8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body

Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Immune System

[Stimulation of murine natural killer cells by weak electromagnetic waves in the centimeter range].

No Effects Found

Fesenko EE, Novoselova EG, Semiletova NV, Agafonova TA, Sadovnikov VB · 1999

View Original Abstract
Share:

Weak microwave radiation boosted mouse immune cells by 130-150% during multi-day exposure at levels far below safety limits.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Russian researchers exposed mice to weak microwave radiation (8.15-18 GHz) for 24-72 hours and found their natural killer cells - immune cells that fight cancer and infections - became 130-150% more active. The immune boost lasted at least 24 hours after exposure ended, but shorter exposures of just a few hours showed no effect.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 18 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 18 GHzPower lines50/60 HzCell phones~1 GHzWiFi2.4 GHzLogarithmic scale

The study examined exposure from: 8.15-18 GHz Duration: 24-72 hours

Study Details

The aim of this study is to investigate Stimulation of murine natural killer cells by weak electromagnetic waves in the centimeter range].

Irradiation with electromagnetic waves (8.15-18 GHz, 1 Hz within, 1 microW/cm2) in vivo increases th...

Microwave irradiation of animals in vivo for 3.5 and 5 h, and a short exposure of splenic cells in vitro did not affect the activity of natural killer cells.

Cite This Study
Fesenko EE, Novoselova EG, Semiletova NV, Agafonova TA, Sadovnikov VB (1999). [Stimulation of murine natural killer cells by weak electromagnetic waves in the centimeter range]. Biofizika 44(4):737-741, 1999.
Show BibTeX
@article{ee_1999_stimulation_of_murine_natural_3017,
  author = {Fesenko EE and Novoselova EG and Semiletova NV and Agafonova TA and Sadovnikov VB},
  title = {[Stimulation of murine natural killer cells by weak electromagnetic waves in the centimeter range].},
  year = {1999},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10544828/},
}
PubMed: 10544828

Cited By (10 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

A 1999 Russian study found that exposing mice to weak microwave radiation (8.15-18 GHz) for 24-72 hours increased natural killer cell activity by 130-150%. However, shorter exposures showed no immune effects, and this single study requires replication.
Research shows electromagnetic waves can stimulate natural killer cells under specific conditions. Russian scientists found 24-72 hour exposures to 8.15-18 GHz microwaves boosted these immune cells by up to 150% in mice, though brief exposures had no effect.
One study suggests weak microwave exposure might actually enhance immune function rather than suppress it. Mice exposed to 8.15-18 GHz radiation showed increased natural killer cell activity, but only with prolonged exposure of 24-72 hours.
A 1999 study found that prolonged microwave exposure (24-72 hours) increased natural killer cell activity by 130-150% in mice. These cells help fight cancer and infections, suggesting potential immune enhancement rather than suppression under specific conditions.
Research on 8.15-18 GHz radiation shows it can boost natural killer cell activity by up to 150% in mice when exposure lasts 24-72 hours. The immune enhancement persisted for 24 hours after exposure ended, but shorter exposures showed no effects.