Preliminary results on the non-thermal effects of 200-350 GHz radiation on the growth rate of S. cerevisiae cells in microcolonies

Phys Med Biol. 2002 Nov 7;47(21):3831-9. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/47/21/322.

Abstract

We report preliminary results from studies of biological effects induced by non-thermal levels of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation. Exponentially growing Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells grown on dry media were exposed to electromagnetic fields in the 200-350 GHz frequency range at low power density to observe possible non-thermal effects on the microcolony growth. Exposure to the electromagnetic field was conducted over 2.5 h. The data from exposure and control experiments were grouped into either large-, medium- or small-sized microcolonies to assist in the accurate assessment of growth. The three groups showed significant differences in growth between exposed and control microcolonies. A statistically significant enhanced growth rate was observed at 341 GHz. Growth rate was assessed every 30 min via time-lapse photography. Possible interaction mechanisms are discussed, taking into account Frohlich's hypothesis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Evaluation Study
  • Validation Study

MeSH terms

  • Cell Division / radiation effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Colony Count, Microbial / instrumentation
  • Colony Count, Microbial / methods*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Microwaves*
  • Reference Values
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / classification
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / cytology*
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / growth & development
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae / radiation effects*
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Species Specificity
  • Temperature