Non-thermal influence of a weak microwave on nerve fiber activity

TL;DR

This paper reviews how weak microwave fields can non-thermally influence nerve activity through resonant ultrasonic vibrations affecting membrane proteins, with implications for neural excitability.

Contribution

It introduces a theory of resonant ultrasonic vibrations in nerve membranes caused by microwaves, explaining non-thermal effects on nerve excitability.

Findings

Resonances occur around 30-300 GHz in nerve membranes.

Microwave-induced vibrations may alter protein channel distribution.

Non-thermal microwave effects can influence nerve firing thresholds.

Abstract

This paper presents a short selective review of the non-thermal weak microwave field impact on a nerve fiber. The published results of recent experiments are reviewed and analyzed. The theory of the authors is presented, according to which there are strongly pronounced resonances in the range of about 30-300 GHz associated with the excitation of ultrasonic vibrations in the membrane as a result of interactions with the microwave radiation. These forced vibrations create acoustic pressure, which may lead to the redistribution of the protein transmembrane channels, thus changing the threshold of the action potential excitation in the axons of the neural network. The problem of surface charge on the bilayer lipid membrane of the nerve fiber is discussed. Various experiments for observing the effects considered are also discussed.