[The effect of ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic radiation on learning and memory processes].
Krylova IN, Dukhanin AS, Il'in AB, Kuznetsova EIu, Balaeva NV, Shimanovskii NL, Pal'tsev IuP, Iasnetsov VV,= · 1994
View Original AbstractMicrowave radiation at 1 mW/cm² disrupted memory formation in rats by affecting brain chemistry critical for learning.
Plain English Summary
Russian researchers exposed rats to microwave radiation at 2375 MHz (similar to microwave oven frequencies) and found it caused memory problems, specifically retrograde amnesia where rats couldn't remember previously learned tasks. The radiation affected brain chemistry by altering cholinergic receptors, which are crucial for memory formation. This suggests that microwave-frequency EMF can directly interfere with the brain's ability to form and retain memories.
Why This Matters
This 1994 study provides early evidence that microwave radiation can disrupt memory formation through specific neurochemical pathways. The researchers found that exposure at 1 mW/cm² - a power density that's actually lower than many modern wireless devices produce at close range - caused measurable amnesia in laboratory animals. What makes this research particularly significant is that it identified the cholinergic system as a key target, offering a biological mechanism for how EMF affects cognition. The cholinergic system is essential for learning and memory in both animals and humans, making these findings highly relevant to our daily exposure from smartphones, WiFi routers, and other wireless technologies. While this is animal research from three decades ago, it aligns with more recent studies showing cognitive effects from EMF exposure and helps explain the growing reports of concentration and memory problems among heavy technology users.
Exposure Details
- Power Density
- 1 µW/m²
- Source/Device
- 2375 MHz
Exposure Context
This study used 1 µW/m² for radio frequency:
- 100Mx above the Building Biology guideline of 0.1 μW/m²
- 1.7Mx above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 0.0006 μW/cm²
Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.
Where This Falls on the Concern Scale
Study Details
The aim of this study is to investigate The effect of ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic radiation on learning and memory processes
Low-intensity electromagnetic field (12.6 cm, 2375 MHz, power density 1 mW/cm2) produced retrograde ...
Show BibTeX
@article{in_1994_the_effect_of_ultrahighfrequency_1114,
author = {Krylova IN and Dukhanin AS and Il'in AB and Kuznetsova EIu and Balaeva NV and Shimanovskii NL and Pal'tsev IuP and Iasnetsov VV and=},
title = {[The effect of ultrahigh-frequency electromagnetic radiation on learning and memory processes].},
year = {1994},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1290816/},
}