Magnetic field apparatus and object treatment method

Abstract

To provide a magnetic field apparatus and an object treatment method capable of appropriately promoting growth and fermentation of specific microorganisms or plants, and appropriately inhibiting proliferation of specific cells.SOLUTION: A magnetic field apparatus 1 is configured to allow a predetermined object to be placed in at least a part of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less, the magnetic field being generated by a magnetic field generator 100 (for example, a first coil 2 and a second coil 3) through a current supplied from a power supply 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a magnetic field device and a method for treating an object that can favorably promote the growth and fermentation of certain microorganisms and plants and favorably suppress the proliferation of certain cells. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent document 1 describes a growth promotion device that promotes the growth of a cultivated object by placing the object between two opposing coils and passing an alternating current with a single frequency of 25 kHz through the two coils, so that the object is exposed to a magnetic flux density of 50 mT (microtesla).

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an activation system for a microbial reactor, such as for brewing fermentation or methane fermentation, in which a culture tank is provided before the main fermentation, and a strong magnetic field of 2 tesla or more is applied to reactive microorganisms that have almost completed logarithmic growth in the culture tank for a certain period of time before transferring them to the main reactor.

[0004] Non-Patent Document 1 describes an investigation into the effect of a magnetic field on the proliferation and differentiation of embryonic carcinoma cells P19. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6154579 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-180659 [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, 2008, MBE-08-40, pp.25-28 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, the growth promotion device described in Patent Document 1 is designed to cultivate plants and saprophytic mushrooms (saprophytic fungi) such as shiitake mushrooms, and cannot be used to cultivate mycorrhizal mushrooms (mycorrhizal fungi) that form mycorrhizae on the roots of specific trees and live in symbiosis with the trees. Also, if the magnetic field frequency is too high, it will have an adverse effect on the target object, so applying the growth promotion device to some objects may have an adverse effect.

[0008] Furthermore, the activation system for the microbial reactor described in Patent Document 2 has the problem of high equipment and electricity costs due to the generation of a strong magnetic field. Furthermore, in this system, there is a risk that the methanogens may be weakened by applying a strong magnetic field to the bacteria.

[0009] For other microorganisms (e.g., koji mold, yeast, algae, etc.), it is desirable to grow these microorganisms efficiently from the viewpoint of practical application, but the conditions under which they can be efficiently grown have not yet been established.

[0010] Although Non-Patent Document 1 describes that the proliferation rate of P19 cells increased and differentiation was promoted, it is not well known that the application of a magnetic field can suppress the proliferation of cancer cells.

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances exemplified above, and relates to a magnetic field device and an object processing method that can preferably promote the growth and fermentation of specified microorganisms and plants, and can preferably suppress the proliferation of specified cells. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To achieve this purpose, the magnetic field device described in claim 1 comprises a magnetic field generating means and a connection means capable of connecting the magnetic field generating means to a power source, wherein the magnetic field generating means is configured to generate a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less by using a current supplied from the power source via the connection means, and is configured such that objects including one or more of symbiotic microorganisms, symbiotic plants living in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganisms, methane bacteria, koji mold, yeast fungi, or algae can be placed within at least a portion of the magnetic field with a magnetic flux density in the range generated by the magnetic field generating means.

[0013] A magnetic field device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the magnetic field device according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the symbiotic microorganism is a mycorrhizal fungus, a rhizobia, an actinomycete, or a lactic acid bacterium.

[0014] The magnetic field device described in claim 3 comprises a magnetic field generating means and a connection means capable of connecting the magnetic field generating means to a power source, wherein the magnetic field generating means is configured to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less by using a current supplied from the power source via the connection means, and wherein an object containing cancer cells can be placed within at least a portion of the magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range generated by the magnetic field generating means, and the proliferation of the cancer cells contained in the object is suppressed by exposing the object to the magnetic field.

[0015] The magnetic field device of claim 4 is the magnetic field device of claim 1 or 3, wherein the magnetic field generating means is configured to be able to generate an AC magnetic field with a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less by using an AC current supplied from the power source via the connection means.

[0016] A magnetic field device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the magnetic field device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the alternating current has a frequency of 500 Hz or less.

[0017] The magnetic field device of claim 6 is the magnetic field device of claim 1 or 3, and further comprises a magnetic flux density measuring means capable of measuring the magnetic flux density at a predetermined position within the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating means, and a magnetic field control means that controls the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generating means based on the magnetic flux density measured by the magnetic flux density measuring means so that the magnetic flux density is within the range and is a predetermined magnetic flux density set according to the object.

[0018] The magnetic field device of claim 7 is a magnetic field device of claim 1 or 3, and is equipped with a storage means capable of storing an object and a flowable medium, the storage means including a magnetic field processing section at least partially positioned within a magnetic field of magnetic flux density within the range generated by the magnetic field generating section, and a non-processing section positioned in a position where the magnetic field is not applied, and is configured to allow the object and the medium to circulate between the magnetic field processing section and the non-processing section.

[0019] The magnetic field device of claim 8 is the magnetic field device of claim 1 or 3, wherein the magnetic field generating means comprises a first coil and a second coil arranged at a position at least a predetermined distance away from the first coil, and is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field with a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less between the first coil and the second coil by using an alternating current with a frequency of 500 Hz or less supplied from the power source via the connection means.

[0020] The magnetic field device of claim 9 is the magnetic field device of claim 8, in which a magnetic field region of uniform magnetic flux density at least within the range can be generated in a specified small cylindrical region between the first coil and the second coil, which is contained in a large cylindrical region having circles of the coil diameter as its two ends and a separation distance of the two end circles of the specified distance, and the small cylindrical region is a region that includes the center of the large cylindrical region, and has circles of a diameter 1 / 3 of the coil diameter as its two ends and a separation distance of the two end circles of the same diameter 1 / 2 of the specified distance.

[0021] The magnetic field device according to claim 10 is the magnetic field device according to claim 8, further comprising axial movement means capable of moving the position of at least one of the first coil and the second coil in the axial direction of the first coil and the second coil.

[0022] The magnetic field device of claim 11 is the magnetic field device of claim 8, further comprising an intersecting direction moving means capable of moving the positions of the first coil and the second coil in a direction intersecting the axial direction of the first coil and the second coil.

[0023] The object processing method described in claim 12 comprises an arrangement step of arranging an object including one or more of symbiotic microorganisms, symbiotic plants living in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganisms, methane bacteria, koji mold, yeast, or algae in at least a portion of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within a range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less that can be generated by a magnetic field generating means, and a magnetic field processing step of exposing the object arranged in the arrangement step to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range generated by supplying an electric current to the magnetic field generating means.

[0024] The method for processing an object described in claim 13 comprises a placement step of placing an object containing cancer cells (excluding human cancer cells) in at least a portion of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within a range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less that can be generated by a magnetic field generating means, and a magnetic field treatment step of exposing the object to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range generated by supplying current to the magnetic field generating means, wherein the proliferation of the cancer cells contained in the object is suppressed by exposure in the magnetic field treatment step.

[0025] The object processing method described in claim 14 is the object processing method described in claim 12 or 13, further comprising a non-processing step in which an alternating magnetic field is not applied to the object, and the magnetic field processing step and the non-processing step are performed alternately at least once each. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the magnetic field device described in claim 1, the magnetic field generating means generates a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less by using a current supplied from a power source, and the magnetic field can be configured to allow placement of an object including one or more of symbiotic microorganisms, symbiotic plants that live in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganisms, methane bacteria, koji mold, yeast, or algae in at least a portion of the magnetic field.Therefore, by applying a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within this range to the object (exposing the object to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within this range), the growth, fermentation, etc. of the object can be efficiently promoted.

[0027] The magnetic field device according to claim 2 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the magnetic field device according to claim 1. That is, since the symbiotic microorganisms used as targets are mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, actinomycetes, or lactic acid bacteria, when these symbiotic microorganisms are combined with symbiotic plants that live in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganisms, the effect of the symbiosis between the symbiotic microorganisms and the symbiotic plants can be efficiently improved.

[0028] According to the magnetic field device described in claim 3, the device is configured so that an object containing cancer cells can be placed in at least a portion of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less, generated by a magnetic field generating means using a current supplied from a power source, and by exposing the object to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within that range (by applying a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within that range to the object), the proliferation of cancer cells contained in the object can be suppressed.

[0029] The magnetic field device according to claim 4 has the following effect in addition to the effect of the magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3. That is, an AC magnetic field with a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less can be applied to an object.

[0030] The magnetic field device according to claim 5 has the following effect in addition to the effect of the magnetic field device according to claim 4. That is, since the AC magnetic field applied to the object is generated by an AC current with a relatively low frequency of 500 Hz or less, adverse effects on the object can be suppressed.

[0031] The magnetic field device according to claim 6 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3. That is, the magnetic flux density at a predetermined position in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating means is measured by the magnetic flux density measuring means, and based on the measurement result, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating means is controlled by the magnetic field control means so that it has a predetermined magnetic flux density set according to the object, so that a stable magnetic field can be continuously applied to the object for a certain period of time.

[0032] The magnetic field device according to claim 7 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3. That is, the object and flowable medium contained in the containing means are configured to be able to circulate between the magnetic field processing section, where at least a part of the object and the flowable medium is located in the magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less, generated by the magnetic field generating means, and the non-processing section, where the object and the flowable medium are located in a position where the magnetic field is not applied, and the magnetic field can be applied intermittently to the object by this circulation.

[0033] The magnetic field device according to claim 8 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3. That is, since it is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field region having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less between the first coil and the second coil by using an AC current of a frequency of 500 Hz or less supplied from an AC power source, it is possible to efficiently obtain a predetermined effect (e.g., promotion of growth or fermentation, inhibition of proliferation, etc.) on an object placed at least in part within the magnetic field. Furthermore, since the AC magnetic field applied to the object is generated by an AC current of a relatively low frequency of 500 Hz or less, adverse effects on the object can be suppressed.

[0034] The magnetic field device according to claim 9 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the magnetic field device according to claim 8. That is, a magnetic field region with a uniform magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less can be generated in a predetermined small cylindrical region between the first coil and the second coil, the small cylindrical region being encompassed by a large cylindrical region having circles with a diameter equal to the coil diameter as its two ends and a predetermined distance between the two ends. Therefore, by placing an object within the small cylindrical region, a uniform AC magnetic field within the small cylindrical region can be stably applied to the object. In this case, the small cylindrical region is a region that includes the center of the large cylindrical region, has circles with a diameter equal to one-third of the coil diameter as its two ends, and is separated by a distance equal to one-half of the predetermined distance. Therefore, it is easy to place the object within the small cylindrical region.

[0035] The magnetic field device according to claim 10 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the magnetic field device according to claim 8. That is, since the device is provided with axial movement means that can move the position of at least one of the first coil and the second coil in the axial direction of each of these coils, the positions of the first coil and the second coil can be set individually. This makes it possible to change the axial positions of both coils with respect to the object without changing the distance between the first coil and the second coil, and also to change the distance between the first coil and the second coil.

[0036] The magnetic field device of claim 11 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the magnetic field device of claim 8. That is, since the magnetic field device is provided with intersecting direction movement means that can move the positions of the first coil and the second coil in a direction intersecting the axial direction of each of these coils, the first coil and the second coil can be moved in a direction intersecting the axial direction of each of these coils. This makes it easy to change the position where an AC magnetic field is to be applied to an object in the intersecting direction.

[0037] According to the method for treating an object described in claim 12, an object including one or more of symbiotic microorganisms, symbiotic plants that live in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganisms, methane bacteria, koji mold, yeast, or algae is placed in at least a portion of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less that can be generated by a magnetic field generating means in a placement step, and the object is exposed to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range in a magnetic field treatment step (a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range is applied to the object), thereby efficiently promoting the growth, fermentation, etc. of the object.

[0038] According to the object processing method described in claim 13, an object containing cancer cells (excluding human cancer cells) is placed in at least a portion of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less that can be generated by a magnetic field generating means by a placement step, and the object is exposed to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range by a magnetic field processing step (a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range is applied to the object), thereby suppressing the proliferation of cancer cells contained in the object.

[0039] The object treatment method according to claim 14 achieves the following effect in addition to the effect achieved by the object treatment method according to claim 12 or 13. That is, the method further comprises a non-treatment step in which an AC magnetic field is not applied to the object, and the magnetic field treatment step and the non-treatment step are alternately performed at least once each, thereby suitably promoting growth, fermentation, etc. of the object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] (a) is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of an example of a magnetic field device of this embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram for explaining a magnetic field region of uniform magnetic flux density that can be generated between the first coil and the second coil. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a storage container. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of an AC power supply. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an output control process. [Figure 5]FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a specific example of a magnetic field device. [Figure 6] 6(a) to 6(c) are a top view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, of the magnetic field device shown in FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a process diagram illustrating an example of an object processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state of mycorrhizal formation in Example 5 observed under a microscope at a magnification of approximately 600 times. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the state of mycorrhizal formation in Comparative Example 1 observed under a microscope at a magnification of approximately 600 times. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of application of the magnetic field device to an organic waste treatment facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1(a) is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an example of a magnetic field device 1 of this embodiment, and Fig. 1(b) is a schematic diagram illustrating a magnetic field region with a uniform magnetic flux density that can be generated between a first coil 2 and a second coil 3.

[0042] As shown in Fig. 1(a), the magnetic field device 1 includes a magnetic field generating unit 100 capable of generating a magnetic field, and a conductor 4 capable of connecting the magnetic field generating unit 100 to a power source 5. In the magnetic field device 1 of this embodiment shown in Fig. 1(a), the magnetic field generating unit 100 is an AC magnetic field generating unit capable of generating an AC magnetic field (variable magnetic field), and is composed of a first coil 2 and a second coil 3 provided at a position spaced at least a predetermined distance from the first coil 2.

[0043] The magnetic field device 1 can generate a magnetic field (magnetic field) of a predetermined magnetic flux density in the magnetic field generating unit 100 by using a current supplied from a power source 5 via a conductor 4. The power source 5 may be a DC power source or an AC power source. The current supplied from the power source 5 to the magnetic field device 1 is a DC current or an AC current depending on the type of the magnetic field generating unit 100.

[0044] According to the magnetic field device 1, by placing an object (hereinafter simply referred to as "object") containing at least biological cells or components made of biological cells within the magnetic field (alternating magnetic field or steady magnetic field) generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100, it is possible to bring about a predetermined effect on the object (for example, promoting the growth (development) or fermentation of the object, or suppressing the proliferation of specific biological cells such as cancer cells contained in the object).

[0045] The magnetic field generating unit 100 is configured to be able to generate at least a magnetic field with a predetermined range of magnetic flux density that can be applied to the target. The magnetic field device 1 is configured to be able to apply to the target a magnetic field within a range of, for example, 0.05 mT or more and 5 mT or less (i.e., 0.05 mT to 5 mT). In the following description, the range of "X or more and Y or less" will be described as the range of "X to Y." The magnetic flux density of the magnetic field that the magnetic field device 1 applies to the target is preferably within a range of 0.05 mT to 1 mT, more preferably within a range of 0.05 mT to 0.5 mT, even more preferably within a range of 0.05 mT to 0.2 mT, and even more preferably within a range of 0.05 mT to 0.1 mT.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the magnetic field device 1 may further include a Tesla meter 6 and a control device 7. The Tesla meter 6 is installed so as to be able to measure the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100. The control device 7 is, for example, a personal computer. The control device 7 may be configured to be provided outside the magnetic field device 1 or the power supply 5, or may be configured to be provided as a part of the magnetic field device 1 or the power supply 5.

[0047] The control device 7 has a hardware configuration (not shown) including a processing unit such as a CPU, a storage device such as a ROM, RAM, or hard drive disk, and an input / output device, and is configured to be able to output the calculation results obtained by executing a control program (software) pre-stored in the storage device in the processing unit as control signals from the input / output device.

[0048] The control device 7 adjusts the current output from the power supply 5 or the voltage value (output level) of the current input to the magnetic field generating unit 100 in accordance with the measurement results of the magnetic flux density input from the Tesla meter 6 so that the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 becomes a predetermined set value set according to the target object within a predetermined preferable range of magnetic flux density to be applied to the target object (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT).

[0049] In the magnetic field device 1 of this embodiment, an AC power supply is used as the power supply 5. An AC current is supplied from the power supply 5 to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, which function as the magnetic field generating unit 100, via the conductor 4. This allows the magnetic field device 1 to generate an AC magnetic field (variable magnetic field) between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3.

[0050] When the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 function as Helmholtz coils, a magnetic field region with a uniform magnetic flux density (hereinafter also referred to as a "uniform magnetic field region") can be generated in the alternating current magnetic field generated between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3. When the magnetic field device 1 is configured to include a magnetic field generating unit 100 capable of generating a uniform magnetic field region (for example, the coils 2 and 3 functioning as Helmholtz coils), it is preferable that an object be placed in at least a part of the uniform magnetic field region.

[0051] When the magnetic field generating unit 100 is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field including a uniform magnetic field region, the magnetic flux density of the uniform magnetic field region can be, for example, in the range of 0.05 mT to 5 mT as the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the object. The magnetic flux density of the uniform magnetic field region is preferably in the range of 0.05 mT to 1 mT, more preferably in the range of 0.05 mT to 0.5 mT, even more preferably in the range of 0.05 mT to 0.2 mT, and even more preferably in the range of 0.05 mT to 0.1 mT.

[0052] The first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are configured to have the same or approximately the same shape. In this embodiment, as an example, annular ring coils are used as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3. The first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are not limited to annular ring coils, and may be air-core coils whose outer shape is a shape other than a circle (for example, a polygon such as a rectangle).

[0053] The size (e.g., coil diameter) and number of turns of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are not particularly limited as long as they can generate a uniform magnetic field region with a predetermined range of magnetic flux density (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT) to be applied to the target object. When the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are annular ring coils, usable coils include, for example, coils with a coil diameter (diameter) of 100 to 2500 mm and a number of turns of 50 to 500.

[0054] The first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are arranged to face each other (i.e., parallel or approximately parallel). The first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are preferably arranged so that their axes (central axes of the coils) are coaxial or approximately coaxial, but the axes of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 may be arranged to be spaced apart as long as a uniform magnetic field region can be formed between these coils. By arranging the annular first coil 2 and second coil 3 on the same axis, these coils 2 and 3 can function as Helmholtz coils.

[0055] The distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 (hereinafter also referred to as "coil distance") is not particularly limited as long as it can generate a uniform magnetic field region with a predetermined range of magnetic flux density (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT) to be applied to the target object. The coil distance may be, for example, 50 to 1000 mm. The "coil distance" is the distance between the center of the axial direction (winding direction) of the first coil 2 and the center of the axial direction of the second coil 3.

[0056] In the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, the distance between a predetermined point on each of the coils 2, 3 and another point opposite the predetermined point is preferably equal to or greater than the inter-coil distance, and more preferably approximately twice the inter-coil distance. Furthermore, the predetermined point and the other point opposite the predetermined point are preferably located on a line segment passing through the center of the first coil 2 or the second coil 3. For example, when the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are annular ring coils as in this embodiment, the coil diameter is preferably equal to or greater than the inter-coil distance, and more preferably approximately twice the inter-coil distance.

[0057] In addition, when there are multiple distances between a predetermined point on each of the coils 2 and 3 and another point opposite the predetermined point, one of the multiple distances used as a reference may be configured to be equal to or greater than the inter-coil distance (separation distance) between the coils 2 and 3. For example, when the coils 2 and 3 are air-core coils configured with a rectangular outer shape, the inter-coil distance may be the distance corresponding to the long side of the rectangular outer shape, or the inter-coil distance may be the distance corresponding to the longest oblique side of the multiple distances.

[0058] The arrangement of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 facing each other is not limited to the vertical direction (vertical direction) as shown in FIG. 1(a), but may also be horizontal, or each axis (the central axis of the coil) may be angled relative to the vertical direction (i.e., diagonal). The arrangement of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 can be adapted to suit the object. For example, in the case of an object that elongates in the direction of gravity due to cell growth (e.g., plant roots), it is preferable to apply a perpendicular magnetic flux to the object. Applying a perpendicular magnetic flux to an object that elongates in the direction of gravity facilitates improving exposure uniformity for the object, making it suitable for mass production of products obtained by applying a magnetic field to the object (exposing the object to a magnetic field). Therefore, in this case, it is preferable to apply a perpendicular magnetic flux generated between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 arranged vertically to the object.

[0059] The conductor 4 functions as a connection means for connecting the power source 5 and the magnetic field device 1 (in the example shown in FIG. 1(a) , the first coil 2 and second coil 3, which are the magnetic field generating unit 100). The conductor 4 may be configured to be fixedly connected to each of the magnetic field device 1 and the power source 5, or may be configured to be fixedly connected to the magnetic field device 1 and detachably connected to the power source 5 by a detachable means (not shown) such as a plug. Alternatively, the magnetic field device 1 may be provided with a wiring plug connector such as a socket to which the conductor 4 is detachably connected, and the wiring plug connector may function as a connection means for connecting the power source 5 and the magnetic field device 1.

[0060] By supplying in-phase AC currents from power supply 5, which is an AC power source, to first coil 2 and second coil 3, an AC magnetic field can be generated between these coils 2 and 3. When magnetic field generating unit 100 is an AC magnetic field generating unit like coils 2 and 3, the AC current supplied from power supply 5, which is an AC power source, to magnetic field device 1 (more specifically, magnetic field generating unit 100, which is an AC magnetic field generating unit) preferably has a frequency of 5 kHz or less, more preferably 10 Hz to 1 kHz, even more preferably 30 Hz to 800 Hz, still more preferably 30 Hz to 500 Hz, even more preferably 50 to 300 Hz, even more preferably 50 to 100 Hz, and even more preferably 50 to 80 Hz.

[0061] 1(a) is configured to be able to generate a uniform magnetic field region between coils 2 and 3 by AC current supplied from power supply 5. The uniform magnetic field region generated between first coil 2 and second coil 3 has a magnetic flux density of preferably 0.05 mT to 5 mT, more preferably 0.05 mT to 1 mT, even more preferably in the range of 0.05 mT to 0.5 mT, even more preferably 0.05 mT to 0.2 mT, and even more preferably in the range of 0.05 mT to 0.1 mT.

[0062] The Tesla meter 6 is configured to be able to measure the magnetic field generated between the coils 2 and 3. When the magnetic field generating unit 100 is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field including a uniform magnetic field region, such as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, the Tesla meter 6 is preferably installed so as to be able to measure the magnetic flux density in the uniform magnetic field region. For example, the Tesla meter 6 is installed so as to be able to measure the magnetic flux density near the center between the coils 2 and 3.

[0063] The control device 7 adjusts the voltage value (output level) of the AC current output from the power source 5 or the AC current input to the coils 2 and 3 in accordance with the measurement results of the magnetic flux density input from the Tesla meter 6 so that the uniform magnetic field region has a predetermined set value set according to the object within a predetermined preferable range of magnetic flux density to be applied to the object (for example, 0.05 mT to 5 mT).

[0064] As shown in Fig. 1(b), a cylindrical region (hereinafter also referred to as "large cylindrical region") V1 can be generated between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, with the circle of coil diameter R1 at both ends and the distance between the two circles being the inter-coil distance L1. The magnetic field device 1 can generate a uniform magnetic field region in a part of the large cylindrical region V1. The volume ratio of the uniform magnetic field region to the large cylindrical region V1 is preferably 33 to 50%.

[0065] The uniform magnetic field region includes at least a small cylindrical region V2. The small cylindrical region V2 is a region contained in the large cylindrical region V1 and includes the center C of the large cylindrical region V1 (i.e., the center between the coils 2 and 3). Note that, although FIG. 1(b) illustrates an example in which the center of the small cylindrical region V2 coincides with the center C of the large cylindrical region V1, the center of the small cylindrical region V2 may not coincide with the center C.

[0066] The small cylindrical region V2 is a cylindrical region whose two ends are circles with a diameter R2 that is 1 / 3 of the coil diameter R1, and whose separation distance L2 between the two ends is 1 / 2 the inter-coil distance L1, and has a similar shape to the large cylindrical region V1. Because the small cylindrical region V2 has a similar shape to the large cylindrical region V1, the volume of the small cylindrical region V2 can be increased by N (N>1) times by increasing the coil diameters and inter-coil distance of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 (for example, 8 times when N=2).

[0067] For example, if a first coil 2 and a second coil 3 with a coil diameter of 300 mm are used and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 is set to 150 mm, a uniform magnetic field region of a small cylindrical region V2 is formed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 at a position including the center C of the large cylindrical region V1 formed by coils 2 and 3, with a circle of 100 mm diameter at both ends and a distance between the two circles of 75 mm.

[0068] On the other hand, when coils 2 and 3 with a coil diameter of 600 mm are used and the distance between these coils 2 and 3 is set to 300 mm, a uniform magnetic field region of a small cylindrical region V2 is formed between these coils 2 and 3 at a position including the center C of the large cylindrical region V1 formed by coils 2 and 3, with circles of diameter 200 mm at both ends and the distance between the circles at both ends being 150 mm.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 1(a), the object can be placed in a container 10 and disposed between the magnetic field generating unit 100 (specifically, coils 2 and 3) of the magnetic field device 1. The container 10 containing the object can be placed directly on the ground and disposed in the magnetic field generating unit 100 (between coils 2 and 3 in the example shown in FIG. 1(a)), or can be placed on a mounting table 19 (see, for example, FIG. 6) or the like so that its vertical position relative to the magnetic field generating unit 100 (coils 2 and 3) can be adjusted. While FIG. 1(a) illustrates an example in which one container 10 is disposed for one magnetic field generating unit 100 (specifically, one set of coils 2 and 3), multiple containers may be disposed for one magnetic field generating unit 100 (one set of coils 2 and 3). The object may also be disposed in the magnetic field generating unit 100 (for example, between coils 2 and 3) without being contained in the container 10.

[0070] A magnetic field can be applied to a region of the container 10 located within the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100. As shown in FIG. 1(a), when the magnetic field generating unit 100 is composed of a first coil 2 and a second coil 3, an AC magnetic field can be applied to a region of the container 10 located between the coils 2 and 3. In particular, by placing an object in the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3, a uniform magnetic field (more specifically, a uniform AC magnetic field) having a magnetic flux density within a predetermined range (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT) can be applied to the object. Therefore, it is preferable that the object be placed in at least a part of the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3, and more preferably, at least near the center C of the large cylindrical region V1.

[0071] The storage container 10 can be made of an appropriate material such as resin or glass. When it is necessary to expose the object to light, it is preferable to use a transparent or translucent storage container 10. On the other hand, when using an object that must not be exposed to light, a storage container 10 having light-blocking properties may be used.

[0072] 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the storage container 10. In order to facilitate understanding of the drawing, Fig. 2(b) also shows the magnetic field generating unit 100 (in this embodiment, the first coil 2 and the second coil 3).

[0073] The storage container 10 has, for example, a cylindrical shape as shown in Fig. 2(a). The shape of the storage container 10 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and any appropriate shape depending on the object can be adopted, such as a columnar or box-shaped body with a polygonal or elliptical bottom surface (both end surfaces). The bottom surface of the storage container 10 is not limited to a flat surface, and may be non-flat, such as the shape of a ship's bottom.

[0074] Storage container 10 is preferably configured to allow objects to be put in and taken out. Therefore, for example, storage container 10 includes at least main body 11 with a portion of the top surface or the like open. Storage container 10 may further include lid 12 that covers the opening of main body 11. Lid 12 is preferably capable of sealing storage container 10, which can prevent pests, germs, impurities, etc. from entering and damaging the objects.

[0075] It is preferable that the lid portion 12 is detachable from the main body portion 11, so that water, food, etc. can be appropriately provided to the object in the storage container 10, and the object can also be removed from the storage container 10 as needed.

[0076] When it is necessary to circulate gas such as air between the inside and outside of storage container 10, one or more ventilation holes (not shown) may be provided in main body 11 or lid 12. In this case, it is preferable to attach a sheet (not shown) that is breathable but can inhibit the entry of germs so as to prevent germs and the like from entering storage container 10 through the ventilation holes.

[0077] It is not always necessary to continue using one storage container 10 for an object, and when the object grows larger, it may be transferred to a larger storage container 10. As the object grows larger, it is preferable to sequentially transfer the object to storage containers 10 of a size appropriate for the object (i.e., larger).

[0078] The storage container 10 (or the target object if no storage container 10 is used) may be covered with a metal sheet such as an aluminum sheet, thereby suppressing the growth of moss, algae, etc. Also, a magnetic mesh may be placed around the storage container 10 (or the target object if no storage container 10 is used), thereby expanding the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3 and enabling an AC magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within a predetermined range (for example, 0.05 mT to 5 mT) to be efficiently applied to the target object.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2(b), the storage container 10 can be configured to include a magnetic field processing section 15, at least a portion of which can be positioned within the magnetic field (e.g., the uniform magnetic field region between coils 2 and 3) generated by the magnetic field generating section 100 (in this embodiment, the first coil 2 and the second coil 3), and a non-processing section 16, which is positioned in a position where the magnetic field (in this embodiment, the alternating magnetic field) is not applied (e.g., outside coils 2 and 3), and the magnetic field processing section 15 and the non-processing section 16 are connected by a connecting section 17 such as a pipe.

[0080] When two communication parts 17 are provided between the magnetic field treatment part 15 and the non-treatment part 16, when a flowable medium (for example, water) is poured into the storage container 10, one communication part 17 allows the medium to flow from the magnetic field treatment part 15 to the non-treatment part 16, and the other communication part 17 allows the medium to flow from the non-treatment part 16 to the magnetic field treatment part 15, so that the medium can circulate between the magnetic field treatment part 15 and the non-treatment part 16. It is preferable that the communication part 17 is detachable from at least one of the magnetic field treatment part 15 or the non-treatment part 16.

[0081] According to the storage container 10 shown in Figure 2(b), in a configuration in which the object is stored in the storage container 10 while being mixed in a flowable medium, the object can be circulated between the magnetic field treatment section 15 and the non-treatment section 16 by the object moving within the medium or the medium causing the object to flow.

[0082] When the object is located in the magnetic field treatment section 15, the object can be exposed to a magnetic field (for example, an alternating magnetic field in a uniform magnetic field region where the magnetic flux density is uniform), whereas when the object is located in the non-treatment section 16, the magnetic field can be prevented from being applied to the object. Thus, by circulating the object between the magnetic field treatment section 15 and the non-treatment section 16, a magnetic field can be applied intermittently to the object.

[0083] 2(b) is useful when applying a magnetic field to objects such as fish or methane bacteria that are raised or fermented in a flowable medium such as water (freshwater or seawater) or a slurry made from organic waste. The speed at which the objects circulate between the magnetic field treatment section 15 and the non-treatment section 16 can be adjusted by using a pump (not shown) or a water flow generator (not shown). The duration of application of the magnetic field to the objects can be adjusted by adjusting the circulation speed of the objects.

[0084] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a power supply 5 which is an AC power supply. As the power supply 5 which is an AC power supply, for example, an AC power supply device 51 as shown in Fig. 3(a) can be used. The AC power supply device 51 includes an AC current generator 52 and an amplifier 53. The AC current generator 52 and the amplifier 53 are driven by power supplied from a power supply (not shown) capable of outputting DC or AC current.

[0085] The AC current generator 52 includes a signal oscillation circuit capable of oscillating a signal source and generates an AC current of any frequency within a predetermined frequency range (e.g., a range of 5 kHz or less). The frequency of the AC current output from the AC current generator 52 is controlled by the control device 7. The waveform of the output signal from the AC current generator 52 is not particularly limited, and various waveforms such as a sine wave, a square wave, a triangular wave, or a sawtooth wave can be exemplified. The AC current output from the AC current generator 52 is set to any current value and voltage value by the control device 7. The amplifier 53 amplifies the voltage of the AC current input from the AC current generator 52 and supplies it to the magnetic field generating unit 100 (e.g., the first coil 2 and the second coil). Note that a transformer may be interposed between the AC current generator 52 and the amplifier 53.

[0086] 3(b) can also be used as the power supply 5, which is an AC power source. The AC power supply 55 includes a switch 56 that can switch between connection and disconnection with a 100V commercial power supply 54 of 50 Hz or 60 Hz, a transformer 57, a switch 58, and a variac 59.

[0087] Transformer 57 reduces the voltage of 100V commercial power supply 54 to 10V. Switch 58 switches the voltage of the current sent to slidac 59 between 100V from commercial power supply 54 and 10V reduced by transformer 57. Slidac 59 transforms an input voltage of, for example, 100V or 10V with a predetermined gain (for example, a gain in the range of 0 to 130%) and supplies the resulting voltage to magnetic field generating unit 100 (for example, first coil 2 and second coil). Note that AC power supply device 55 may be configured without transformer 57 and switch 58, i.e., may be configured with switch 56 and slidac 59.

[0088] The output of the power supply 5 (e.g., AC power supply device 51, AC power supply device 55) which is an AC power supply may be controlled by the control device 7. Therefore, for example, in a configuration in which the magnetic flux density of the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3 as the magnetic field generating unit 100 can be measured by the Tesla meter 6, the control device 7 can adjust the output level (voltage value) of the AC current from the power supply 5 based on the measurement result (the measurement result of the magnetic flux density input from the Tesla meter 6) so that the magnetic flux density of the uniform magnetic field region becomes an appropriate value. With this configuration, the magnetic flux density of the uniform magnetic field region can be kept stable, making it possible to continuously apply a uniform and stable AC magnetic field to the target object for a certain period of time.

[0089] With reference to FIG. 4, the output control process of the power source 5 executed by the control device 7 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the output control process. The arithmetic processing device of the control device 7 repeatedly executes the output control process shown in FIG. 4 at predetermined execution intervals (for example, 100 ms). In the output control process, the control device 7 first determines whether the magnetic flux density measured by the Tesla meter 6 is within a predetermined range including a predetermined set value (for example, within a range of ±0.5% centered on the predetermined set value) (S11). Note that the "predetermined set value" that serves as the basis for the determination in S11 is a predetermined value set within a preferable range of magnetic flux density (for example, a range of 0.05 mT to 5 mT) for the magnetic field to be applied to the object (for example, a uniform magnetic field region between the coils 2 and 3).

[0090] If the control device 7 determines that the measured value of the magnetic flux density is within the range (S11: Yes), it simply terminates the output control device. On the other hand, if the control device 7 determines that the measured value of the magnetic flux density is outside the range (S11: No), the control device 7 adjusts the output level (voltage value) of the current output from the power supply 5 so that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field (e.g., a uniform magnetic field region) applied to the object becomes a predetermined set value (S12), and then terminates the output control device. For example, in S12, the control device 7 controls the AC current generator 52 or the variac 59, thereby adjusting the output level of the AC current output from the AC power supply device 51 or the AC power supply device 55, which is the power supply 5.

[0091] Next, an example of the magnetic field device 1 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. Fig. 5 is a perspective view that schematically shows one specific example of the magnetic field device 1, and Figs. 6(a) to 6(c) are a top view, a front view, and a side view, respectively, of the magnetic field device 1 shown in Fig. 5. Note that, for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the drawings, the conductors 4, wiring, etc. are omitted from Figs. 5 and 6, and in Fig. 6, the storage container 10 installed in the magnetic field device 1 and the mounting table 19 on which the storage container 10 is placed are shown by two-dot chain lines. Furthermore, the internal configuration is shown by dashed lines as necessary.

[0092] 5 includes a first coil 2, a second coil 3, a support member 21 that supports these coils 2 and 3, and a base frame 22 that supports the support member 21 in the vertical direction. The first coil 2 and the second coil 3 are a specific example of a magnetic field generating unit 100. The support member 21 includes a first support member 23 to which the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 can be attached, and a second support member 24 that rotatably supports the first support member 23.

[0093] The first coil 2 is covered by an insulating first coil cover 25, and is configured to be attachable to one end of the first support member 23 by an attachment member 27. The second coil 3 is covered by an insulating second coil cover 26, and is configured to be attachable to the other end of the first support member 23 by an attachment member 27.

[0094] First coil cover 25 and second coil cover 26 do not necessarily have to be annular like coils 2 and 3, and may have a shape other than a circle, such as a square central opening, or may be disk-shaped with no central opening. One of first coil cover 25 and second coil cover 26 may be annular and the other disk-shaped. By making one of first coil cover 25 or second coil cover 26 have a shape with a central opening (for example, annular), it becomes possible to utilize the space created by the opening, such as by inserting storage container 10 through the opening.

[0095] Mounting member 27 includes coil-side mounting portions 28 for fixedly mounting first coil cover 25 or second coil cover 26, and insertion portions 29 that can be inserted into first support member 23. Insertion portions 29 are movable along the longitudinal direction of first support member 23. Thus, by moving the position of insertion portions 29, the positions of first coil cover 25 (first coil 2) and second coil cover 26 (second coil 3) can be changed independently.

[0096] In this way, the magnetic field device 1 is configured so that the position of at least one of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the first support member 23 (i.e., the axial direction of the coil), so that the positions of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 can each be set.

[0097] This makes it possible to change the axial positions of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 relative to the object without changing the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3. Therefore, for example, if the object is a living organism (e.g., fish) that can move within the container 10, changing the axial positions of the coils 2 and 3 makes it possible to apply an AC magnetic field targeting a location within the container 10 where the living organism is present in large numbers (e.g., the lower layer of the container 10). In this case, by not changing the distance between the coils, it is possible to homogenize the magnetic flux density between the coils 2 and 3 (particularly, the magnetic flux density in the uniform magnetic field region).

[0098] In addition, the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 can be changed. This allows the distance between the coils to be adjusted as needed, optimizing the uniform magnetic field region between the coils 2 and 3. Furthermore, for example, in a configuration in which the first and second coils 2 and 3 are detachable in the magnetic field device 1, when using coils 2 and 3 with an appropriate coil diameter from among coils 2 and 3 with multiple coil diameters, the distance between the coils can be set each time to suit the coil diameter.

[0099] The movement of the insertion portion 29 (mounting member 27) relative to the first support member 23 may be performed manually or by using an electric lifting device (not shown) or the like. When the electric lifting device is used to move the mounting member 27, the amount of movement of the mounting member 27 may be controlled by using a control device such as a personal computer.

[0100] In the magnetic field device 1 of this embodiment, a rotating shaft 31 is fixed to the first support member 23. The other end of the rotating shaft 31 is rotatably attached to the second support member 24. Note that, although Fig. 6 illustrates an example in which the rotating shaft 31 is provided in the approximate center of the first support member 23 in the longitudinal direction, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the rotating shaft 31 may be provided offset toward one end of the first support member 23.

[0101] This allows the first support member 23 to rotate relative to the second support member 24, so that the first coil cover 25 (first coil 2) and the second coil cover 26 (second coil 3) supported by the first support member 23 can be rotated around the rotation axis 31 while maintaining their positional relationship. Therefore, the arrangement direction of the opposing coils 2, 3 is not limited to the vertical direction, but can be freely changed to the horizontal direction, diagonal direction, etc.

[0102] The rotation of the first support member 23 relative to the second support member 24 may be performed manually or electrically using an electric motor (not shown) or the like. When the first support member 23 is rotated using an electric motor, the amount of rotation of the first support member 23 relative to the second support member 24 may be controlled using a control device such as a personal computer.

[0103] Casters 32 are provided on the bottom side of the base frame 22, allowing the entire magnetic field device 1 to be moved horizontally. This allows the positions of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 to be moved in a direction intersecting the axes of the coils 2 and 3 (hereinafter, this direction will also be referred to as the "intersecting direction"), making it possible to properly position the object contained in the container 10 in the uniform magnetic field region between the coils 2 and 3.

[0104] Furthermore, when it is desired to change the position at which the magnetic field is applied to the object in the intersecting direction, this can be easily done because the magnetic field device 1 can be moved in the desired intersecting direction using the casters 32. Furthermore, when the object is heavy, the magnetic field device 1 can be moved toward the object without moving the object, and the object can be positioned between the coils 2 and 3.

[0105] The casters 32 may be configured to be manually operable or electrically operable using an electric motor (not shown) or the like. When the casters 32 are operated using an electric motor, the direction and amount of movement of the casters 32 may be controlled using a control device such as a personal computer.

[0106] Next, a method for treating an object using the magnetic field device 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7(a) and Fig. 7(b) are both process diagrams showing an example of the method for treating an object according to this embodiment.

[0107] 7(a), the method for processing an object includes a placement step and a magnetic field processing step that follows the placement step. The placement step is a step of placing an object between a first coil 2 and a second coil 3. The object may be placed between the coils 2 and 3 while being contained in a storage container 10, or may be placed directly between the coils 2 and 3 without being contained in the storage container 10.

[0108] The magnetic field treatment step is a step of exposing the object to a magnetic field with a predetermined range of magnetic flux density (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT) generated in the magnetic field generating unit 100 by a current supplied from the power source 5. When the magnetic field generating unit 100 is configured with a first coil 2 and a second coil 3 functioning as Helmholtz coils, the magnetic field treatment step is a step of exposing the object to an AC magnetic field (e.g., a uniform magnetic field region with a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT to 5 mT or less) generated between the coils 2 and 3 by an AC current of a predetermined frequency supplied from the power source 5. By setting the frequency of the AC current supplied to the magnetic field device 1 to a relatively low frequency of 5 kHz or less, adverse effects on the object can be suppressed.

[0109] In the magnetic field treatment step, the time for which the magnetic field is applied to the object is preferably 10 minutes to 20 hours, more preferably 20 minutes to 6 hours, and even more preferably 30 minutes to 3 hours, when the purpose is to promote growth or fermentation of the object. On the other hand, when the purpose is to inhibit the proliferation of specific biological cells (e.g., cancer cells) contained in the object, the time for which the magnetic field is applied to the object is preferably at least 24 hours.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 7(b), the object processing method includes, in addition to the above-mentioned placement step and magnetic field processing step, a non-processing step performed after the magnetic field processing step, and a second magnetic field processing step performed after the non-processing step.

[0111] The non-treatment step is a step in which no magnetic field is applied to the object. The non-treatment step may be achieved by cutting off the supply of current to the coils 2, 3, etc. of the magnetic field generating unit 100 (i.e., not generating a magnetic field in the magnetic field generating unit 100), or by moving the object placed in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 to a position where the magnetic field does not apply (e.g., outside the coils 2, 3). In the latter configuration, the object may be moved to a position where the magnetic field does not apply, not only by artificially moving the object, but also by the movement of the object contained in the storage container 10 itself, or by the flow of a medium contained in the storage container 10 together with the object.

[0112] 7(b) is a method in which a magnetic field treatment step and a non-treatment step are alternately performed, and a magnetic field (e.g., an AC magnetic field) is intermittently applied to the object. The object treatment method in which a magnetic field is intermittently applied to the object is particularly suitable for the purpose of promoting growth, fermentation, etc. of the object.

[0113] Note that Figure 7(b) illustrates an example of an object processing method in which two magnetic field processing steps are performed with a non-processing step in between. However, the object processing method can also be configured to alternate between a magnetic field processing step and a non-processing step at least once, such as performing a third magnetic field processing step after the second magnetic field processing step, with a non-processing step in between.

[0114] As shown in Figure 7(b), in a configuration in which the magnetic field treatment process is performed intermittently by inserting a non-treatment process, if the purpose is to promote growth or fermentation of the target object, the magnetic field application time per day to the target object is preferably 10 minutes to 20 hours / day, more preferably 20 minutes to 6 hours / day, and even more preferably 30 minutes to 3 hours / day.

[0115] In a configuration in which a magnetic field treatment step for the above-mentioned application time is performed once a day, the magnetic field treatment step and the non-treatment step may be performed every other day, or a configuration in which a magnetic field treatment step for one day is followed by a non-treatment step for several days. Furthermore, assuming that a magnetic field treatment step for the above-mentioned application time is performed per day, a configuration in which a non-treatment step is interposed once or multiple times a day may be used. For example, a configuration in which a magnetic field treatment step for 30 minutes to 3 hours and a non-treatment step for 30 minutes to 3 hours are repeated may be used.

[0116] In a configuration in which the magnetic field treatment process is performed intermittently multiple times, the strength (magnetic flux density) of the magnetic field or uniform magnetic field region does not necessarily have to be the same in all magnetic field treatment processes, and some magnetic field treatment processes may have different strengths than others.

[0117] When the purpose is to suppress the proliferation of specific biological cells (e.g., cancer cells) contained in the target object, the magnetic field treatment process may be configured to include one or more non-treatment steps of a few percent (e.g., 0.5%) of the total application time (e.g., 24 hours) of the magnetic field treatment process.

[0118] The object to which the magnetic field device 1 is applied may be anything that includes at least biological cells or a structure made of biological cells. The biological cells (including biological cells of structures) may be either plant cells or animal cells. Microorganisms and fungal cells are also included in the biological cells. Biological cells include artificially created pluripotent stem cells such as iPS cells, and skeletal muscle stem cells created from iPS cells. Biological cells also include abnormal cells such as cancer cells. Examples of structures made of biological cells include microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, and algae, plants, and animals such as fish. Examples of algae include Euglena and diatoms.

[0119] Examples of bacteria include rhizobia, actinomycetes (including rare actinomycetes), and lactic acid bacteria. Rhizobia include bacteria capable of forming root nodules or stem nodules on the roots or stems of plants such as legumes. Examples of actinomycetes that can be used include actinomycetes of the genus Frankia, Bifidobacterium, and various actinomycetes of the genus Actinocatenispora isolated from the medicinal plant Comarum salesowianum native to Mongolia. Examples of lactic acid bacteria that can be used include various lactic acid bacteria such as lactobacilli of the genus Lactobacillus and lactic acid cocci of the genus Streptococcus.

[0120] Examples of fungi include mycorrhizal fungi (e.g., mycorrhizal mushrooms), anaerobic microorganisms such as methanogens, koji mold, and yeast. Examples of mycorrhizal fungi include truffles such as black truffles (Asiatic black truffle) and white truffles (Honzeiyoushouro), and ectomycorrhizal fungi such as matsutake mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, and shimeji mushrooms. Note that mycorrhizal fungi are not limited to ectomycorrhizal fungi, and any type of mycorrhizal fungi can be used, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, endoectomycorrhizal fungi, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, arbutoid mycorrhizal fungi, monotropoid mycorrhizal fungi, and orchid mycorrhizal fungi.

[0121] As the methanogen, bacteria used in methane fermentation can be used, and examples thereof include bacteria of the genus Methanobacterium, Methanococcus, Methanosarcina, Methanosaeta, Methanohalophillus, etc. The methanogen used in methane fermentation may be one type or a mixture of two or more types.

[0122] Examples of koji mold include yellow koji mold, black koji mold, white koji mold, etc. Examples of yeast fungi include baker's yeast, beer yeast, sake yeast, soy sauce yeast, wine yeast, Torula yeast, food yeast, feed yeast, and petroleum yeast.

[0123] Among the microorganisms listed above, those that can coexist symbiotically with a specific plant or a microorganism different from themselves (hereinafter also referred to as "other microorganisms") may be applied to the magnetic field device 1 together with the plant or other microorganism that can coexist with them as the target object.

[0124] "Symbiosis" is a phenomenon in which multiple species of organisms live sympatric (in the same place) while having a mutual relationship. Animals, plants, and microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, algae, etc.) can all be used as symbiotic organisms. Symbiosis can be classified into mutualistic, commensal, parasitic, mutualistic, and competitive, based on the interests of both organisms. Mutualistic is a symbiosis in which both organisms benefit. Commensal is a symbiosis in which only one organism benefits. Parasitism is a symbiosis in which only one organism benefits and the other organism suffers. Mutualistic is a symbiosis in which only one organism suffers. Competition is a symbiosis in which both organisms suffer harm. The magnetic field device 1 can be applied to any of these types of symbiosis.

[0125] The "benefits" that organisms gain through symbiosis include survival ability and adaptability. For example, a mycorrhizal fungus (e.g., black truffle) and a specific plant (e.g., oak) that lives in symbiosis with the mycorrhizal fungus are in a mutually beneficial (complementary) relationship in which they mutually benefit (complement) each other. The mycorrhizal fungus provides the symbiotic plant with water and nutrients (e.g., phosphorus sources such as phosphate) absorbed by the mycorrhizae, and the symbiotic plant provides the mycorrhizal fungus with its photosynthetic products (e.g., carbohydrates as an energy source) via the mycorrhizae. The mycorrhizal fungus also confers adaptability to the symbiotic plant, such as resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance to environmental stress.

[0126] Rhizobium and certain plants (e.g., legumes such as edamame, soybean, and kidney beans) that live symbiotically with the rhizobium also have a mutualistic relationship. In examples of symbiotic relationships between rhizobium and their symbiotic plants, the rhizobium fixes nitrogen in the root or stem nodules formed by the rhizobium in the symbiotic plant, providing the symbiotic plant with a nitrogen source such as ammonia. Meanwhile, the symbiotic plant provides the rhizobium with photosynthetic products of the plant. Furthermore, the rhizobium confers adaptability to the symbiotic plant, such as resistance to pests and diseases and tolerance to environmental stresses.

[0127] Harm that organisms suffer as a result of symbiosis includes, for example, death, disease, and loss of nutrients. Symbiosis can also be classified according to its form (for example, the location where one organism lives relative to another). Specifically, it can be classified into extracorporeal symbiosis, in which one organism lives on the surface, digestive tract, or cavity of the body surface of another organism; endosymbiosis, in which one organism lives inside another organism; extracellular symbiosis, in which one organism lives outside the cells of one organism; and intracellular symbiosis, in which one organism lives inside the cells of one organism. The magnetic field device 1 can be applied to any of these forms of symbiosis.

[0128] In the following explanation, when a specific microorganism and a plant or another microorganism are in a symbiotic relationship, the former microorganism (i.e., the specific microorganism that can establish a symbiotic relationship with the plant or another microorganism) will also be referred to as a "symbiotic microorganism," and the plant or other microorganism that coexists with the symbiotic microorganism will also be referred to as a "symbiotic plant."

[0129] Examples of symbiotic microorganisms include fungi such as mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, actinomycetes (including rare actinomycetes), and bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria. Examples of symbiotic plants include plants or microorganisms (other microorganisms) that can coexist symbiotically with a specific microorganism (symbiotic microorganism). For example, when the symbiotic microorganism is a mycorrhizal fungus, a plant whose roots can be formed with the mycorrhizal fungus (ectomycorrhizal fungi, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, endoectomycorrhizal fungi, ericoid mycorrhizal fungi, arbutoid mycorrhizal fungi, monotropoid mycorrhizal fungi, orchid mycorrhizal fungi, etc.) can be used as the symbiotic plant. Examples of symbiotic plants that can coexist symbiotically with mycorrhizal fungi include beech plants such as oak, pinaceae plants such as red pine, cupressaceae plants such as juniper, which produce juniper berries as cones (juniper cones), Ericaceae plants such as blueberries (balsamic vines), and orchidaceae plants such as moth orchids.

[0130] Furthermore, when the symbiotic microorganism is a rhizobia, plants on which the rhizobia can form root nodules (for example, legumes such as edamame and soybeans) can be used as symbiotic plants. When the symbiotic microorganism is an actinomycete, plants on which the actinomycetes can form root nodules, or the medicinal plant Comarum salesowianum native to Mongolia can be used as symbiotic plants. When the symbiotic microorganism is a lactic acid bacterium, various plants and yeasts that can coexist with lactic acid bacteria can be used as symbiotic plants. Note that the symbiotic microorganisms and symbiotic plants applicable to the magnetic field device 1 are not limited to the above examples; various microorganisms that can establish symbiotic relationships with plants or other microorganisms can be used as symbiotic microorganisms, and various plants or microorganisms (other microorganisms) that can coexist with such symbiotic microorganisms can be used as symbiotic plants.

[0131] When a symbiotic relationship exists in which at least one of a symbiotic microorganism and a symbiotic plant benefits, applying the magnetic field device 1 to the combination of the symbiotic microorganism and the symbiotic plant (i.e., the symbiotic microorganism and the symbiotic microorganism arranged in symbiotic space with the symbiotic microorganism) as a target can promote symbiosis and efficiently promote the growth and proliferation of at least one of the symbiotic microorganism and the symbiotic plant. Therefore, for example, when a symbiotic microorganism and a symbiotic plant are in a mutually beneficial relationship, such as between a mycorrhizal fungus and a symbiotic plant such as Quercus serrata, applying the magnetic field device 1 to the combination of the symbiotic microorganism and the symbiotic plant can efficiently promote the growth and proliferation of the symbiotic microorganism and the symbiotic plant. Furthermore, when a symbiotic relationship exists in which at least one of the symbiotic microorganism and the symbiotic plant is harmed, applying the magnetic field device 1 to the combination of the symbiotic microorganism and the symbiotic plant can control the degree of harm caused by the symbiosis.

[0132] Microorganisms that can be used as symbiotic microorganisms (for example, mycorrhizal fungi, rhizobia, actinomycetes, lactic acid bacteria, etc.) may be used as standalone objects without being combined with the corresponding symbiotic plant, and applied to the magnetic field device 1. This allows for efficient proliferation of symbiotic microorganisms necessary for symbiosis with (combination with) the symbiotic plant.

[0133] Examples of plants include the aforementioned plants that function as symbiotic plants, vegetables, and perilla species such as red perilla. Examples of plants include seeds and seedlings. Examples of fish include eels, salmon, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, yellowtail, and tuna. Examples of fish include juvenile fish, fish eggs, and fish that have fish eggs.

[0134] If necessary, a culture medium or a medium is placed in the container 10 together with the object. There are no particular limitations on the culture medium or medium as long as it can be used for the object. Examples of culture medium include soil for growing plants and solid or liquid culture medium for cultivating microorganisms.

[0135] The medium may be either flowable or non-flowable. Examples of flowable media include water and slurried organic matter. When the target object is fish, either freshwater or seawater can be used as the flowable medium depending on the habitat of the target fish.

[0136] When the target substance is methane bacteria used for methane fermentation, organic waste pulverized in a pulverizer and turned into a slurry can be used as the flowable medium. In this case, the organic waste is not particularly limited as long as it contains organic matter, but examples include food waste, excrement, sewage sludge, food processing residues, and organic wastewater generated in industries such as the food industry, paper industry, and livestock industry.

[0137] A specific example in which the magnetic field device 1 is applied to an object will be described below.

[0138] <Mycorrhizal fungi and their symbiotic plants> The black truffle (Asiatic truffle) was used as the mycorrhizal fungus (symbiotic microorganism), and the oak tree, which lives in symbiosis with the mycorrhizal fungus, was used as the symbiotic plant.

[0139] Quercus serrata seedlings, the roots of which had been inoculated with black truffle spores, were placed in a container 10 together with soil as a medium, and the container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The container 10 was covered with an aluminum sheet to prevent moss from growing on the soil surface.

[0140] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 300 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 150 mm.

[0141] The container 10 was positioned so that the black truffle spores and Quercus serrata as the target objects were located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3. More specifically, since it is preferable to apply the magnetic field to both the above-ground parts and roots of the symbiotic plant, the soil surface was positioned within the uniform magnetic field region. Even more specifically, the soil surface was positioned approximately in the center between the coils 2 and 3 so that the AC magnetic field could be efficiently applied to both the above-ground parts and roots of the symbiotic plant.

[0142] An AC magnetic field was applied to the objects (black truffles and oak) in the storage container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 under the following seven conditions (Examples 1 to 7). Regardless of whether or not an AC magnetic field was applied, the environment was kept constant (temperature: 20°C, humidity: 50-60%, soil pH value: 6.5-7.0, lighting intensity: 10,000 lux). In all examples, the weight of the storage container 10 containing the objects was measured once every two weeks, the lid 12 of the storage container 10 was opened, and water (approximately 10 cc) was added to make up for the weight loss.

[0143] Example 1: An alternating current of 50 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for three consecutive days. After that, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 60 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days. Thereafter, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0144] Example 2: An alternating current of 80 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for three consecutive days. After that, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 60 Hz and 200 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days. Thereafter, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 300 Hz and 200 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0145] Example 3: An alternating current of 50 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the subject for 1 hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0146] Example 4: An alternating current of 50 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for 20 hours a day, every other day, for 15 days. After that, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 500 Hz and 200 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for 1 hour a day, for 30 consecutive days.

[0147] Example 5: An alternating current of 80 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for 20 hours a day, every other day, for 30 days. After that, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 100 Hz and 200 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for 1 hour a day, for 30 consecutive days.

[0148] Example 6: An alternating current of 50 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.3 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for three consecutive days. After that, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 60 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days. Thereafter, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0149] Example 7: An alternating current of 80 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.2 mT was applied to the object for 20 hours a day, every other day, for 30 days. After that, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 100 Hz and 200 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for 1 hour a day, for 30 consecutive days.

[0150] In Comparative Example 1, a storage container 10 containing the target objects (black truffles and oak) was placed in the same environment as in Examples 1 to 7 (temperature: 20°C, humidity: 50-60%, soil pH value: 6.5-7.0, illumination intensity: 10,000 lux) without being placed in the magnetic field device 1. Watering was carried out once every two weeks in the same manner as in Examples 1 to 7.

[0151] When the condition of the oaks and the growth of black truffles (mycorrhizal fungi) were observed for Examples 1 to 7 and Comparative Example 1, it was found that the growth of the oaks was significantly greater in all of Examples 1 to 7 than in Comparative Example 1, and root growth was also promoted.

[0152] The state of mycorrhizal formation by mycorrhizal fungi was also observed under a microscope (magnification of approximately 600x). Figure 8 shows the state of mycorrhizal formation in Example 5 observed under a microscope at a magnification of approximately 600x, and Figure 9 shows the state of mycorrhizal formation in Comparative Example 1 observed under a microscope at the same magnification. As is clear from Figures 8 and 9, mycorrhizal formation was promoted in Example 5 compared to Comparative Example 1. Similarly, mycorrhizal formation was promoted in all of Examples 1 to 4, 6, and 7 compared to Comparative Example 1. It was confirmed that the mycorrhizal density (the ratio of mycorrhizal roots to all roots) in Examples 1 to 7 was approximately twice as high as that in Comparative Example 1.

[0153] This result is thought to be due to the interaction between the growth of the symbiotic plant (Quercus serrata) itself and the mycelium growth of the mycorrhizal fungus (black truffle) under the influence of the AC magnetic field, which promoted mycorrhizal formation.It is also thought that one or more of the following factors may be related: the AC magnetic field activated cell division in the mycorrhizal fungus; the AC magnetic field promoted nitrogen fixation and nitrite production in the soil, which increased nutrients; or the AC magnetic field increased the amount of nitrogen in the symbiotic plant, which activated photosynthesis.

[0154] <Rhizobium and its symbiotic plants> The symbiotic plant was edamame, a type of legume. The edamame seedlings were placed in a container 10 together with soil as a medium, and the container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1.

[0155] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 300 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 150 mm.

[0156] The container 10 was positioned so that the soil surface was approximately centered between the coils 2 and 3 (i.e., within the uniform magnetic field region) so that the magnetic field could be efficiently applied to both the above-ground parts and roots (especially the nodules formed by rhizobia) of the symbiotic plant, edamame.

[0157] An AC magnetic field was applied to the objects (edamame and rhizobia) in a storage container 10 placed in a magnetic field device 1 under the following three conditions (Examples 8 to 10). Regardless of whether or not an AC magnetic field was applied, the environment (temperature: 20°C, humidity: 50-60%, soil pH value: 6.5-7.0, lighting intensity: 10,000 lux) was kept constant. In all examples, the weight of the storage container 10 containing the objects was measured once every two weeks, the lid 12 of the storage container 10 was opened, and water (approximately 10 cc) was added to make up for the weight loss.

[0158] Example 8: An alternating current of 50 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for three consecutive days. After that, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 60 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days. Thereafter, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0159] Example 9: An alternating current of 50 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the subject for 1 hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0160] Example 10: An alternating current of 50 Hz and 200 mV was supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.25 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for three consecutive days. Then, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 60 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days. Thereafter, the alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was changed to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for one hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0161] In Comparative Example 2, a container 10 containing the subject (green soybeans and rhizobia) was placed in the same environment as in Examples 8 to 10 (temperature: 20°C, humidity: 50-60%, soil pH value: 6.5-7.0, illumination intensity: 10,000 lux) without being placed in the magnetic field device 1. Watering was carried out once every two weeks in the same manner as in Examples 8 to 10.

[0162] When the state of the edamame and root nodules was observed for Examples 8 to 10 and Comparative Example 2, it was confirmed that the edamame grew significantly better in all of Examples 8 to 10 than in Comparative Example 2. It was also confirmed that the root nodules of the edamame in all of Examples 8 to 10 had grown and their number had increased compared to Comparative Example 2.

[0163] The remarkable growth of edamame in Examples 8 to 10 is thought to be due to the growth of the symbiotic plant (edamame) itself under the influence of the AC magnetic field, as well as the synergistic growth of edamame nodules (rhizobia) under the influence of the AC magnetic field. It is also thought that one or more factors, such as the promotion of nitrogen fixation in the soil by the AC magnetic field, which increased the nutrients in the edamame, and the increase in the amount of nitrogen in the symbiotic plant due to the AC magnetic field, which stimulated photosynthesis, are related to this.

[0164] <Skeletal muscle stem cells> Human skeletal muscle stem cells created from iPS cells were placed in a container 10 together with a culture medium, and the container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0165] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 300 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 150 mm.

[0166] Example 11: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and the subject was cultured under specified conditions in an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT for one hour per day for three consecutive days.

[0167] As Comparative Example 3, cultivation was carried out under the same conditions as in Example 11, except that the container 10 containing the subject was not placed in the magnetic field device 1.

[0168] In Example 11, the proliferation of skeletal muscle stem cells was promoted compared to Comparative Example 3. This result indicates that the proliferation of skeletal muscle stem cells was promoted by the influence of an AC magnetic field. This is thought to be because the cell division of skeletal muscle stem cells was activated by the influence of an AC magnetic field.

[0169] <Cancer cells> Mouse cancer cells were placed in a container 10 together with a culture medium, and the container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0170] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 300 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 150 mm. An AC magnetic field was applied to the object in the storage container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 under the following three conditions (Examples 12 to 14).

[0171] Example 12: An AC magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for 24 hours or more under predetermined conditions, with the AC current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 being 80 Hz and 100 mV.

[0172] Example 13: An AC magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object under predetermined conditions for 24 hours or more, with the AC current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 being 80 Hz and 100 mV.

[0173] Example 14: An AC magnetic field of 0.15 mT was applied to the object under predetermined conditions for 24 hours or more, with the AC current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 being 80 Hz and 100 mV.

[0174] As Comparative Example 4, cultivation was carried out under the same conditions as in Examples 12 to 14, except that the storage container 10 containing the subject was not placed in the magnetic field device 1.

[0175] In Examples 12 to 14, no cancer cell proliferation was observed, unlike Comparative Example 4. This result indicates that the proliferation of cancer cells was suppressed by applying an AC magnetic field for a certain period of time or longer.

[0176] <Fish> Eel eggs were stored in a storage container 10 together with fresh water as a medium, and the storage container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The storage container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3. A magnetic mesh was placed around the storage container 10.

[0177] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 600 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 300 mm.

[0178] Example 15: Under specified conditions, an AC magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the object for 1 hour per day for 30 consecutive days, with the AC current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 set at 80 Hz and 100 mV. Comparative Example 5 was conducted under the same conditions as Example 15, except that the storage container 10 containing the object was not placed in the magnetic field device 1. An increase in the hatching rate of eel eggs was observed in Example 15 compared to Comparative Example 5. This result indicates that the hatching of eel eggs was promoted by the influence of the AC magnetic field. This is thought to be due to the activation of cell division in the fertilized eggs by the influence of the AC magnetic field.

[0179] Furthermore, eel fry were housed in a container 10 together with freshwater as a medium, and the container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3. A magnetic mesh was placed around the container 10. The magnetic field device 1 used was the same as that used for the eel eggs described above.

[0180] Example 16: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the subject under specified conditions for 1 hour per day for 30 consecutive days.

[0181] Comparative Example 6 was conducted under the same conditions as in Example 16, except that the container 10 containing the object was not placed in the magnetic field device 1.

[0182] The growth of the eel fry in Example 16 was promoted compared to Comparative Example 6. This result indicates that the growth of the eel fry was promoted by the effects of the alternating magnetic field. This is thought to be because the stress caused by the application of the magnetic field increased proteins, which in turn stimulated cell proliferation.

[0183] <Methane bacteria> Methane bacteria were stored in a storage container 10 together with organic waste that had been slurried by crushing using a grinder, and the storage container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The storage container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0184] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 600 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 300 mm. An AC magnetic field was applied to the object in the container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 under the following two conditions (Examples 17 and 18).

[0185] Example 17: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT was applied to the subject under specified conditions for 1 hour per day for 10 consecutive days.

[0186] Example 18: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an alternating magnetic field of 0.2 mT was applied to the subject under specified conditions for 1 hour per day for 10 consecutive days.

[0187] As Comparative Example 7, the conditions were the same as those of Examples 17 and 18, except that the storage container 10 containing the object was not placed in the magnetic field device 1.

[0188] In Examples 17 and 18, promotion of methane fermentation was confirmed compared to Comparative Example 7. This result indicates that the growth (cultivation) of methanogens was promoted by the influence of the AC magnetic field. This is thought to be because the cell division of the methanogens was activated by the influence of the AC magnetic field.

[0189] <Koji mold> A liquid medium inoculated with spores of Aspergillus oryzae was placed in a storage container 10 and cultured at 37°C and 100 rpm for 27 hours with shaking. After that, the storage container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The storage container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0190] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 600 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 300 mm. An AC magnetic field was applied to the object in the container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 under the following three conditions (Examples 19 to 21).

[0191] Example 19: The first coil 2 and the second coil 3 were supplied with an AC current of 80 Hz and 100 mV, and an AC magnetic field of 0.05 mT was applied to the object for 1 hour. After removing the object from the magnetic field, the object was cultured with shaking under the specified conditions for 4 hours. The shaking speed was then increased and the object was further cultured with shaking for 17 hours.

[0192] Example 20: Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 19, except that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the subject by coils 2 and 3 before shaking culture was set to 0.1 mT.

[0193] Example 21: Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 19, except that the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field applied to the subject by coils 2 and 3 before shaking culture was set to 0.2 mT.

[0194] As Comparative Example 8, cultivation was carried out under the same conditions as in Examples 19 to 21, except that the container 10 containing the subject was not placed in the magnetic field device 1.

[0195] In Comparative Example 8, many granular fungal bodies were observed, while clumps of fungal bodies were confirmed in Examples 19 to 21. These results indicate that cell division of Aspergillus oryzae was activated by the influence of the AC magnetic field. This is thought to be related to one or more factors, such as activation of biosynthesis of cell wall polysaccharides in the hyphae due to the influence of the AC magnetic field, the influence of the AC magnetic field on adhesion factors on the cell surface, or entanglement of the hyphae due to the influence of the AC magnetic field, because the magnetic field treatment was performed at the timing when Aspergillus oryzae spores germinate and elongate hyphae.

[0196] <Yeast> A liquid medium inoculated with brewer's yeast spores was placed in a container 10, and the container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0197] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 600 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 300 mm. An AC magnetic field was applied to the object in the storage container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 under the following three conditions (Examples 22 to 24).

[0198] Example 22: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and the subject was cultured in a specified environment by exposing it to an alternating magnetic field of 0.05 mT for one hour per day for three consecutive days.

[0199] Example 23: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and the subject was cultured in a specified environment by exposing it to an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT for one hour per day for three consecutive days.

[0200] Example 24: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and the subject was cultured under a specified environment in an alternating magnetic field of 0.15 mT for one hour per day for three consecutive days.

[0201] As Comparative Example 9, cultivation was carried out under the same conditions as in Examples 22 to 24, except that the storage container 10 containing the subject was not placed in the magnetic field device 1.

[0202] In Examples 22 to 24, the growth of brewer's yeast was promoted compared to Comparative Example 9. This result indicates that the growth of brewer's yeast was promoted by the influence of the AC magnetic field. This is thought to be because the cell division of brewer's yeast was activated by the influence of the AC magnetic field.

[0203] <Algae> Euglena algae were stored in a storage container 10 together with fresh water as a medium, and the storage container 10 was placed between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 of the magnetic field device 1. The storage container 10 was placed so that its center was located at least partially within the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0204] The magnetic field device 1 used coils with a coil diameter (Φ) of 600 mm as the first coil 2 and the second coil 3, and the distance between the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 300 mm. An AC magnetic field was applied to the object in the storage container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 under the following two conditions (Examples 25 and 26).

[0205] Example 25: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and the subject was cultured under specified conditions in an alternating magnetic field of 0.1 mT for one hour per day for three consecutive days.

[0206] Example 26: The alternating current supplied to the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 was set to 80 Hz and 100 mV, and the subject was cultured under specified conditions by exposing it to an alternating magnetic field of 0.2 mT for one hour per day for three consecutive days.

[0207] As Comparative Example 10, cultivation was carried out under the same conditions as in Examples 25 and 26, except that the container 10 containing the subject was not placed in the magnetic field device 1.

[0208] In Examples 25 and 26, the growth of Euglena algae was promoted compared to Comparative Example 10. This result indicates that the growth of Euglena algae was promoted by the influence of an AC magnetic field. This is thought to be because the cell division of Euglena algae was activated by the influence of an AC magnetic field.

[0209] Next, an example of a treatment facility using the magnetic field device 1 of this embodiment will be illustrated. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an application example in which the magnetic field device 1 is applied to an organic waste treatment facility. In Fig. 10, for the purpose of making the drawing easier to understand, the illustration of the conductors 4 and the like is omitted.

[0210] 10(a) is a diagram showing a first example. In this example, a storage container 10 placed in a magnetic field device 1 is used as a fermenter 45. Organic waste that has been slurried by crushing with a grinder and methane bacteria are introduced into the fermenter 45 as raw materials for an organic fermentation liquid.

[0211] Fermenter 45 is arranged so that at least a part of it (for example, its center) is located within at least a part of the magnetic field generated by magnetic field generating unit 100. When magnetic field generating unit 100 is a Helmholtz coil consisting of coils 2 and 3, fermenter 45 is preferably arranged so that its center is located within at least a part of the uniform magnetic field region generated between coils 2 and 3.

[0212] A current is supplied to the magnetic field generating unit 100 to generate a magnetic field, and the magnetic flux density of the magnetic field is adjusted to a predetermined set value within a predetermined range (for example, 0.05 mT to 5 mT). If the magnetic field generating unit 100 is an AC magnetic field generating unit such as coils 2 and 3, an AC current of 5 kH or less is supplied to the AC magnetic field generating unit to generate an AC magnetic field having a magnetic flux density of the set value. This allows at least a portion of the contents of the fermenter 45 (hereinafter also referred to as "organic fermentation liquid") to be exposed to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the predetermined range.

[0213] Applying a magnetic field (alternating current magnetic field or steady state magnetic field) to the organic fermentation liquid for a predetermined time promotes the growth of methanogens in the fermenter 45 (particularly in the areas where the magnetic field is applied or in the uniform magnetic field region), thereby promoting the generation of biogas (e.g., methane gas, carbon dioxide, etc.) through methane fermentation. The application of a magnetic field such as an alternating current magnetic field may be configured to be applied once for a predetermined time, or may be configured to be applied intermittently for a predetermined time, but it is preferable to apply it intermittently for a predetermined time. The temperature, moisture content, pH value, etc. are set each time within appropriate predetermined ranges.

[0214] 10(b) is a diagram showing a second example. In this example, a fermenter 45 and a storage container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 are provided separately. The raw materials for the organic fermentation liquid (i.e., organic waste slurried by crushing and methane bacteria) are introduced into the fermenter 45 and the storage container 10, respectively.

[0215] The container 10 is arranged so that at least a part of it (for example, the center) is located within at least a part of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100. When the magnetic field generating unit 100 is a Helmholtz coil consisting of coils 2 and 3, the container 10 is preferably arranged so that the center is located within at least a part of the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0216] As in the first example described above, by supplying current to the magnetic field generating unit 100 (e.g., coils 2, 3) to generate a magnetic field (alternating magnetic field or steady magnetic field) having a magnetic flux density of a predetermined set value set within a predetermined range (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT), at least a portion of the organic fermentation liquid in the storage container 10 can be exposed to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the predetermined range.

[0217] Applying a magnetic field (alternating magnetic field or steady magnetic field) to the organic fermentation liquid for a predetermined time promotes the growth of methanogens in the storage vessel 10 (particularly in the area where the magnetic field is applied or in the area of ​​the uniform magnetic field). The application of a magnetic field such as an alternating magnetic field may be configured to be performed once for a predetermined time, or may be configured to be performed intermittently for a predetermined time, but it is preferable to perform the application intermittently for a predetermined time.

[0218] Thereafter, the organic fermentation liquid in the storage vessel 10 is poured into the fermenter 45. The organic fermentation liquid in which the methane bacteria have been grown (cultured) by the magnetic field device 1 is mixed with the organic fermentation liquid in the fermenter 45, thereby promoting methane fermentation in the fermenter 45. This promotes the generation of biogas in the fermenter 45. The temperature, moisture content, pH value, etc. are set each time within appropriate predetermined ranges. The fermenter 45 and the storage vessel 10 may be configured to be provided with stirring means.

[0219] Fig. 10(c) is a diagram showing a third example. In this example, a fermenter 45 and a storage container 10 placed in the magnetic field device 1 are connected via communication pipes 41 and 42. In this example, the fermenter 45 functions as part of a storage container capable of storing an object. The storage container 10 and the fermenter 45 in Fig. 10(c) correspond to the magnetic field processing section 15 and the non-processing section 16, respectively (see Fig. 2(b) for both). The communication pipes 41 and 42 correspond to the communication section 17 (see Fig. 2(b)).

[0220] The raw material for the organic fermentation liquid (i.e., the organic waste and methane bacteria slurried by crushing) is fed into the fermenter 45. The raw material for the organic fermentation liquid may be fed into the fermenter 45 and the storage vessel 10, respectively.

[0221] One of the communicating pipes 41, 42 functions as a pipe (hereinafter also referred to as the "outlet pipe") for transferring the organic fermentation liquid in the fermentation tank 45 to the storage container 10, and the other pipe functions as a pipe (hereinafter also referred to as the "return pipe") for transferring the organic fermentation liquid in the storage container 10 to the fermentation tank 45.

[0222] Since methane bacteria are often present in large numbers in the lower layer (below the center of the contents) of fermenter 45, it is preferable to provide the outlet pipe on the lower layer side of fermenter 45. In the example shown in Figure 10(c), of communicating pipes 41 and 42, it is preferable to have communicating pipe 41, which is located on the lower layer side of fermenter 45, function as the outlet pipe.

[0223] The return pipe is preferably provided above the outflow pipe, and more preferably on the upper side of the fermenter 45. By providing the return pipe on the upper side of the fermenter 45, the organic fermentation liquid in the fermenter 45 is stirred, thereby preventing the fermentation rate in the fermenter 45 from being locally uneven.

[0224] A pump (not shown) is connected to the communicating pipes 41 and 42, and the organic fermentation liquid is transferred from the fermenter 45 to the storage vessel 10 through the outflow pipe, and the organic fermentation liquid is transferred from the storage vessel 10 to the fermenter 45 through the return pipe. Note that the organic fermentation liquid may be configured to circulate between the fermenter 45 and the storage vessel 10 by natural flow without providing a pump.

[0225] The container 10 is arranged so that at least a part of it (for example, the center) is located within at least a part of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100. When the magnetic field generating unit 100 is a Helmholtz coil consisting of coils 2 and 3, the container 10 is preferably arranged so that the center is located within at least a part of the uniform magnetic field region generated between the coils 2 and 3.

[0226] As in the first or second example described above, by supplying current to the magnetic field generating unit 100 (e.g., coils 2, 3) to generate a magnetic field (alternating magnetic field or steady magnetic field) having a magnetic flux density of a predetermined set value set within a predetermined range (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT), at least a part of the organic fermentation liquid in the storage vessel 10 can be exposed to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the predetermined range. The magnetic field may be applied once for a predetermined period of time, or may be applied intermittently for a predetermined period of time, but is preferably applied intermittently for a predetermined period of time.

[0227] When a magnetic field (alternating magnetic field or steady magnetic field) is applied to the organic fermentation liquid for a predetermined time, the growth of methane bacteria is promoted in the storage vessel 10 (particularly in the areas where the magnetic field is applied or in the area of ​​the uniform magnetic field). The organic fermentation liquid in which the methane bacteria have been grown by the magnetic field device 1 is returned to the fermenter 45 via the return pipe, which also promotes methane fermentation in the fermenter 45. This promotes the generation of biogas in the fermenter 45. The temperature, moisture content, pH value, etc. are set each time within appropriate predetermined ranges. The fermenter 45 and the storage vessel 10 may be configured to be provided with stirring means.

[0228] 10(a) to 10(c), the biogas produced by methane fermentation in the fermenter 45 is appropriately recovered. The recovered biogas is used as fuel for generators, motors, etc. The residue of the methane fermentation is also appropriately recovered. The recovered residue may be reused by dehydrating it.

[0229] As described above, the magnetic field device 1 of this embodiment is configured so that objects including symbiotic microorganisms, symbiotic plants that live in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganisms, methane bacteria, koji mold, yeast, or algae can be placed in at least a portion of the magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range of 0.05 mT or more and 5 mT or less (e.g., 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less) generated by the magnetic field generating unit 100 (e.g., the first coil 2 and the second coil 3) by the current supplied from the power source 5.Therefore, by applying a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within this range to the object (exposing the object to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within this range), the growth, fermentation, etc. of the object can be efficiently promoted.

[0230] Furthermore, according to the magnetic field device 1 of this embodiment, the magnetic field generating unit 100 is configured to be able to place an object containing cancer cells in at least a portion of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within a range of 0.05 mT or more and 5 mT or less (for example, 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less) generated by the current supplied from the power source 5, and by exposing the object to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within that range (applying a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within that range to the object), the proliferation of cancer cells contained in the object can be suppressed.

[0231] When an AC magnetic field generating unit capable of generating an AC magnetic field (variable magnetic field) such as coils 2 and 3 is used as the magnetic field generating unit 100, adverse effects on the object can be suppressed by generating the AC magnetic field applied to the object using an AC current with a relatively low frequency of 5 KHz or less (e.g., 500 Hz or less).

[0232] <Modification> In the above embodiment, an AC magnetic field generating unit (more specifically, the first coil 2 and the second coil 3) capable of generating an AC magnetic field was exemplified as the magnetic field generating unit 100. However, the magnetic field generating unit 100 does not necessarily have to be an AC magnetic field generating unit, and may be configured as a steady magnetic field generating unit capable of generating a steady magnetic field. Various types of steady magnetic field generating units capable of generating a steady magnetic field, such as a superconducting electromagnet, can be used as the magnetic field generating unit 100. Therefore, a magnetic field generated by a steady magnetic field generating unit such as a superconducting electromagnet may be configured such that an object is placed in a steady magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within a predetermined range (e.g., 0.05 mT to 5 mT) for application to the object, and the object is exposed to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the predetermined range.

[0233] In the above embodiment, a Helmholtz coil composed of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 is exemplified as the magnetic field generating unit 100 (AC magnetic field generating unit) capable of generating an AC magnetic field (variable magnetic field), but the AC magnetic field generating unit does not necessarily have to be a Helmholtz coil, and various types of coils capable of generating an AC magnetic field can be used. For example, a coil formed by winding a conductor around a rectangular frame-shaped (approximately U-shaped) iron core having a gap where one side is interrupted can be used as the AC magnetic field generating unit that generates an AC magnetic field in the gap by supplying an AC current.

[0234] In the above embodiment, a magnetic field device 1 is exemplified in which the first coil 2 or the second coil 3 can move in the longitudinal direction of the first support member 23 (see Figure 5), but the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 may also be suspended from a holding member extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction on the ceiling or the ceiling side (for example, a member protruding in a direction intersecting the upper end of a rod-shaped member extending upward from the floor side) using a string-like member such as a wire or chain, and the suspension position of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 suspended from the string-like member can be changed using a hoisting device such as a winch.

[0235] In this case, the suspension positions of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 may be configured to be changeable simultaneously, or the suspension positions of the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 may be configured to be changeable independently. The winding device may be either manual or electrically operated.

[0236] Furthermore, the string-like member that suspends the coils 2 and 3 may be configured so that the end of the string-like member opposite to the coils 2 and 3 side is movable on a rail provided on the ceiling, etc. This allows the first coil 2 and the second coil 3 to move along the rail in a crossing direction (a direction crossing the axis of each of the coils 2 and 3).

[0237] The present invention has been described above based on the above-described embodiments and modifications. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it is readily apparent that various modifications and improvements are possible within the scope of the present invention. For example, the embodiments or modifications may be modified by adding or replacing a part or parts of the configuration of the embodiment or modification with the embodiment or modification. Furthermore, the numerical values ​​given in the above-described embodiments or modifications are merely examples, and other numerical values ​​may of course be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0238] 1 Magnetic field device 2. First coil (magnetic field generating means) 3. Second coil (magnetic field generating means) 4 Conductor (connection means) 5 Power supply (power supply, AC power supply) 6 Teslameter (Mechanism for measuring magnetic flux density) 7 Control device (magnetic field control means) 10 Storage container (storage means) 15 Magnetic field processing section 16 Untreated part 23 First support member (part of axial movement means) 27 Mounting member (part of axial movement means) 32 Caster (cross-directional movement means) 51 AC power supply device (AC power supply) 55 AC power supply device (AC power supply) 100 magnetic field generating unit (magnetic field generating means) V1 Large cylindrical region V2 small cylinder region

Claims

1. a magnetic field generating means; a connecting means for connecting the magnetic field generating means to a power source, the magnetic field generating means is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less by a current supplied from the power supply via the connecting means; a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range generated by the magnetic field generating means, wherein an object including one or more of a symbiotic microorganism, a symbiotic plant living in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganism, a methane bacterium, an Aspergillus oryzae, a yeast fungus, or an algae can be placed in at least a part of the magnetic field; A magnetic field device characterized by:

2. The magnetic field device according to claim 1, wherein the symbiotic microorganism is a mycorrhizal fungus, a rhizobia, an actinomycete, or a lactic acid bacterium.

3. a magnetic field generating means; a connecting means for connecting the magnetic field generating means to a power source, the magnetic field generating means is configured to be able to generate a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less by a current supplied from the power supply via the connecting means; a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range generated by the magnetic field generating means, wherein a target object including cancer cells can be placed within at least a part of the magnetic field; A magnetic field device, characterized in that the growth of cancer cells contained in the object is suppressed by exposing the object to the magnetic field.

4. the magnetic field generating means is configured to be capable of generating an AC magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less by AC current supplied from the power supply via the connecting means; 4. A magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3.

5. The alternating current has a frequency of 500 Hz or less.

5. The magnetic field device according to claim 4.

6. a magnetic flux density measuring means capable of measuring a magnetic flux density at a predetermined position within the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating means; and a magnetic field control means for controlling the generation of the magnetic field by the magnetic field generation means based on the magnetic flux density measured by the magnetic flux density measurement means so that the magnetic flux density is within the range and is a predetermined magnetic flux density set according to the object.

4. A magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3.

7. A container capable of containing an object and a flowable medium, the container including a magnetic field processing section at least part of which is disposed within the magnetic field of the magnetic flux density within the range generated by the magnetic field generating section, and a non-processing section disposed in a position where the magnetic field is not applied, The object and the medium are configured to be circulated between the magnetic field processing section and the non-processing section.

4. A magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3.

8. The magnetic field generating means A first coil; a second coil provided at a position spaced at least a predetermined distance from the first coil; and a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less can be generated between the first coil and the second coil by an AC current having a frequency of 500 Hz or less supplied from the power source via the connection means; 4. The magnetic field device according to claim 1 or 3.

9. Between the first coil and the second coil, a magnetic field region with a uniform magnetic flux density at least within the range can be generated in a predetermined small cylindrical region that is contained in a large cylindrical region having a circle of the coil diameter as both ends and a separation distance of the both end circles being the predetermined distance, the small cylindrical region is a region including the center of the large cylindrical region, and has circles with a diameter that is 1 / 3 of the coil diameter at both ends, the distance between the circles at both ends being 1 / 2 of the predetermined distance; 9. The magnetic field device according to claim 8.

10. an axial movement means capable of moving the position of at least one of the first coil and the second coil in the axial direction of the first coil and the second coil, 9. The magnetic field device according to claim 8.

11. a cross-direction moving means for moving the positions of the first coil and the second coil in a direction crossing an axial direction of the first coil and the second coil, 9. The magnetic field device according to claim 8.

12. a placement step of placing an object including one or more of a symbiotic microorganism, a symbiotic plant living in symbiosis with the symbiotic microorganism, a methane bacterium, a koji mold, a yeast fungus, or an algae in at least a part of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less that can be generated by the magnetic field generating means; a magnetic field treatment step of exposing the object placed in the placing step to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range generated by supplying a current to the magnetic field generating means, 1. A method for processing an object, comprising:

13. a placement step of placing an object containing cancer cells (excluding human cancer cells) in at least a part of a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density in the range of 0.05 mT or more and 0.5 mT or less that can be generated by the magnetic field generating means; a magnetic field treatment step of exposing the object to a magnetic field having a magnetic flux density within the range generated by supplying a current to the magnetic field generating means, suppressing the proliferation of the cancer cells contained in the object by exposure to the magnetic field treatment step; 1. A method for processing an object, comprising:

14. Further comprising a non-treatment step of not applying a magnetic field to the object, The magnetic field treatment step and the non-treatment step are alternately performed at least once each.

14. The method for processing an object according to claim 12 or 13.

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