Introduction to the Biological Effects of Terahertz Radiation

Abstract

Terahertz (THz) radiation has been noted to affect biological organisms to a unique degree with various effects ranging from modifications brought to protein activity to epigenetic changes that lead to altered metabolism or reproduction. These effects are classified into thermal and non-thermal, with the former being caused by THz’s capacity to induce localised thermal changes while the latter involves more complex interactions with cells’ macromolecules which are poorly understood. Terahertz’s ability to enhance actin polymerisation and alter gene expression leads to a number of possible applications in agriculture, as it has been observed that certain plant species have higher growth speeds post-exposure, and medicine, with cancer’s rapid division being possibly slowed down.