The Impact of 9.375 GHz Microwave Radiation on the Emotional and Cognitive Abilities of Mice
No Effects Found
Wang X, Zhao X, Xu J, Li M, Sun B, Gao A, Zhang L, Wu S, Liu X, Zou D, Li Z, Dong G, Zhang C, Wang C ·2025
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Mice showed no immediate cognitive harm from 9.375 GHz microwave exposure, but activated stress-defense systems, raising questions about long-term chronic exposure effects.
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This study exposed mice to high-power 9.375 GHz microwave radiation (in the X-band) to test effects on mood, learning, memory, and cellular stress markers. Researchers found no significant damage to cognitive function or anxiety levels, with the animals' antioxidant defense systems appearing to successfully counter acute stress. The findings suggest that within defined exposure limits, short-term X-band microwave exposure may not cause immediate behavioral or cognitive harm in mice.
Cite This Study
Wang X, Zhao X, Xu J, Li M, Sun B, Gao A, Zhang L, Wu S, Liu X, Zou D, Li Z, Dong G, Zhang C, Wang C (2025). The Impact of 9.375 GHz Microwave Radiation on the Emotional and Cognitive Abilities of Mice.
Show BibTeX
@article{wang_x_zhao_x_xu_j_li_m_sun_b_gao_a_zhang_l_wu_s_liu_x_zou_d_li_z_dong_g_zhang_c_wang_c_ce3557,
author = {Wang X and Zhao X and Xu J and Li M and Sun B and Gao A and Zhang L and Wu S and Liu X and Zou D and Li Z and Dong G and Zhang C and Wang C},
title = {The Impact of 9.375 GHz Microwave Radiation on the Emotional and Cognitive Abilities of Mice},
year = {2025},
doi = {10.3390/ijms26072871},
}
In this study, mice exposed to 9.375 GHz high-power microwaves showed no significant impairment in learning capabilities, memory retention, or cognitive functions compared to unexposed controls. However, this tested only acute (short-term) exposure, not the chronic daily exposures humans typically experience from wireless technologies.
X-band microwaves (8-12 GHz range, including the 9.375 GHz frequency tested here) are widely used in radar systems, satellite communications, weather monitoring, and increasingly in 5G and emerging 6G wireless networks. These frequencies are considered "high-power microwaves" in many applications, particularly military and aerospace technologies.
The exposed mice showed elevated antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px) and reduced damage markers (PCO, MDA), suggesting the body mobilized defenses against oxidative stress. While no net damage occurred in this acute exposure, the enzyme elevation indicates the body recognized and responded to a stressor requiring active defense.
This study found that mice's antioxidant defense systems successfully protected against acute 9.375 GHz microwave exposure without resulting damage. However, the critical unknown is whether these defenses can sustain protection during chronic, repeated exposures over time, which is how most real-world human exposure occurs with wireless devices.
No, mice exposed to 9.375 GHz microwaves did not display significant signs of depression or anxiety compared to control animals. This suggests that acute high-power microwave exposure at this frequency doesn't immediately alter mood-related behaviors, though longer-term psychological effects weren't examined in this research.
