Scientists recently conducted a study that revealed incredible effects of sound waves on cells . Although the role of the auditory system in the perception of sounds well known, direct influence of acoustic waves on cell behavior has remained poorly understood .
Research has shown that sound waves can significantly change the expression of genes in mice cells This research conducted at Kyoto University under the leadership of Masakhiro Kumet has found that sound can not only change genetic activity, but also influence cellular functions , such as migration, adhesion and neural alarm. Researchers have exposed the muscle cells of the mice exposure to sounds of different frequencies, minimizing other factors such as heat or vibration to accurately measure the effect of acoustic waves. Sound waves were found to lead to significant changes in gene expression levels in particular PTGS2 gene which plays an important role in the synthesis of prostaglandins responsible for inflammation and growth .
This gene, also known as cyclooxygenase- 2 ( COX- 2), demonstrated a pronounced and stable response to acoustic stimulation, which led to an increase in the size of muscle cells that were sound . In addition, during the study of fat cells, scientists have noticed that acoustic stimulation reduces the differentiation of precursors into mature fat cells, which opens new opportunities for the treatment of obesity and other diseases associated with adipose tissue. These results are important for medicine, because the use of sound waves as non -invasive method for modulating cellular behavior can be the basis of new therapeutic strategies . Sound, as an intangible stimulus, can provide a safe and instant effect on biological processes without the need for chemical interventions, which gives great potential for the development of methods of treatment at the cellular level.
The study also emphasizes the importance sound characteristics such as frequency, intensity and wave shape It turned out that sinusoidal sounds at certain frequencies more effectively change the expression of genes than other forms of waves, which gives grounds for further research in this field.
These discoveries challenge a traditional notion of perception , offering new concept where cells can " hear" and respond to acoustic stimuli directly, regardless of the auditory systems of the body. In the future, with the development of cellular acoustics, these methods can be used for regenerative medicine, treatment of obesity and a number of other medical diseases, where acoustic waves can be used to regulate biological processes at the cellular level.
