[Effect of an attenuated geomagnetic field on the resistance of Escherichia coli to ultraviolet rays].

The effect of an attenuated geomagnetic field on E. coli tolerance to ultraviolet irradiation was studied. The geomagnetic field was shielded to provide 40- and 160-fold attenuation. It was demonstrated experimentally that the 160-fold attenuated field increased E. coli tolerance, whereas the 40-fold attenuated field decreased it. The geomagnetic effect depended on the exposure time, reaching maximum after five passages of E. coli. An additional magnetic field simulating the geomagnetic field generated in the shielded chamber reversed the effect of an attenuated geomagnetic field.