Effect of weak electromagnetic radiation on learning in the grain beetle Tenebrio monitor

Weak electromagnetic radiation (36 GHz, 100 MicroW/cm2) was used to study its effect on learning and memory of larvae and imago of the grain beetle Tenebrio molitor. The insects were learned to choose the direction in a T-maze. The retention was tested a month later. They were exposed to weak electromagnetic radiation before or after the learning experiments. Previous exposure to weak electromagnetic radiation stimulated learning of both larvae and imago. The effect depended on the developmental stage of the larvae. It was considerably stronger in larvae exposed to weak electromagnetic radiation immediately after their molting. It was better in the first half of the instar than in the second half. It is suggested that the effect of weak electromagnetic radiation can correlate with the function of hormones of metamorphosis.