Effect of 9.6-GHz pulsed microwaves on the orb web spinning ability of the cross spider (Araneus diadematus).

Eight cross spiders (Araneus diadematus) were exposed overnight (16 h) during web-building activity to pulsed 9.6-GHz microwaves at average power densities of 10, 1, and 0.1 mW/cm2 (estimated SARs 40, 4, and 0.4 mW/g). Under these conditions, 9.6-GHz pulsed microwaves did not affect the web-spinning ability of the cross spider.

Alteration of circulating antibody response of mice exposed to 9-GHz pulsed microwaves.

A significant increase was observed in the circulating antibody titers of mice exposed to 9-GHz pulsed microwaves at an average power density of 10 mW/cm2, two hours per day for five days compared with sham-irradiated animals. The mice were previously immunized with type III pneumococcal polysaccharide. Following irradiation, a portion of the immunized animals were challenged with virulent Streptococcus pneumoniae, type III. Ten days after challenge, mortality was essentially the same in the two groups, but during the ten day period, there was a noticeable increase in the survival time of the irradiated animals compared with the sham-irradiated animals, suggesting that the increased circulating antibody response afforded some degree of temporary protection to the animals.