Genetic Effects of Low Level Microwave Radiation

Abstract

We have developed a biological model system for examining the effects of electromagnetic radiation at the cellular level. This system features 1) a simple bacterial model with plasmid DNA which can be manipulated at the molecular level, 2) an assay which includes biological amplification for detecting subtle alterations, and 3) low variability usually inherent in biological assays. This system will now be used to study the effects of nondestructive free electron laser (FEL) radiation on biological processes in whole cells. We have tested the model system using microwave radiation and have been able to detect subtle changes in the plasmid-encoded Beta-galactosidase activity. The effect observed is not duplicated by bulk heating of the bacterial culture and there is no effect on purified Beta-galactosidase.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1988
Accession Number
ADA192687

Entities

People

  • Jeffery D. Saffer

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplification
  • Assays
  • Bioassay
  • Biological Processes
  • Chromophores
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electromagnetic Radiation
  • Electrons
  • Enzyme Kinetics
  • Free Electron Lasers
  • Free Electrons
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Genetics
  • Lasers
  • Microwaves
  • Radiation
  • Systems Biology

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Physics

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Microbial Pathology
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.

Technology Areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Directed Energy
  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems