EFFECT OF ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY WAVES (WAVELENGTHS OF 21 CMS) ON TEMPERATURE OF SMALL LABORATORY ANIMALS
de Saguin, L., Costechain, C. · 1947
Scientists were studying microwave radiation's effects on animal body temperature in 1947, decades before wireless technology became widespread.
Plain English Summary
This 1947 French study examined how ultra high frequency electromagnetic waves at 21 centimeter wavelengths affected body temperature in small laboratory animals. The research represents one of the earliest investigations into microwave radiation's biological effects, decades before microwave ovens and wireless devices became common. This pioneering work helped establish the foundation for understanding how electromagnetic fields interact with living tissue.
Why This Matters
This study holds remarkable historical significance as one of the first scientific investigations into microwave radiation's biological effects. Published in 1947, it predates the microwave oven by nearly two decades and occurred long before cell phones, WiFi, or wireless technology existed. The researchers were examining 21-centimeter wavelengths, which corresponds to frequencies around 1.4 GHz - surprisingly close to modern WiFi and cellular frequencies that now surround us daily. The focus on temperature effects makes perfect sense, as thermal heating remains the only officially recognized biological mechanism for microwave radiation today. Yet this early research occurred during an era when scientists were just beginning to understand electromagnetic field interactions with biological systems. What makes this study particularly relevant is that it demonstrates scientific concern about microwave biological effects existed from the very beginning of this technology. While we don't have the specific findings, the mere fact that researchers in 1947 were investigating temperature changes in animals exposed to these frequencies shows that biological effects were observable and concerning enough to warrant formal study.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. Duration: 20-30 seconds for some animals
Study Details
To investigate the effect of ultra high frequency waves (wavelengths of 21 cms) on the temperature of small laboratory animals.
Experiments were conducted using a coaxial antenna mounted in an antenna. Several series of irradiat...
For high doses producing an elevation of 20-23°C per minute in dead mice, the elevation in living mi...
The study shows that ultra high frequency waves can cause significant thermal effects in laboratory animals. The functioning of thermo-regulation was evident at higher doses, while at lower doses, the elevation was similar to that of dead animals. Hyperthermia and temporary paralysis were observed, which may be attributed to selective absorption of energy by the nervous system and multiple bulbary or medullary functions.
Show BibTeX
@article{effect_of_ultra_high_frequency_waves_wavelengths_of_21_cms_on_temperature_of_sma_g4156,
author = {de Saguin and L. and Costechain and C.},
title = {EFFECT OF ULTRA HIGH FREQUENCY WAVES (WAVELENGTHS OF 21 CMS) ON TEMPERATURE OF SMALL LABORATORY ANIMALS},
year = {1947},
}