Microwave absorption in aqueous solutions of DNA.

In a recent Nature leading article the possibility of the occurrence of resonance absorption at microwave frequencies in DNA was discussed in terms of the latest available theoretical and experimental evidence, and its implications were assessed. Because of the far-reaching nature of these implications it is important that the existence or otherwise of such absorption be firmly established. Here we report on a concerted effort in two independent laboratories which has involved the measurement of the dielectric properties of aqueous solutions of circular DNA molecules in the frequency range 1-10 GHz. No resonance absorption or any form of enhanced absorption was demonstrated.