Near-zero magnetic field extends lifespan in a Parkinson's fruit-fly model while shifting mitochondrial activity

Researchers at the University of Nottingham, with De Montfort University, held fruit flies in a benchtop shield that cut the Earth's geomagnetic field to about 5 nanotesla. In flies carrying a Pink1 mutation, a model of early-onset Parkinson's disease, lifespan rose by 20 percent but climbing ability fell, while wild-type flies showed the opposite: Shorter lifespan and better movement. Quantum diamond sensors detected raised superoxide levels, and respirometry showed increased mitochondrial complex II activity under the hypomagnetic field. The authors describe the study as the first to explore the therapeutic potential of magnetic-field deprivation in a disease model.

"The biochemistry of hypomagnetic field (HMFs; <5 μT) exposure has focused on healthy model organisms, leaving their therapeutic potential unexplored."

— Reed et al., Aging

"HMF exposure increased lifespan in Pink1⁻ D. melanogaster by 20%, with a paradoxical reduction in climbing ability. WT D. melanogaster had decreased lifespan and improved locomotor performance under HMF."

— Reed et al., Aging

"High-resolution respirometry showed increased mitochondrial complex II activity under HMF conditions."

— Reed et al., Aging

"We demonstrate that hypomagnetic fields modulate mitochondrial physiology and reactive oxygen species production in D. melanogaster."

— Reed et al., Aging

📄 Underlying Research

Hypomagnetic fields modulate lifespan, physical ability and mitochondrial metabolism in a Pink1 model of neurodegeneration.

Reed J, Fromhold M, Moisoi N, Mather M, Chakrabarti L (2026) Aging Journal Level 0ⓘ

🔗 DOI 📚 PubMed

Near-zero magnetic field extends lifespan in a Parkinson's fruit-fly model while shifting mitochondrial activity

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📄 Underlying Research

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