  We study the linear magneto-hydrodynamical behaviour of a Newtonian cosmology
with a viscous magnetized fluid of finite conductivity and generalise the Jeans
instability criterion. The presence of the field favors the anisotropic
collapse of the fluid, which in turn leads to further magnetic amplification
and to an enhanced current-sheet formation in the plane normal to the ambient
magnetic field. When the currents exceed a certain threshold, the resulting
electrostatic turbulence can dramatically amplify the resistivity of the medium
(anomalous resistivity). This could trigger strong electric fields and
subsequently the acceleration of ultra-high energy cosmic rays (UHECRs) during
the formation of protogalactic structures.
