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The microwave auditory effect has been widely recognized as one of the most interesting and significant biological phenomena from microwave exposure. The hearing of pulsed microwaves is a unique exception to the airborne or bone-conducted sound energy, normally encountered in human auditory perception. This chapter describes the research studies leading to scientific documentation that absorption of a single microwave pulse impinging on the head may be perceived as an acoustic zip, click, or knocking sound, depending on the incident microwave power. A train of microwave pulses to the head may be sensed as an audible buzz, chirp, or tone by humans. It discusses the neurophysiological, psychophysical, and behavioral observations from laboratory studies involving humans and animals as subjects. The objective is to present what is scientifically known about the microwave auditory effect.

In April, there were several odd reports coming out of the United Kingdom about 5G cellular communication towers being set on fire-allegedly linking the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic to the rollout of 5G communication technology [1]. It sounds rather bizarre; even as a conspiracy theory, it did not make sense!

Recently, there were several odd or unusual reports coming out of the UK about linking the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic to the rollout of 5G communication systems [1]. It sounded rather bizarre; even as a conspiracy theory, it did not make sense! While both 5G and COVID-19 are global phenomena happening at around the same time, it boggles the mind how the two got entangled. On second thought, it is not as shocking as it may seem upon first encounter!

Discusses how the COVID-19 health pandemic worldwide was complicated by not only health and medical concerns, but the inclusion of politics, conspiracy theories, and social media.

Reports on the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's Impact of Cockpit Electro-Magnetics on Aircrew Neurology (ICEMAN) project.

Presents the results of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) report, “An Assessment of Illness in U.S. Government Employees and Their Families at Overseas Embassies." it is almost exactly three years since the publication of my article “Strange Reports of Weaponized Sound in Cuba” [2]. There, it was first hypothesized that “[a]ssuming that the reported events are reliable, there is actually a scientific explanation for the source of sonic energy. It could well be from a targeted beam of high-power microwave pulse radiation” [2]. In examining plausible causes of the described illnesses, the NASEM report makes that point that, among the mechanisms the study committee considered, the most plausible mechanism to explain these cases, especially in individuals with distinct early symptoms, appears to be directed, pulsed RF (microwave) energy.

The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced in August 2020 a bidding for submission of innovative research proposals for concepts that would lead to better understanding of the Impact of Cockpit Electro-Magnetics on Aircrew Neurology (ICEMAN: "Iceman" also happens to be the call sign of a fighter pilot portrayed in the movie Top Gun). In its request for proposal (RFP) [1], DARPA stated that "Current cockpits are flooded with radiofrequency (RF) noise from on-board emissions, communication links, and navigation electronics, including strong electromagnetics (EM) fields from audio headsets and helmet tracking technologies."

Citing support from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced in December 2019 that it reaffirms the RF radiation exposure li mits it first adopted in 1996 fa The action was undertaken in the face of appeals from some to tighten, and others to loosen, the existing limits. In the process, the FCC also resolved and terminated a 2013 Notice of Inquiry that sought public input on whether it should modify its existing RF exposure rules considering recent scientific opinions and authoritative expert views, among other issues [2]. Apparently, six years since the Notice of Inquiry, the FCC deems it appropriate to maintain the existing RF exposure limits. It is interesting to observe that the FCC dedined to make changes that would stiffen the current rules or to make any changes that would effectively relax the current rules.

Objective: This study investigated the influence of absorption metrics and averaging schemes on correlation between RF/microwave energy and induced temperature elevation for plane wave exposures. Methods: A voxel-based, anatomically realistic model of the human body was considered. Correlation of electromagnetic fields and temperature increases were evaluated at several frequencies. Both specific absorption rate (SAR) and volume absorption rate (VAR) were considered. Results: The best correlation with temperature increase occurs for exposure durations between 1 and 2 min both for SAR and VAR for most of the 700 to 2700 MHz frequencies considered. In this case, a 1 g mass or 1 cm3 volume appears to be optimal. However, for VAR, as frequency increases to above 900 MHz, a better correlation is achieved at slightly increased exposure times and volumes. For longer exposures, the maximum correlation coefficient is reduced, and the correlation favors larger averaging mass or volume. At steady-state (30 min), correlation of temperature increase with SAR is maximum for a mass of 9 g for all frequencies considered, whereas the volume for VAR maximum correlation is 15 cm3 for higher frequencies and 20 cm3 for lower frequencies. Conclusions: In general, SAR provides a better correlation with temperature compared to VAR for short exposures, while VAR renders better correlations for higher frequencies and longer exposures. Significance: The correlation between electromagnetic absorption and temperature increases has implications in guidelines for limiting human exposure to electromagnetic fields and in biomedical applications such as imaging, sensing, and hyperthermia.

Every few months, if not weeks, another mysterious attack on U.S. diplomatic and intelligence personnel is reported. Some of the attacks occurred years ago, while others were recounted as recently as July 2021 [1] – [3] . Over the past four or five years, nearly 200 U.S. personnel have reported similar attacks while working in places like Havana, Guangzhou, London, Moscow, Vienna, and Washington, D.C. The acute symptoms include headache and nausea immediately following the sounds of loud buzzing or bursts. The illness and symptoms have been called the “Havana Syndrome” after the place where cases were first reported. It refers to the range of symptoms first experienced by U.S. State Department personnel overseas.

The health effects of radio-frequency (RF) and microwave radiation have been a subject of scientific inquiry and public interest of late because of widespread global usage of mobile communication devices by billions of people everywhere. A minute increase in health risks such as cancer from RF radiation might lead to significant consequences for the health of the general public. A recent U.S. government announcement about the discovery of rare cancers in rats exposed to RF radiation is an important occurrence. Note that any new or single report should not be viewed in isolation. The U.S. government project was organized to confront the weaknesses of prior laboratory rodent studies on the potential of RF exposure to impact human health such as cancer in controlled environments. Indeed, several published reports on animal cancer investigations involving prolonged exposure to RF radiation are contentious and perplexing. The discrepancies have presented ambiguity in assessing public health threats from RF exposure. It is the objective of this review to provide a critical and analytical synopsis and assessment on current progress in cancers in rats exposed to lifelong RF and microwave radiation. Its focus is on laboratory studies involving cancer production and promotion, as well as the survival of experimental rats. Of special interest is carcinogenesis in the head—cancer development in the head. The question of whether RF exposure from wireless and mobile devices and systems poses a health risk will likely remain equivocal and controversial for some time to come.

Background: Beta-catenin has been implicated in cell-cell communication in a wide variety of developmental and physiological processes. Defective Wnt signaling could result in various cardiac and vascular abnormalities. Little is known regarding Wnt/frizzled pathway in cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Methods: In this study, the role of b-catenin in apoptosis was investigated in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and primary cardiomyocytes isolated in diabetic Wistar rats. The cardiomyocytes were transfected with porcine cytomegalovirus (pCMV)-b-catenin plasmid in order to overexpress b-catenin. Results: The transcription factor displayed a significant nuclear localization in Wistar rats with cardiac hypertension. Transfection of b-catenin plasmid induced apoptosis and reduced expression of survival pathway markers in cardiomyocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, expression of fibrosis protein markers was upregulated by the overexpression. Conclusions: Taken together, these results revealed that altered Wnt/b-catenin signaling might provoke heart failure. (Cardiol J 2017; 24, 2: 195–205)

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) issued a request for proposals (RFP) in the spring of 2017 by announcing its new research initiative: Radiobio — What role does electromagnetic signaling have in biological systems? [1, 2] The stated goal of this project was to “determine if purposeful signaling via electromagnetic waves between biological systems exists, and, if it does, determine what information is being transferred.”

On one of the coldest days of the season, seating in front of my laptop, I raised my head to look outside through a set of Frank Lloyd Wright prairie-style windows. A large flock of Canadian geese were resting, calmly and orderly, on ice over a frozen pound. Why didn't they fly away to some place with a more temperate climate, especially for this time of year? My thoughts drifted to San Francisco, California, in late spring or maybe early summer.

Objectives To understand characteristics of older at-risk drinkers and reasons why they decide to change or maintain their alcohol consumption. Design Secondary analysis of data from a randomized controlled trial to reduce drinking in at-risk drinkers. Setting Three primary care sites in southern California. Participants Six hundred thirty-one adults aged 55 and older who were at-risk drinkers at baseline, 521 of whom who completed a 12-month assessment. Measurements Sociodemographic and alcohol-related characteristics of 12-month assessment completers and noncompleters and among those completing the 12-month assessment by telephone or mail were compared using descriptive statistics. Reasons why respondents maintained or changed average alcohol consumption were asked of those who completed a 12-month assessment by telephone. Factors that might motivate at-risk drinkers to reduce drinking were asked about, and frequencies were calculated for these responses. Results Participants were primarily male, white, highly educated, and in good health. Those who responded to the 12-month assessment by mail were more likely to be working, to be in the intervention arm, and to drink more. Most who reduced alcohol consumption and heavy drinking did so because they thought it would benefit them. Those who did not thought that drinking was not a problem for them. Both groups cited their environment and circumstances as influencing their drinking. Remaining at-risk drinkers reported that medical evidence that alcohol was harming them would motivate them to reduce drinking. Conclusion Older adults report that they reduce their drinking when they recognize that their drinking habits may be causing them harm; one's environment can hinder or help one to reduce drinking. © Published 2013. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Coupling of Electromagnetic Fields into Biological Systems, James C. Lin Physical Laws Governing Electromagnetic Phenomena Electromagnetic Properties of Tissue Electromagnetic Phenomena at Tissue Interfaces Static Electric and Magnetic Fields Time-Varying Electromagnetic Fields Low-Frequency and Quasistatic Electric and Magnetic Fields Propagation of Electromagnetic Energy from Antennas Coupling of Quasistatic Electric and Magnetic Fields Radiofrequency Fields and Energy Deposition Radiofrequency Dosimetry and Energy Absorption in Anatomical Models Coupling of Short and Ultra-Wideband Pulses into the Human Body Coupling of Millimeter and Terahertz Waves Pulsed Electric Fields in Biological Cells and Membranes, R. P. Joshi and K. H. Schoenbach Interaction of Electric Fields with Living Cells Modeling Electric Fields in Cells Temperature Changes Due to Electric Pulsing Role of the Biological Dielectric Properties Extracting Parameters from Cell Suspensions Static, Low-Frequency, and Pulsed Magnetic Fields in Biological Systems, Shoogo Ueno and Hideyuki Okano Mechanisms of Biological Effects and Biomagnetic Phenomena of Magnetic Fields Experimental Studies on Magnetic Field Effects Response of Plants and Microorganisms to Magnetic Fields Interaction of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields with Biological Systems, Tsukasa Shigemitsu and Kenichi Yamazaki EMF and Biological Systems Numerical Dosimetry Approaches Development of Modeling of the Human Body Coupling and Dosimetry of ELF EMF with Biological Systems Mobile Communication Fields in Biological Systems, Konstantina S. Nikita and Asimina Kiourti Numerical Dosimetry Experimental Dosimetry Exposure Assessment Medical Devices and Systems Exposure and Dosimetry, N. Leitgeb Medical Therapy Medical Diagnosis Electromagnetic Compatibility Terahertz Radiation: Sources, Applications, and Biological Effects, Gerald J. Wilmink and Jessica E. Grundt Terahertz Sources: Conventional and State-of-the-Art Terahertz Applications Terahertz Skin Interactions Biological Effects at a Cellular and Biomolecular Level Index

The 23 papers in this special issue focus on mobile and wireless technologies for healthcare delivery.

Objectives To examine the prevalence, sociodemographic, and health-related correlates of substance use disorders, including alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical drug use among adults aged 65 years and older. Design The 2001–2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a cross-sectional survey of a population-based sample. Setting The United States. Participants Eight thousand two hundred five adults aged 65 years and older. Measurements Prevalence of lifetime and past 12-month Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, determined alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical drug use disorders. Results Prevalence of any substance use disorder was 21.1% during the lifetime and 5.4% in the past 12 months. Lifetime and past 12-month alcohol use disorders were 16.1% and 1.5%; tobacco use disorders were 8.7% and 4.0%; and nonmedical drug use disorders were 0.6% and 0.2%, respectively. Younger age was associated with greater odds of any lifetime or past 12-month substance use disorders. Men and those who were divorced or separated had greater odds of both lifetime alcohol and tobacco use disorders. Very good or excellent self-rated health was associated with lower odds of lifetime and past 12-month tobacco use disorders. Younger age and being divorced or separated were associated with greater odds of lifetime nonmedical drug use disorder. Conclusions More than one in five older adults ever had a substance use disorder, and more than 1 in 20 had a disorder in the past 12 months, primarily involving alcohol or tobacco. Older adults have increased comorbidities and use of medications, which can increase risks associated with substance use. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 19:292–299)

The problem of adult and child exposure to uniform plane waves in the frequency range from 900 MHz to 3 GHz, employed by the fixed stations of the most widely used mobile communication systems, is investigated. Anatomically scaled models of a 7-year-old child, a 13-year-old child, and an adult were developed, starting from the visible-human dataset. The dosimetric analysis was performed using a parallel implementation of the finite-difference time-domain method. A uniform plane wave of either vertical or horizontal polarization was used as the incident field. The results showed that the whole-body averaged SARs are higher in the smaller (child) models. Specifically, for adult exposure to fields in compliance with reference levels promulgated by International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection and IEEE-2005 guidelines, the resulting SAR values are lower than the basic restrictions, as expected. However, the basic restrictions are exceeded for child exposures between 1.8 and 2.4 GHz. A comparison between SAR values in child models, derived from accurate anatomical scaling and those using simple uniform scaling, showed that the anatomical models are required only for accurate local SAR evaluation at the organ level, but are not necessary for compliance assessments, where whole-body averaged SAR is generally the limiting parameter. Simple empirical formulas to relate the whole-body averaged SAR to body dimensions are proposed. Their validity was confirmed by considering results obtained in this paper and SAR results available in the literature. Finally, a comparison between the Federal Communications Commission and IEEE-2005 exposure guidelines is provided.

Aims To examine whether a multi-faceted intervention among older at-risk drinking primary care patients reduced at-risk drinking and alcohol consumption at 3 and 12 months. Design Randomized controlled trial. Setting Three primary care sites in southern California. Participants Six hundred and thirty-one adults aged ≥ 55 years who were at-risk drinkers identified by the Comorbidity Alcohol Risk Evaluation Tool (CARET) were assigned randomly between October 2004 and April 2007 during an office visit to receive a booklet on healthy behaviors or an intervention including a personalized report, booklet on alcohol and aging, drinking diary, advice from the primary care provider and telephone counseling from a health educator at 2, 4 and 8 weeks. Measurements The primary outcome was the proportion of participants meeting at-risk criteria, and secondary outcomes were number of drinks in past 7 days, heavy drinking (four or more drinks in a day) in the past 7 days and risk score. Findings At 3 months, relative to controls, fewer intervention group participants were at-risk drinkers [odds ratio (OR) 0.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22-0.75]; they reported drinking fewer drinks in the past 7 days [rate ratio (RR) 0.79; 95% CI 0.70-0.90], less heavy drinking (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.22-0.99) and had lower risk scores (RR 0.77 95% CI 0.63-0.94). At 12 months, only the difference in number of drinks remained statistically significant (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.76-0.99). Conclusions A multi-faceted intervention among older at-risk drinkers in primary care does not reduce the proportions of at-risk or heavy drinkers, but does reduce amount of drinking at 12 months. Language: en

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence and sociodemographic and health-related correlates of substance use, including alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical drug use, in adults aged 65 and older. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, retrospective survey of a population-based sample, the 2001/02 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. SETTING: United States. PARTICIPANTS: Eight thousand two hundred five U.S. adults aged 65 and older. MEASUREMENTS: Prevalence of lifetime and previous-12-month alcohol, tobacco, and nonmedical drug use and associations between substance use and sociodemographic and health-related factors. RESULTS: Almost 80% of older adults had used any of the three substances over their lifetimes, and more than 50% reported such use over the previous 12 months. Alcohol was the most commonly used substance over the lifetime (74%) and in the previous 12 months (45%), followed by tobacco (52% lifetime; 14% previous 12 months); far fewer reported nonmedical use of drugs (5% lifetime; 1% previous 12 months). In general, being younger, male, and divorced or separated were factors consistently associated with use of any of the three substances. CONCLUSION: Most older adults had used substances over their lifetimes and in the previous 12 months. Alcohol is the substance of choice for this age group, followed by tobacco; few report nonmedical drug use.

Purpose To examine the thermal effects of the physiological response to heating during exposure to radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a head-specific volume coil. Materials and Methods Numerical methods were used to calculate the temperature elevation in MRI of the human head within volume coils from 64–400 MHz at different power levels both with and without consideration of temperature-induced changes in rates of metabolism, perspiration, radiation, and perfusion. Results At the highest power levels currently allowed in MRI for head volume coils, there is little effect from the physiological response as predicted with existing methods. This study does not rule out the possibility that at higher power levels or in different types of coils (such as extremity or whole-body coils) the physiological response may have more significant effects. Conclusion In modeling temperature increase during MRI of the human head in a head-sized volume coil at up to 3.0 W/kg head-average specific energy absorption rates, it may not be necessary to consider thermally induced changes in rates of metabolism, perfusion, perspiration, and radiation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;28:1303–1308. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Organized Interdisciplinary Bioelectromagnetics Research Induced Fields and SAR Characteristic Features of Exposure Systems Antennas for In Vitro Experiments Antennas for In Vivo Experiments Summary Acknowledgments References

Purpose: To present and discuss numerical calculations of the specific absorption rate (SAR) and temperature in comparison to regulatory limits. While it is possible to monitor whole-body or whole-head average SAR and/or core body temperature during MRI in practice, this is not generally true for local SAR values or local temperatures throughout the body. While methods of calculation for SAR and temperature are constantly being refined, methods for interpreting results of these calculations in light of regulatory limits also warrant discussion. Materials and Methods: Numerical calculations of SAR and temperature for the human head in a volume coil for MRI at several different frequencies are presented. Results: Just as the field pattern changes with the frequency, so do the temperature distribution and the ratio of maximum local SAR (in 1-g or 10-g regions) to whole-head average SAR. In all of the cases studied here this ratio is far greater than that in the regulatory limits, indicating that existing limits on local SAR will be exceeded before limits on whole-body or whole-head average SAR are reached. Conclusion: Calculations indicate that both SAR and temperature distributions vary greatly with B1 field frequency, that temperature distributions do not always correlate well with SAR distributions, and that regulatory limits on local temperature may not be exceeded as readily as those on local SAR.

A two-dimensional cylindrical-coordinate (2-D-cyl) finite-difference (FD) time-domain code together with an explicit 2-D-cyl FD solution of the bioheat equation were used for studying a 2450-MHz cap-choke antenna designed for microwave cardiac ablation. Following validation based on results available in literature, the numerical tools were used to evaluate the performance of the catheter antenna embedded in a homogeneous dielectric phantom. The results highlight the ability of the cap-choke catheter antenna to produce high specific absorption rate (SAR) values near the tip and, in contrast, very low SAR values along the antenna length. The comparison of computed data with measurements shows a good agreement between numerical and experimental results. The numerical tools were subsequently applied to analyze the catheter antenna embedded in a two-layer heart model in order to evaluate the depth of induced lesions in a more realistic model of the operating condition. In particular, both the effect of the antenna position relative to the blood-muscle interface (simply touching or pressed inside the muscle) and the effect of blood velocity (taking into account over-leaflets and underneath-leaflets positions) were investigated. It is shown that a lesion depth of 5 mm in a heart region with low blood perfusion could be obtained with approximately 16 W of radiated power, applied for 60 s.

A graded-mesh finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) code, together with an alternate-direction-implicit finite-difference (ADI-FD) solution of the bioheat equation, are used for studying arrays of sleeved-slot antennas imbedded in a brain-equivalent phantom. The FDTD code allows efficient and accurate modeling of the fine structure of each antenna and of a sufficiently wide surrounding region. The ADI-FD solution of the bioheat equation allows evaluation of transient and steady-state temperature distributions in the brain-equivalent phantom with acceptable computational costs. The solution of the dosimetric-thermal problem in the volume irradiated by the antenna array permits the assessment of dimensions of the region where the temperature increase is above 43/spl deg/C (the threshold for an effective hyperthermia treatment) as a function of the array input power. Arrays made of three identical antennas placed at the vertices of equilateral triangles of 10-, 15-, and 20-mm sides have been studied. The temperature of 43/spl deg/C is reached in approximately 3 min in a deep-seated tumor region, from 10 to 40 mm in diameter, by applying input power levels between 2-32 W.

Bone is a dynamic tissue with a well-balanced homeostasis preserved by both formation and resorption of bone. Normal turnover of bone, however, can be upset by either increased osteoclast activity or decreased osteoblast function; either mechanism alone or both may result in a net loss of bone. Both osteoclasts and osteoblasts could be stimulated by mechanical stimulation in vitro, and it is assumed that this process may occur in vivo as well. In this experiment, we investigated this hypothesis by examining the effects of ultrasound stimulation on osteoblast growth and cytokine release. With this model, we explored the mechanism of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound on osteoblasts growth and upregulation of osteoclasts formation and function by cytokine release. The results showed that specific pulsed ultrasound exposure could enhance osteoblasts population together with increase in TGFbeta1 secretion and decrease in concentration of IL-6 and TNFalpha in the culture medium. Although, animal studies and clinical trial are needed to understand the real process in the whole body, ultrasound stimulation might be a good method for prevention of bone loss due to osteoporosis.

© 2014 American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry. Objective To examine associations of alcohol and tobacco use disorders and psychiatric conditions among older U.S. adults. Methods Sample was individuals aged at least 65 years (N = 8,205) who participated in the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Measurements included lifetime and past 12-month Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition alcohol use disorders (AUDs), tobacco use disorders (TUDs), and psychiatric conditions. Results Among older adults, prevalence of lifetime and past 12-month AUDs were 16.1% and 1.5% and lifetime and past 12-month TUDs were 8.7% and 4.0%, respectively. Lifetime TUD was associated with increased odds of both lifetime (odds ratio [OR]: 4.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.30-5.26) and past 12-month (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.50-4.24) AUDs, and lifetime AUD was associated with increased odds of both lifetime (OR: 4.13; 95% CI: 3.28-5.210 and past 12-month (OR: 3.51; 95% CI: 2.47-4.96) TUDs. Any lifetime mood, anxiety, or personality disorder among older adults was associated with increased odds of lifetime AUD and TUD, any lifetime mood disorder was associated with increased odds of past 12-month AUD and TUD, and any personality disorder was associated with past 12-month TUD. Conclusion There is a strong association between AUD and TUD among older U.S. adults as well as associations between AUD and TUD with mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. Understanding the psychiatric conditions associated with AUDs and TUDs, especially past 12-month use disorders involving alcohol or tobacco, will enable healthcare providers to target screening and be more aware of symptoms and signs of potential AUDs and TUDs among those at higher risk.