The effects of microwave frequency electromagnetic fields on the development of Drosophila melanogaster.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the development of Drosophila melanogaster.


METHODS
Larvae of D. melanogaster were exposed to 10 GHz EMF continuously (3 h, 4 h and 5 h) and discontinuously (3 h exposure + 30 min interval + 3 h exposure). The percentages and times of transition from larvae to pupae and from pupae to adults were determined, and the mean offspring number was examined using the offspring of the females which had been exposed as larvae.


RESULTS
No differences were found in the transition percentages from larvae to pupae and from pupae to adults (p > 0.05). However, it was found that the mean pupation time was delayed linearly with an increasing electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure period (p < 0.05). In the 3 + 3-h exposed group (E3 + 3), the mean offspring number was significantly less than that of the control (p < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
10 GHz EMF can cause developmental delay and decrease the number of offspring in D. melanogaster.
Atli
Emel
E
Hacettepe University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey. eakkan@hacettepe.edu.tr
Unlü
Hacer
H
D000818:Animals; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D004331:Drosophila melanogaster / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D007814:Larva / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011679:Pupa / Q000254:growth & development / Q000528:radiation effects