The gravitational field of the Earth: Geophysical factor of gerontology (Vorobeichikov effect)

Abstract

The paper presents the results of a study of the in vitro growth of Escherichia coli M17 involving the processing of observational data obtained by V.M. Vorobeichikov onboard the RV Akademik Fedorov while it sailed from St. Petersburg to Antarctica and back for the period from November 13, 2002, to May 26, 2003 (48th Russian Antarctic Expedition). Conclusions are drawn on the dependence of the in vitro growth rate of Escherichia coli on the geographical location change on a planetary scale. It does not exclude the dependence of other types of microorganisms on the spatial position in the gravitational field of the Earth. It is found that the Escherichia coli lag phase duration in the equatorial zone is close to its duration in the high-latitude Antarctic zone. Simultaneously, lag phase durations at the equator and in Antarctica correspond to the lag phase duration at the central phase of a lunar eclipse. It is concluded that in vitro Escherichia coli is highly sensitive to the gravitational field strength of the Earth and to the syzygy events.