Radiofrequency/microwave cell absorption and action spectroscopy. Annual report, 1 September 1987-1 October 1988

Dielectric properties (viz., real and imaginary components of the complex dielectric constant, and the absorption coefficient) were determined for mammalian cells and viruses over the frequency range 50- to 26,400 MHz. Dielectric properties were determined by using an open probe technique which measured the complex reflection coefficient using a Hewlett Packard 8510 network analyzer and associated data processing system. Independent variables investigated included: temperature, cell cycle, metabolic inhibitors, anesthetic agents, ionophores, and fixatives. Under certain conditions, these variables affected the dielectric properties of cells or viruses. No firm evidence of resonant-like absorption of radiofrequency radiation in cell or viral macromolecules, such as DNA, has been obtained.