Detection of Bioelectromagnetic Signals Transmitted Through the Exoskeleton of Living Land Snails

Background: Our previous reports have used a novel method for imaging bioelectromagnetic energy as electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emanating from plant and animal tissue The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that living land snails exhibit EMFs that can be transmitted through their exoskeleton and can be detected utilizing a mixture of fine iron particles and Prussian Blue Stain (PBS Fe2). Methods: Living intact land snails, 15 to 20 mm in length, were placed on glass slides, two drops of a PBS Fe2 solution were delivered under the snail’s shell. After total evaporation the snails were removed and microphotographs of areas under the snails were viewed via a video microscope. Results: EMFs were imaged as specific patterns of iron aggregates directly under the contact area of the shell and evaporated solution; whereas such iron aggregate patterns were not observed in the presence of empty shells. Conclusions: Living gastropods, such as small snails, emit bioelectromagnetic energy in the form of EMFs transmitted through their exoskeletons to be imaged as specific patterns of iron aggregation subsequent to evaporation. No similar patterns were seen when empty shells were substituted for the live snails.