title: Preliminary results on the non-thermal effects of 200-350 GHz radiation on the growth rate of S. cerevisiae cells in microcolonies.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cybernetics, The University of Reading, Whiteknights, RG6 6AY, Berkshire, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hadjiloucas
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Chahal
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Bowen
mesh_terms: D002455:Cell Division / Q000528:radiation effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D008872:Microwaves; D012016:Reference Values; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012441:Saccharomyces cerevisiae / Q000145:classification / Q000166:cytology* / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013045:Species Specificity; D013696:Temperature