But sometimes the particles form streams that generate their own magnetic fields. In that case, excellent conductors such as metals are subject to the induction effect, the principle that makes electric generators work. The coil of wire on the rotor is energized by an electrical current from the voltage regulator so the rotor acts like a small electromagnet. When the rotor spins at several thousand revolutions per minute, its changing magnetic field induces electrical energy to flow in the coils of wire in the stator. In the same way, solar storms produce changing magnetic fields that can induce current flow in power lines and other conductors.
Human flesh is a partial electrical conductor.
Otherwise, nerves and muscles wouldn't work. High-energy particles such as protons and neutrons can collide with the atoms that make up the DNA molecule, breaking chemical bonds and potentially causing errors to appear in genetic information. Because people are constantly surrounded by radiation from the ground, air and food, some of this damage cannot be avoided. Outside the bulk of Earth's atmosphere, however, the risk rises dramatically. Astronaut Shannon Lucid reported that, on the Russian Mir space station, the typical radiation dosage was the equivalent of about eight daily chest X-rays.