Effect of microwave radiation on Candida albicans.

{
  "study_type": "in_vitro",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "microwave",
    "source": null,
    "frequency_mhz": null,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "90 s (also reports effects up to 9 min)"
  },
  "population": null,
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "Sterilization/cell death of Candida albicans on contaminated surgical scalpel blades",
    "Cell morphology changes (SEM)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "Microwave exposure for 90 seconds was reported to provide rapid sterilization of scalpel blades contaminated with Candida albicans. SEM analysis indicated microwave irradiation induced time-dependent morphological modifications, with greater alterations at longer exposures and apparent fracturing after 9 minutes; boiling water for the same duration achieved cell death but showed no morphological alteration.",
  "effect_direction": "harm",
  "limitations": [
    "In vitro study on a microorganism; findings may not generalize beyond the described sterilization context",
    "Microwave exposure parameters beyond duration (e.g., frequency, power, SAR) are not reported in the abstract",
    "Sample size and experimental controls are not described in the abstract"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.74,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "microwave radiation",
    "Candida albicans",
    "sterilization",
    "surgical scalpel blades",
    "SEM",
    "morphological modification",
    "cell death"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": []
}