# RF-050 — Early microwave brain DNA experiment

Why this matters
Some DNA effects may be missed if researchers look only immediately after exposure. This rat study's abstract reported a delayed increase in single-strand breaks after pulsed microwaves. Full methods and replication comparisons remain unfinished, so its contribution is a defined timing question rather than an established human hazard.

Id: RF-050

Author: Lai and Singh

Full Authors: Henry Lai; Narendra P Singh

Year: 1995

Title: Acute low-intensity microwave exposure increases DNA single-strand breaks in rat brain cells

Journal: Bioelectromagnetics

Citation: Lai H, Singh NP. Acute low-intensity microwave exposure increases DNA single-strand breaks in rat brain cells. Bioelectromagnetics. 1995;16(3):207-210. doi:10.1002/bem.2250160309.

Doi: 10.1002/bem.2250160309

Pmid: 7677797

Topic: DNA and cell responses

Verification Group: Original abstract verified

Record Role: Original abstract verified methods pending

Featured: False

Exposure: 2450 MHz, two hours; pulsed 2 microsecond pulses at 500/s, whole-body SAR 0.6 or 1.2 W/kg; continuous wave 1.2 W/kg.

Design: Rat-brain alkaline microgel electrophoresis; original abstract verified. Animal counts and complete controls require full paper.

Finding: Pulsed exposure increased single-strand breaks at four hours after exposure, with no significant immediate effect. Continuous-wave exposure at 1.2 W/kg increased breaks immediately and at four hours.

Boundary: Original abstract only; assay controls and independent replication history not fully audited. No below-limit or established injury inference.

Related: RF-051 extends same University of Washington programme; not independent laboratory replication.

Protection Question: Does delayed DNA strand breakage persist across validated assays and independent experiments? The abstract identifies a timing question, but unfinished methods and replication checks prevent an established injury or human-limit claim.

Access: Scite original abstract and Wiley primary record verified

Locator: Original abstract; pp.207-210 full methods pending

Notice: No notice surfaced in Scite or targeted title/DOI search; full publisher status audit incomplete.

Funding: Not established from retrieved material.

Conflicts: Not established from retrieved material.

Source Url: https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.2250160309

Retrieval Links: https://doi.org/10.1002/bem.2250160309 | https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7677797/

Verification Date: 2026-10-20