“Havana Syndrome” and the mystery of microwaves

The December 2020 report from the US National Academies of Sciences was a pivotal moment. Experts took evidence from scientists and doctors as well as eight victims. “It was very exciting,” recalls Professor David Reelman of Stanford University, who chaired the committee. “Some of these people were literally in hiding, fearing further action would be taken against them by anyone. There were already precautions we had to take to ensure their safety.” The commission considered psychological and other causes, but concluded that high-energy directed pulsed microwaves were likely responsible for some cases, similar to the view of James Lane, who provided the evidence.