Behavioral Effects of Microwave Irradiation on Squirrel Monkey ('Saimiri sciureus') Performance of a Repeated Acquisition Task.
Abstract
The effects of pulsed microwave irradiation on the acquisition of new behaviors was studied with six male squirrel monkeys using a repeated acquisition task. Monkeys were repeatedly exposed to pulsed 5.62 GHz microwaves for thirty minute periods and immediately tested on the repeated acquisition task. Compared to performance following sham irradiation, response acquisition was impaired at an incident power density of 53 mW/sq cm but not at 11 or 43 mW/sq cm. The 53 mW/sq cm power level produced a mean 1.9 C increase in rectal temperature above control levels and no behavioral disruption was observed without concomittant hyperthermia. No evidence of irreversible impairment of learning ability was observed. The threshold power density necessary to reliably disrupt behavior under the conditions of this experiment was estimated to be between 45 and 50 mW/sq cm. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA055953
Entities
People
- T. D. Nelson
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory