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Inhibition of Bacterial Cell Growth by 136 gc Microwaves

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S. J. Webb, D. D. Dodds · 1968

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136 GHz microwaves completely stopped bacterial cell division at just 7 microwatts of power without killing the cells.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1968 study exposed E. coli bacteria to 136 GHz microwaves for up to 4 hours and found the radiation completely stopped cell division when applied immediately, though it didn't kill the cells. When bacteria were allowed to grow for 90 minutes before exposure, cell division was slowed but not completely halted.

Why This Matters

This pioneering research from 1968 provides early evidence that millimeter wave frequencies can disrupt fundamental biological processes at the cellular level. The 136 GHz frequency used falls within the range now being deployed for 5G networks, making these findings particularly relevant today. What's striking is that even extremely low power levels (just 7 microwatts) were sufficient to completely halt bacterial reproduction when applied at the right timing. The study reveals that microwave radiation doesn't just heat tissues-it can interfere with specific metabolic processes that cells need to divide and grow. While this research used bacteria rather than human cells, it demonstrates that millimeter waves can have profound biological effects at power levels far below what's considered safe by current standards.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
S. J. Webb, D. D. Dodds (1968). Inhibition of Bacterial Cell Growth by 136 gc Microwaves.
Show BibTeX
@article{inhibition_of_bacterial_cell_growth_by_136_gc_microwaves_g5741,
  author = {S. J. Webb and D. D. Dodds},
  title = {Inhibition of Bacterial Cell Growth by 136 gc Microwaves},
  year = {1968},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, this study found that 136 GHz microwaves at just 7 microwatts of power completely prevented E. coli bacteria from dividing when exposed immediately after preparation, though the radiation wasn't lethal to the cells.
The study used extremely low power-just 7 microwatts of 136 GHz microwave radiation. This demonstrates that millimeter wave frequencies can have biological effects at power levels far below current safety standards.
Yes, timing was crucial. When bacteria were exposed immediately, cell division stopped completely. When allowed to grow for 90 minutes first, division was only slowed, suggesting microwaves interfere with early cellular processes.
No, the microwaves weren't lethal. Cell counts remained stable during 4 hours of exposure, indicating the bacteria survived but couldn't reproduce. This suggests metabolic disruption rather than cell death.
136 GHz falls within the millimeter wave spectrum now being used for 5G networks and other wireless applications, making this 1968 research relevant to understanding potential biological effects of current technologies.