Abstract
In this contribution I would like to make you acquainted with a fascinanting new topic in spectroscopy: microwaves at extremely small power levels are able to induce drastic changes in living systems, and these effects are highly resonant in respect to frequency. I cannot give you any proven explanation of these effects, but I will just try to describe to you a theoretical concept due to H. Fröhlich who has predicted such effects in the right frequency region. The basis of this model is a very high single-mode vibrational excitation within, for example, a protein molecule switching on its enzymatic activity. Any speculation on the nature of such an oscillator has to account for the narrow resonances observed: It has to explain how a vibrational linewidth in a condensed system could be as small as in a gas with a pressure of a few Torr.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
P. Brodeur, “Microwaves”, The New Yorker, Dec. 13(1976) pp. 50–110 and Dec. 20 (1 976 ) pp. 43–83.
Z. R. Glaser and P. F. Brown, “Bibliography of Reported Biological Phenomena (“Effects”) and Clinical Manifestations Attributed to Microwave and Radio Frequency Radiation”, Naval Medical Research Institute Report, Dahlgren, VA 22448, USA (1977).
S. J. Webb and A. D. Booth, “Absorption of Microwaves by Microorganismus”, Nature 222, 1199 (1969).
P. S. Ray, “Broadband Complex Refractive Indices of Ice and Water”, AppI. Optics H, 1836 (1972).
A. J. Berteaud, M. Dardalhon, N. Rebeyrotte et D. Averbeck, “Action d’un Rayonnement Electromagnétique à Longueur d’Onde Millimétrique sur le Croissance Bactérienne”, C. R. Acad. Se. Paris 281, D843 (1975).
K. I. Gringauz, I.A.Zhulin, A.D. Sytinskiï, N. D. Devyatkov, E. B. Bazanova, A. K. Bryukhova, R. L. Vi lenskaya, E. A. Gelvich, M.B. Golant, N. S. Landau, V. M. Melnikova, N. P. Mikae-lyan, G. M. Okhokhonina, L. A. Sevastyanova, A. Z. Smolyanskaya, N. A. Sycheva, R. L. Vi lenskaya, V. F. Konrateva, E. N. Chrïstyakova, I. R. S hmakova, N. B. Ivanova, A. A. Treskunov, S. E. Manoïlov, M. A. Strelkova, N. P. Zalyubovskaya, R. I. Kiselev, N. P. Zalyubovskaya, V. I.Gaïduk, Y. I. Khurgin and V. A. Kudryashova, Scientific Session of the Division of General Physics and Astronomy, USSR Academy of Sciences, Sov. Phys.-Usp. (Translation) 16, 568 (1974).
W. Grundler, F. Keilmann and H. Fröhlich, “Resonant Growth Rate Response of Yeast Cells Irradiated by Weak Microwaves”, Phys. Lett., in print; W. G rundler and F. Keilmann, “Nonthermal Effects of Millimeter Microwaves on Yeast Growth”, Z. Naturf. c, in print.
H. Fröhlich, “Long Range Coherence and Energy Storage in Biological Systems”, Inter. J. Quantum Chem. 2, 641 (1968); H. Fröhlich, “Long Range Coherence and the Action of Enzymes”, Nature 228, 1093 (1970).
K.Dransfeld, personal communication.
H. F röhlich, “The Extraordinary Dielectric Properties of Biological Materials and the Action of Enzymes”, Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA 72, 4211 (1975); H.Fröhlich, “Long Range Coherence in Biological Systems”, II Nuovo Cimento, in print.
H. Fröhlich, “Bose Condensation of Strongly Excited Longitudinal Electric Modes”, P hys. Lett, 26A, 402 (1968).
H Haken, “Synergetics”, pp. 225 and 293 ff. S pringer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg and New York (1977).
H. F röhlich, “Selective Long Range Dispersion Forces Between Large Systems” Phys. Lett. 39A, 153 (1972).
D. Bhaumik, K. Bhaum ik and B. Dutta-Roy, “On the Possibility of “Bose Condensation” in the Excitation of Coherent Modes in Biological Systems”, Phys. Lett. 56A, 145 (1976).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1978 Plenum Press, New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Keilmann, F. (1978). Nonthermal Microwave Resonances in Living Cells. In: Arecchi, F.T., Bonifacio, R., Scully, M.O. (eds) Coherence in Spectroscopy and Modern Physics. NATO Advanced Study Institutes Series, vol 37. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2871-1_17
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-2871-1_17
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-2873-5
Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-2871-1
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive