Effect of 0.1 THz Irradiation on the Lifespan and Physiological Indicators of Caenorhabditis elegans

With the advancement of terahertz (THz) technology, there is an increasing curiosity about its biological effects, particularly regarding whole-body exposure. This study investigates the impact of 0.1 THz irradiation on Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), examining lifespan, reproductive ability, locomotion, lipid accumulation, and chemotactic behavior. Our findings show that daily 10-min irradiation at 30 mW has no significant effect on the nematodes’ lifespan, reproductive capacity, pharyngeal pumping, or lipid levels, suggesting a biosafe profile for this terahertz exposure condition. However, a significant reduction in bending ability and chemotactic response to isoamyl alcohol and diacetyl post-irradiation indicates that the sensory and motor functions of C. elegans are adversely affected, hinting at a potential sensitivity of the nervous system to terahertz irradiation. These insights are crucial for assessing the safety of terahertz applications in biological systems and underscore the necessity for further exploration into its neurological effects.