The role of coherence time in the effect of microwaves on ornithine decarboxylase activity.
Litovitz TA, Krause D, Penafiel M, Elson EC, Mullins JM, · 1993
View Original AbstractCells need consistent electromagnetic signal patterns lasting at least 10 seconds to trigger biological responses, suggesting timing matters as much as intensity.
Plain English Summary
Scientists exposed cells to microwave radiation similar to cell phones and found that timing matters for biological effects. When signals switched frequencies too quickly, no cellular changes occurred. But maintaining each frequency for 10+ seconds doubled a key enzyme's activity, showing cells need time to respond.
Why This Matters
This study reveals something remarkable about how our cells respond to electromagnetic fields: it's not just about the intensity or frequency, but about the consistency of the signal pattern over time. The research demonstrates that microwave radiation at cell phone frequencies can significantly alter cellular enzyme activity, but only when the signal maintains coherence for sufficient duration. What makes this particularly relevant is that the SAR level used (2.5 W/kg) is above current regulatory limits but within the range that could occur with prolonged close contact to wireless devices. The finding that cells require a minimum 'coherence time' to respond suggests our biological systems have evolved mechanisms to detect and react to consistent electromagnetic patterns, which has profound implications for understanding how modern wireless communications might affect human health.
Exposure Details
- SAR
- 2.5 W/kg
- Source/Device
- 915 MHz modulated at 55, 60, or 65 Hz
Exposure Context
This study used 2.5 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):
- 6.3x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.4 W/kg
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 role of coherence time in the effect of microwaves on ornithine decarboxylase activity.
Further investigation has revealed a remarkably similar coherence time phenomenon for enhancement of...
Our results show that the microwave coherence effects are remarkably similar to those observed with ELF fields.
Show BibTeX
@article{ta_1993_the_role_of_coherence_1155,
author = {Litovitz TA and Krause D and Penafiel M and Elson EC and Mullins JM and},
title = {The role of coherence time in the effect of microwaves on ornithine decarboxylase activity.},
year = {1993},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8285913/},
}