madabadagoo]

Hi,

 

Would just like to know what radio frequencies are used in neurons for receiving and transmitting? I know that the axon hillock is used that's why there's sort-of an antenna and capacitor in the brain. But i know that's just a part of it as audio and visual components could be sent in and out.

 

Thanks

[EdEarl]

Your suggestion that the brain the brain transmits and receives radio waves is not possible. Neuron firing frequencies are not synchronized, which means the totality of brain wave "transmissions" from billions of neurons is basically noise. Moreover, their firing frequency is about 10 Hz, which means their wavelength is about 10⁷ meters, and wavelength determines the size of antennas. For efficient transmission, antennas are made as small as a quarter of a wavelength, which would be 1/4*10⁷ = 2,500,000 meters long for brainwaves. Thus, to transmit waves from brain to brain would mean dragging a long wire (antenna) behind connected to a single neuron (to avoid noise).

 

A single neuron does not use much energy. An entire brain uses about 25 watts, which is about 10 times the amount used by a cell phone. However, the 25 watts used by the brain is spread around billions of neurons; thus, each neuron uses a tiny fraction of a watt. Since radio transmission distance is determined by the power transmitted, even if you could drag a 2,500,000 meter antenna connected to a single neuron behind you, it would not transmit enough energy to reliably communicate with someone sitting next to you.

Edited June 24, 2013 by EdEarl

[brockw69]

Is it possible that, in this modern world where we are surrounded by radio waves from mobile phones; radio and television and even microwave ovens from which some waves escape, the brain and thought process is influenced in any way?

[Sensei]

Moreover, their firing frequency is about 10 Hz, which means their wavelength is about 10⁷ meters, and wavelength determines the size of antennas.

 

wavelength = c/frequency = 299792458 / 10 Hz = 29979245.8 meters