Microwaves are electromagnetic waves that are produced by special vacuum tubes. They are used in telecommunications, broadcasting, and in military and industrial buildings. These beams can send voice, video, and data information.
There are several studies examining the effects of microwaves on brain cells. This includes effects on learning and memory. The mechanisms by which this can happen include oxidative stress, protein synthesis, and apoptosis.
Some studies have investigated the effects of microwaves on genes, synaptic structures, and cell cycle progression. While there are some negative findings from low power microwaves, most genotoxicity studies have shown that exposure to microwaves at these levels does not damage DNA.
Some studies have found that microwaves may cause sleep disorders. However, most of the studies have not been reproducible.
One study investigated the effects of 2.45 GHz microwaves on spatial memory. Researchers found that groups exposed to this level of radiation showed significant deficits in spatial learning. Another study examined the effects of 2.1 GHz W-CDMA modulated microwaves.
Other studies have looked at the effect of microwaves on learning. Research has shown that there is a link between abnormal EEG and impaired cognitive ability.
Studies also show that apoptosis is induced by microwave radiation. In addition, lipid peroxidation of cell membranes is observed after exposure to microwaves.
Another study examined the effects of microwaves on the nmda receptor signaling pathway. During exposure to microwaves, astrocytes increased ROS, which is a form of oxidative stress.