Abstract

Overview

This study presents groundbreaking findings, indicating for the first time the detection of electromagnetic radiation from bacterial biofilms, specifically Staphylococcus aureus, within the gigahertz (GHz) frequency range.

Method and Findings

• Initially, a highly sensitive wideband near-zone radiative system targeted signals within the 1–50 GHz range, discovering significant emissions primarily in the 3–4 GHz band.
• Lethal doses of Zinc oxide nanopyramids (ZnO-NPY) were used to establish that these signals arise from living cells, not material thermal emissions.
• Further analysis was conducted using a spiral antenna system, which honed in on the near-field region and monitored radiation from biofilm samples over 70 days.
• Identified two specific frequency bands, 3.18 GHz and 3.45 GHz, as potential "communication bands" among bacterial cells, with observed long-term and short-term cycles in radiation intensity.

Conclusion

The conclusive evidence of EM radiation within bacterial communities opens up new avenues for understanding cell communication and could significantly impact technological advances in biology and communication systems. Notably, this study underscores potential health risks associated with EM radiation, which calls for careful attention to EM exposure regulations and further investigation into its biological effects.