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THE ACTION OF CURRENTS OF VERY HIGH FREQUENCY UPON TISSUE CELLS

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J. W. Schereschewsky · 1928

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1928 research showed intermediate radio frequencies damage mouse tissue more than extreme frequencies, proving frequency-specific biological effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

This 1928 study exposed mice to high-frequency radio waves (8.3 to 135 million cycles per second) and found that certain frequencies caused more tissue damage than others. The researcher discovered that intermediate frequencies were more harmful than very high or very low frequencies, suggesting different frequencies affect cells differently.

Why This Matters

This pioneering research from nearly a century ago established a fundamental principle we're still grappling with today: frequency matters when it comes to EMF biological effects. The finding that intermediate frequencies caused more tissue damage than extreme frequencies challenges the oversimplified industry narrative that 'non-ionizing radiation is harmless.' What makes this study particularly relevant is that the frequencies tested (8.3 to 135 MHz) overlap with modern FM radio, television broadcasts, and some wireless communications. The researcher's observation about differential effects on different cell types was remarkably prescient, anticipating decades of research showing that rapidly dividing cells may be more vulnerable to EMF exposure. While the technology and exposure methods were primitive by today's standards, the core insight remains valid: we cannot treat all frequencies as equivalent in their biological impact.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Cite This Study
J. W. Schereschewsky (1928). THE ACTION OF CURRENTS OF VERY HIGH FREQUENCY UPON TISSUE CELLS.
Show BibTeX
@article{the_action_of_currents_of_very_high_frequency_upon_tissue_cells_g6803,
  author = {J. W. Schereschewsky},
  title = {THE ACTION OF CURRENTS OF VERY HIGH FREQUENCY UPON TISSUE CELLS},
  year = {1928},
  
  
}

Quick Questions About This Study

The researchers tested frequencies ranging from 8.3 million to 135 million cycles per second (8.3-135 MHz), which overlaps with modern FM radio and television broadcast frequencies used today.
The study found that middle-range frequencies caused more tissue injury than very high or very low frequencies, but the 1928 research didn't explain the mechanism behind this frequency-dependent effect.
No, the researchers used an electrostatic field from a tuned circuit with a three-element tube oscillator, which is different from direct radiation exposure methods used in contemporary EMF studies.
The scientists reasoned that rapidly dividing tumor cells, being larger and more metabolically active than normal tissue cells, might show different sensitivity to specific radio wave frequencies.
The tested frequencies (8.3-135 MHz) overlap with current FM radio and TV broadcasts, while the frequency-dependent biological effects principle applies to all modern wireless technologies including cell phones and WiFi.