The area of sound is fascinating researchers and after a recent study of bendable sound waves that could result in localised reception, they have now delved into how sound can be used in weight loss. The science of sound is shaping everything from immersive concerts to private audio bubbles, and now Japanese researchers from Kyoto University and Kansai University have tuned into the body itself with astonishing results.
A groundbreaking study published in Communications Biology recently reveals that certain sound frequencies may help reduce fat by directly modulating the genes inside cells. Scientists have found that sound, which is essentially mechanical energy vibrating through air, water or even tissue, can alter biological processes including the formation of fat cells.
This has provided new avenues for applying acoustic techniques in biosciences. “We investigate how cells respond to the physiological range of acoustic irradiation that defines the biological significance of sound as a mechanical stimulation and uncover the fundamental relationships between life and sound,” write researchers Masahiro Kumeta, et al, in their peer-reviewed study. They tried to understand whether acoustics influence the body at the genetic level. And the answer appears to be yes.
How did they do this?
To test their hypothesis, the researchers cultured muscle-derived cells from mice and exposed them to three distinct sound wave patterns: white noise (a constant background hiss), a 440 Hz tone (commonly used to tune musical instruments such as piano) and a 14 kHz tone (close to the upper limit of human hearing). Sound, one of the most ubiquitous physical forces in nature, is a compressional mechanical wave that transmits oscillating and fluctuating pressure through substances, researchers note.
They found that after just two hours of acoustic exposure, 43 genes had changed expression and after 24 hours, that number rose to 145 — identified using RNA-sequencing. Most significantly, the sound waves inhibited fat cell differentiation, which is a process by which precursor fat cells mature into full-fledged fat-storing cells.
Analysing the cell as well as sound related factors for inducing gene responses, they found that the activation of a high and immediate sound-responding gene, was dependent on focal adhesion kinase activation and mediated sound-triggered gene responses by activating prostaglandin E2 synthesis.
They found, “adipocyte cells exhibited prominently high sound responses, and their differentiation was significantly suppressed by continuous or periodic acoustic stimulation,” redefining acoustic waves as cellular stimulators. In simpler terms, the sound waves reprogrammed the cells. Even in cells that still became fat cells, there was an approximately 15% reduction in lipid accumulation, meaning less fat was stored than in untreated controls.
Simulations were also a part of the study in order to model how sound waves propagate through biological tissue and water. Statistical tests were utilised to compare data.
What lies ahead?
The research looked at how various sound elements (frequency, amplitude, and waveform) influence cells and gene responses. They observed that both 440 Hz and 14 kHz sound waves evoked similar initial gene responses, particularly in relation to cell migration and attachment, with more differential responses later on. The research revealed that compressional sound waves, particularly at low frequencies (440 Hz), induced greater cell stress and response.
It also revealed that various waveforms such as square and triangular waves had greater effect due to higher-frequency overtones. They propose that sound impacts cells through a mechanism referred to as mechanotransduction, in which genes react to sound and enable cells to perceive physical forces. The study also demonstrated that more mobile cells, such as fibroblasts and osteoblasts, are more reactive to sound. Sound is brought to the forefront of a significant factor for managing cell activities in this study with a range of applications across tissue engineering and biotechnology.
While the study is only focused on mice yet showing promising changes in gene activity, it remains to be seen whether these effects translate into sustainable weight loss or metabolic improvements outside the lab. Acoustic wave therapy is currently being used in chronic pain, erectile dysfunction and soft-tissue injuries. It is to be seen that in a world overrun with pills and (bariatric) surgeries, perhaps the next frontier in weight loss could be as simple as sound.