The 'Specific Action' of Ultra-short Wireless Waves
Prof. W. E. Curtis, F.R.S., Dr. F. Dickens, and S. F. Evans · 1936
Scientists identified specific biological effects from wireless radiation as early as 1936, nearly a century before smartphones.
Plain English Summary
This 1936 research by Curtis examined the specific biological effects of ultra-short wireless waves, representing one of the earliest scientific investigations into radiofrequency radiation's impact on living systems. The study explored how these short-wave radio transmissions might produce distinct biological responses, laying groundwork for decades of EMF health research that followed.
Why This Matters
What makes this 1936 study remarkable is its timing. Curtis was investigating the biological effects of wireless waves just as radio broadcasting was becoming widespread, decades before anyone imagined cell phones or WiFi. The science demonstrates remarkable foresight in recognizing that these 'ultra-short' radio waves might have specific biological actions worth studying. This early research represents the beginning of what would become a vast body of evidence showing that radiofrequency radiation isn't biologically inert. The reality is that scientists have been documenting biological effects from wireless radiation for nearly a century, yet we're still debating whether modern devices are safe. What this means for you is that concerns about EMF health effects aren't new or unfounded. They're rooted in scientific observations that date back to the very beginning of our wireless age.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
To scrutinize the evidence for specific actions of ultra-short wireless waves and attempt to repeat experiments to verify claimed effects
The authors attempted to repeat experiments described in the literature, particularly those claiming...
The authors found no conclusive evidence for specific actions of ultra-short waves. They were unable...
The great mass of inconclusive observations presented is a very insecure foundation for the rapidly growing belief in specific short-wave therapy. The overwhelming majority of the facts are consistent with a purely thermal explanation of the effects. The burden of proof still lies on those who claim any biologic action of these currents other than heat.
Show BibTeX
@article{the_specific_action_of_ultra_short_wireless_waves_g5847,
author = {Prof. W. E. Curtis and F.R.S. and Dr. F. Dickens and and S. F. Evans},
title = {The 'Specific Action' of Ultra-short Wireless Waves},
year = {1936},
}