Scientist Tests Microwave Device on Himself, Gets Havana Syndrome-Like Symptoms

A scientist in Norway wanted to show that a microwave device was not harmful. He tested it on himself but then felt sick with symptoms like those seen in Havana Syndrome. US officials have looked at his device.
By Newsroom | Health, Science |

A Norwegian scientist, reportedly aiming to debunk theories surrounding "Havana Syndrome," has experienced neurological symptoms similar to those reported by affected U.S. personnel after testing a self-built device emitting powerful microwave pulses. This experiment, conducted in 2024, has prompted U.S. officials to investigate the device and its potential implications for the persistent mystery of anomalous health incidents.

Scientist gives himself brain damage by testing secret audio weapon on himself in attempt to disprove 'Havana Syndrome' - 1

Context of the Incident

In 2024, a scientist in Norway, holding a skeptical stance regarding the cause of "Havana Syndrome," constructed a device designed to emit concentrated pulses of microwave energy. The stated objective was to demonstrate that such technology posed no harm to humans. The researcher then proceeded to test this device on himself.

Scientist gives himself brain damage by testing secret audio weapon on himself in attempt to disprove 'Havana Syndrome' - 2

  • Initial Aim: To prove pulsed-energy devices are harmless.

  • Outcome: The scientist developed neurological symptoms akin to "Havana Syndrome."

  • Reporting: The incident was reportedly disclosed to the CIA by Norwegian authorities.

  • U.S. Involvement: U.S. officials, including representatives from the CIA and the Pentagon, subsequently visited Norway to examine the device and the collected data. Limited public documentation of these interactions is available.

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The broader context involves years of unexplained neurological symptoms reported by U.S. diplomats and intelligence officers globally, often referred to as "Havana Syndrome." While some assessments point to directed energy weapons as a possible cause, other intelligence community reports have found no conclusive evidence of foreign adversary involvement.

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Evidence of the Experiment and Symptoms

Multiple sources corroborate the core details of the incident: a Norwegian scientist, a self-tested microwave device, and the subsequent development of symptoms resembling "Havana Syndrome."

Scientist gives himself brain damage by testing secret audio weapon on himself in attempt to disprove 'Havana Syndrome' - 4

  • Device Capability: The machine was built to emit "powerful pulses of microwave energy" or "concentrated pulsed radio waves or microwaves." (Articles 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 13)

  • Scientist's Stance: The researcher was described as "skeptical" or an "opponent of the Havana syndrome theory," aiming to "disprove the existence of 'Havana Syndrome'." (Articles 1, 3, 4, 13)

  • Symptoms Reported: The scientist suffered "neurological symptoms similar to those of 'Havana syndrome'," including "headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties." (Articles 1, 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13)

  • Official Response: U.S. officials from the CIA, Pentagon, and White House reportedly visited Norway "at least two times to review the device and data." (Articles 10, 12, 13)

Discrepancies and Conflicting Information

While the central event is consistently reported, some nuances and interpretations differ across sources, particularly regarding the exact nature of the symptoms and the definitive causality.

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  • Symptom Specificity: One official familiar with the situation claims the Norwegian scientist's symptoms were "not an exact match for a 'classic' case of Havana Syndrome." (Article 2)

  • Weapon Type Debate: It remains unclear whether the device was a "pulsed energy weapon" or a "long-range acoustic weapon" that uses sound waves. (Article 2)

  • Causation Unproven: Despite the experiment, "causation remains unproven" regarding U.S. intelligence assessments of Havana Syndrome, and "such devices emit concentrated pulsed radio waves or microwaves." (Article 10)

  • Intelligence Assessments: A U.S. National Intelligence Council report indicated that two spy agencies had reconsidered whether a foreign adversary could cause Havana Syndrome. (Article 2)

Expert Perspectives and Official Investigations

The incident has drawn attention from various U.S. agencies, reflecting ongoing efforts to understand "Havana Syndrome."

  • U.S. Review: U.S. officials "investigated a previously unreported experiment in Norway." (Article 10) The U.S. Department of Defense reportedly tested a "covert device linked to Havana Syndrome." (Article 8)

  • Scientific Uncertainty: Some medical panels consider "pulsed electromagnetic energy is a plausible explanation for the core group of cases," while others maintain "no credible evidence that a foreign adversary was responsible." (Article 7)

  • Broader Investigations: Multiple government and non-government agencies have conducted investigations into Anomalous Health Incidents (AHIs), including the State Department, CIA, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. (Article 11)

Implications and Unresolved Questions

The self-experimentation in Norway presents a complex scenario, potentially offering new data points while simultaneously deepening the enigma of "Havana Syndrome."

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  • Potential for New Data: The incident provides a direct, albeit self-inflicted, test case involving a device emitting microwave pulses, which could inform ongoing scientific and intelligence analysis.

  • Continued Mystery: The reported symptoms, while similar, are not a definitive match for all "Havana Syndrome" cases, suggesting the phenomenon may be multifaceted or have varying origins.

  • U.S. Oversight: The engagement of U.S. intelligence and defense agencies indicates a sustained interest in understanding the cause of the health incidents affecting American personnel.

  • Need for Clarity: The lack of definitive conclusions from multiple investigations underscores the challenges in pinpointing the cause and mechanism behind "Havana Syndrome."

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did the Norwegian scientist do?
He built a device that sends out microwave pulses. He tested it on himself to show it was safe.
Q: What happened after the test?
The scientist got sick with symptoms like headaches and dizziness, similar to Havana Syndrome.
Q: Did the US government look into this?
Yes, US officials visited Norway to see the device and the scientist's information.
Q: Is this proof of what causes Havana Syndrome?
No, the symptoms were not exactly the same, and experts are still not sure what causes Havana Syndrome.