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Microwaves and Behavior

Bioeffects Seen

Don R. Justesen · 1975

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This 1975 review established early scientific evidence that microwaves can affect behavior and biology beyond simple heating.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1975 review by Dr. Justesen examined how microwave radiation affects behavior and biological systems. The study represents early research into electromagnetic field effects on living organisms, exploring the connection between radio-frequency exposure and behavioral changes. This work helped establish the foundation for understanding how microwaves interact with biological systems beyond just heating effects.

Why This Matters

Dr. Justesen's 1975 review represents a pivotal moment in EMF research, published during an era when scientists first began questioning whether microwaves could affect biology through mechanisms other than simple tissue heating. This work emerged as microwave technology was expanding beyond military applications into consumer products, making it one of the earliest comprehensive examinations of behavioral effects from electromagnetic exposure.

What makes this research particularly significant is its timing and scope. Published nearly five decades ago, it demonstrates that concerns about microwave biological effects aren't new or reactionary. The science demonstrates that researchers were already documenting behavioral changes from microwave exposure when most people had never heard of a microwave oven, let alone carried a microwave-emitting device in their pocket. Today, we're surrounded by microwave radiation from WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell phones operating at similar frequencies to those studied in this early research.

Figures from the Original Paper

Diagrams extracted from the original research document.

chartPage 2 - AI-described figure: Figure 1. Components of the electromagnetic spectrum showing wavelengths in centimeters and corresponding frequencies.
p. 2 of the original PDF
diagramPage 10 - Schematic diagram of a twin-well difference-calorimeter developed at the Battelle Laboratories.
p. 10 of the original PDF

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 500 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 500 MHzPower lines50/60 HzWiFi2.4 GHz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

To summarize contributions by experimental psychologists to the biological study of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, especially microwaves, and to examine the relationship between electromagnetic fields and behavior.

The study reviews historical research, examines the Frey effect, and analyzes behavioral and physiol...

The Frey effect was demonstrated in rats and confirmed in human subjects. Studies showed that human ...

The central nervous system is a biological amplifier whose output as manifested in behavior provides a highly sensitive litmus of reactivity to electromagnetic energy. The Frey effect demonstrates that humans can perceive microwave energy, though the mechanism may involve thermohydraulic phenomena. The research suggests that while simple heating is not sufficient for the Frey effect, the rate of change of wave form is critical. The study emphasizes the need for accurate dosimetry and the distinction between thermal and non-thermal effects of microwave exposure.

Cite This Study
Don R. Justesen (1975). Microwaves and Behavior.
Show BibTeX
@article{microwaves_and_behavior_g5581,
  author = {Don R. Justesen},
  title = {Microwaves and Behavior},
  year = {1975},
  
  
}
No DOI on file for this study.

Quick Questions About This Study

While specific findings aren't detailed in available records, Dr. Justesen's review examined how microwave radiation could alter behavior and biological functions. This early research helped establish that electromagnetic fields might affect living systems through non-thermal mechanisms, beyond just heating tissue.
This review appeared when microwave technology was expanding from military to civilian use, making it one of the first comprehensive examinations of behavioral effects. It helped establish the scientific foundation for understanding that microwaves could affect biology through mechanisms other than heating.
Modern WiFi, Bluetooth, and cell phones operate at microwave frequencies similar to those studied in this early research. Dr. Justesen's work provides historical context showing that scientists identified potential biological effects from microwave exposure decades before these technologies became ubiquitous.
This review represented early recognition that microwave radiation could affect biological systems and behavior beyond simple tissue heating. It helped establish the scientific basis for investigating non-thermal effects of electromagnetic fields, a topic that remains relevant in current EMF research.
Dr. Justesen's review examined microwave effects on behavior and biology when few people had microwave exposure. This early research demonstrates that scientific concerns about electromagnetic field biological effects preceded widespread consumer adoption of microwave-emitting technologies by decades.