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121 postsBioelectricity in Morphogenesis
This narrative review discusses bioelectricity arising from membrane potentials and its role in morphogenesis beyond neural tissues. It reports that evidence supports bioelectric signals influencing embryonic development, tissue repair, and disease-related processes, and summarizes cellular mechanisms for generating and sensing these signals. The authors also highlight that potential health implications from natural and artificial electromagnetic fields warrant further scientific attention.
Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and postmenopausal breast cancer risk
This population-based case-control study in Montréal (2008–2011) evaluated occupational extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure and postmenopausal breast cancer risk using a job-exposure matrix linked to lifetime job histories. Overall, it reports no association between occupational ELF-MF exposure and postmenopausal breast cancer. However, analyses focusing on specific exposure windows (0–10 years before interview or during breast development) reported some positive associations, especially for ER+/PR+ tumours.
The effect of alpha-lipoic acid on liver damage induced by extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields in a rat model
This rat study assessed whether alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) modifies liver effects from extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure. ELF-MF exposure (2 mT, 4 hours/day for 30 days) was associated with increased liver pathology and higher apoptosis markers (TUNEL, caspase-3) compared with other groups. ALA reduced several histopathological changes and lowered TUNEL/caspase-3, but did not improve fibrosis or biliary proliferation.
Female Crabs Are More Sensitive to Environmentally Relevant Electromagnetic Fields from Submarine Power Cables
This controlled laboratory study examined sex-specific behavioral responses of juvenile shore crabs to magnetic fields intended to represent submarine power cable EMFs. Females showed consistent attraction to EMF-exposed zones across 500–3,200 μT exposures, whereas males showed no consistent spatial preference. The authors suggest such sex-specific sensitivity could disrupt female-driven behaviors relevant to migration and reproduction, with potential ecological implications.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses for the WHO assessment of health effects of exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, an introduction
This editorial introduces a special issue supporting the WHO assessment of health effects from RF-EMF exposure, based on nine protocols and twelve systematic reviews developed over four years by more than 80 experts. It summarizes that human evidence for major cancers was moderate-certainty for no or only small effects, with lower certainty for some cancer sites, while animal evidence reported higher-certainty effects for several cancer types and adverse effects on male fertility. For cognition, symptoms, and oxidative stress, certainty was generally lower and findings more variable, and the editors note ongoing methodological challenges and the possibility of unidentified mechanisms.
Prospective long-term follow-up of patients with idiopathic environmental intolerance attributed to electromagnetic fields after a provocation trial
This long-term follow-up recruited participants from an earlier IEI-EMF provocation trial and re-administered the same questionnaire by telephone. Of 70 completers (35 IEI-EMF patients and 35 referents), 62.9% of patients reported recovery after an average of 1.8 years, with most recoveries described as spontaneous. Symptoms and EMF-related concerns generally decreased over time, and the authors suggest IEI-EMF may often be self-limited and consistent with nocebo mechanisms rather than direct EMF effects.
Acoustic Pressures in the Head from Pulsed Microwaves: Can They Explain the Havana Syndrome?
This preprint discusses the microwave auditory effect, in which pulsed microwave exposure can produce perceived clicks or buzzing sensations. It considers whether acoustic pressures in the head generated by pulsed microwaves could explain health conditions such as "Havana Syndrome." The abstract emphasizes evaluating potential risks from electromagnetic field exposures but does not provide specific methods or quantitative results.
Instruments and Measurement Techniques to Assess Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields
This paper presents a quantitative framework for selecting extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) measurement instruments. It uses a weighted scoring matrix across six criteria and a logic-based flowchart to guide instrument choice based on operational needs. The framework is demonstrated in an occupational case study and is positioned as supporting transparent, adaptable device selection for occupational safety and public health.
Effect of Static Electromagnetic Field on Growth Parameters, Survival Rate, Sex Distribution, Ratio, and Liver and Gonadal Health of Zebrafish
This animal study exposed zebrafish embryos to static electromagnetic fields for 63 days post-hatching across aquariums positioned 30–99 cm from the source, with an EMF-free control. The abstract reports strong shifts in sex distribution (including 100% female at the closest distance), markedly reduced survival in exposed groups, and histological liver and gonadal damage. The authors frame the findings as evidence of potential ecological risk via disrupted sex ratios and compromised health.
Exposure of human lymphocytes to sweeping-frequency extremely low frequency magnetic field
This in vitro study exposed human umbilical cord blood lymphocytes to a sinusoidal sweeping-frequency ELF magnetic field (3–26 Hz) for 48 hours at amplitudes from 6 to 24 μT. It reports no statistically significant effects on DNA damage/repair foci or apoptosis measures overall. A non-significant trend at 8 μT showed lower γH2AX foci (p = .064) and data suggesting fewer viable cells at the same intensity, which the authors discuss as potentially protective against DNA double-strand breaks.
Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Emissions and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study
This prospective cohort study followed 105 neonates/infants for one year and measured household RF-EMF using a selective radiation meter, categorizing exposure into tertiles. Higher household RF-EMF exposure was associated with lower ASQ-3 neurodevelopmental scores, particularly in motor and problem-solving domains, and higher odds of monitor/refer classifications for fine motor and problem-solving. The abstract notes these associations persisted after adjustment for low birth weight, though exposure was measured at a single time point and key confounders (e.g., prenatal phone use, parental interaction) were not assessed.
Impact of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cardiac Activity at Rest: A Systematic Review of Healthy Human Studies
This systematic review evaluated evidence on RF-EMF exposure and cardiac activity (heart rate and heart rate variability) in healthy humans at rest. Across 28 studies spanning 100 to 110,000 MHz and exposures from minutes to a week, most studies reported no significant effects on resting heart rate, and HRV findings were largely null under calm conditions. Some position-dependent HRV changes were reported, and the authors note possible effects during physiological challenges, but conclude evidence is insufficient for firm conclusions beyond resting healthy populations.
Smartphone Usage Patterns and Sleep Behavior in Demographic Groups: Retrospective Observational Study
This retrospective observational study analyzed Murmuras app data from 1074 participants in 2022 to examine demographic differences in smartphone use and nocturnal smartphone inactivity duration (a proxy for sleep-related behavior). Nighttime smartphone use increased, especially for social media and entertainment, and usage patterns varied by gender, age, education, and employment status. Most demographic groups showed no significant correlation between usage duration and nocturnal inactivity, although some subgroups showed correlations in either direction. The authors frame excessive nighttime smartphone use as potentially adverse for sleep and link this behavioral exposure to electromagnetic fields with sleep health risks.
Weak Radiofrequency Field Effects on Biological Systems Mediated through the Radical Pair Mechanism
This 2025 review examines claims of biological effects from weak, nonthermal RF magnetic fields and evaluates whether such effects could be mediated by the radical pair mechanism (RPM). It reports that aligning RPM theory with low-level experimental observations remains difficult and that many experimental findings are limited by reproducibility, statistical robustness, and dosimetry issues. The authors conclude a tangible but incompletely understood link may exist and emphasize the need for more rigorous, standardized, interdisciplinary work.
Magnetic Field Measurement of Various Types of Vehicles, Including Electric Vehicles
This exposure assessment measured magnetic fields inside modern Japanese EVs, PHEVs, and ICEVs during actual driving using methods aligned with IEC 62764-1:2022. All measured magnetic flux density values were reported to be below ICNIRP public exposure reference levels. The study mapped in-cabin field sources and noted methodological differences may explain higher transient spikes reported in some international studies.
Analysis of Human Exposure to Electric and Magnetic Fields While Charging and Driving an Electric Vehicle
This paper describes planned experimental measurements of electric and magnetic fields generated by electric vehicles during charging and driving. The abstract emphasizes that occupants can experience notable EMF exposure due to proximity to vehicle electrical systems, while stating that specific health risks in the EV context remain uncertain. It also notes that manufacturers implement technological design solutions intended to reduce exposure.
Single-cell analysis reveals the spatiotemporal effects of long-term electromagnetic field exposure on the liver
This animal study exposed mice to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields daily for up to 5 months and assessed liver effects using serum tests, lipidomics, histology, and single-cell/spatiotemporal transcriptomics. The authors report that hepatic cell types differed in sensitivity, with hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and monocytes showing notable transcriptomic disruptions. Reported changes involved lipid metabolism and immune regulation and were spatially enriched in peri-portal liver regions. The authors frame the findings as evidence of significant biological impacts on the liver from long-term EMF exposure.
Low frequency magnetic field exposure and neurodegenerative disease: systematic review of animal studies
This systematic review synthesizes animal studies on low frequency magnetic field exposure in relation to neurodegenerative diseases. It reports no support for a causal induction of Alzheimer’s-type neuropathology in naive animals, while noting that evidence is too limited to draw strong conclusions for motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease regarding induced neuropathology. In models with pre-existing neurodegenerative disease, the review describes possible therapeutic effects on behavioral and neuroanatomical outcomes for dementia-related conditions, and no apparent effect on motor neuron disease progression.
Proteomic Characterization of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Exposed to a 50 Hz Magnetic Field
This in vitro study compared proteomic profiles of PBMCs from three human donors after 24-hour exposure to a 50 Hz, 1 mT extremely low-frequency magnetic field versus unexposed cells. The abstract reports broad protein expression changes, including upregulation of proteins associated with metabolic processes and downregulation of proteins linked to T cell costimulation/activation and immune processes. No effects were observed on cell proliferation, viability, or cell cycle progression. The authors interpret the proteomic shifts as metabolic reprogramming with potential implications for immune regulation.
Microleakage of Amalgam Restorations after Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields of a Commercial Hair Dryer: An Ex-Vivo Study
This ex-vivo experimental study tested whether electromagnetic fields from a commercial hair dryer affect microleakage of class V dental amalgam restorations in 100 extracted human teeth. Several exposure groups showed significantly higher dye-penetration microleakage scores than the unexposed control, while one exposure condition did not differ from control. The authors conclude that hair-dryer EMF exposure can increase microleakage and potentially compromise restoration integrity.
Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields reduce bumble bee visitation to flowers
This blinded, two-year study examined whether RF-EMF exposure at 2.4 and 5.8 GHz affects pollinator visitation to Salvia and Lavandula. The authors report no significant effect on honey bee visitation rates. They report a significant reduction in bumble bee visits per observation period under RF-EMF exposure, which they frame as a potential risk warranting further long-term research.
Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields and IARC carcinogen assessment: Risk of Bias preliminary literature assessment for 10 key characteristics of human carcinogens
This review examined experimental literature on whether RF-EMF exposures within ICNIRP (2020) limits affect IARC key characteristics of human carcinogens. It identified 159 articles and found that 38% of in vitro/in vivo measurements reported statistically significant effects, but higher study quality was associated with fewer reported effects and there was no consistent exposure-response pattern. The authors state that study diversity and generally poor quality prevent high-confidence conclusions for most key characteristics, while recommending replication of the few higher-quality positive findings under stringent standards.
A novel approach for assessments of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields exposure in buildings near telecommunication infrastructure
This paper proposes a new methodology to better assess indoor RF-EMF exposure in buildings near telecommunication base station antennas by refining measurement-point selection. Implemented in four multi-storey buildings in Natal, Brazil, indoor electric field peaks and averages were reported to be substantially higher than ground-level measurements. Although the highest indoor levels remained below ICNIRP recommended limits, the authors argue current regulatory evaluation methods may underestimate indoor exposure in certain building locations.
Auto-Induced Downlink Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure at 3.5 GHz With Focusing Near the Head
This exposure-assessment study uses FDTD simulations to evaluate auto-induced downlink RF-EMF exposure at 3.5 GHz when downlink energy is focused toward user equipment near the head. Exposure varied substantially by device position (ear, eyes, nose) and by the precoding technique used. The authors report that the choice of normalization strategy can produce cases where ICNIRP basic restrictions are exceeded even when reference levels appear compliant, motivating a precautionary framing for compliance assessment.
In-Situ Measurements of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Measurements Around 5G Macro Base Stations in the UK
This exposure assessment performed RF spot measurements in line-of-sight to 56 active 5G macro base stations across 30 publicly accessible UK locations. Power density was measured across 420 MHz–6 GHz under multiple scenarios (background, streaming, downlink speed test, and extrapolated SS-RSRP decoding). Reported total RF and 5G-specific levels were within 1998 ICNIRP public reference levels, with 4G downlink contributing most of the measured exposure.