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121 postsHistomorphometric study of thyroid tissue in juvenile rats exposed to 5G electromagnetic fields
This animal study examined thyroid histomorphometry in juvenile male Wistar rats after 2 weeks of 5G EMF exposure (3.5 GHz, 1.5 V/m). Exposed rats showed larger follicle and colloid areas and a significantly lower Thyroid Activation Index, which the authors interpret as thyroid hypoactivity. The authors suggest this may represent a potential health risk and call for further work including hormone assays and mechanistic studies.
Electromagnetic fields from mobile phones: A risk for maintaining energy homeostasis?
This narrative review discusses low-intensity RF-EMF exposure, primarily from mobile phones, with a focus on thermoregulation and energy homeostasis. It reports that many rodent studies at 900 MHz describe cold-like thermoregulatory and behavioral responses and molecular findings suggestive of WAT browning, while BAT transcriptional changes typical of cold exposure were not observed. The authors indicate short-term adaptations may not disrupt homeostasis, but emphasize uncertainty about long-term consequences and call for further research, including at 5G-relevant frequencies.
Characterization of the Core Temperature Response of Free-Moving Rats to 1.95 GHz Electromagnetic Fields
This animal study measured core body temperature in free-moving male and female Sprague Dawley rats during and after 3-hour exposure to 1.95 GHz RF-EMF at multiple whole-body average SAR levels. A measurable thermal response was reported at 4 W/kg, while lower SAR conditions showed smaller or no significant temperature increases. The authors note that temperature dropped quickly after exposure ended, implying post-exposure measurements may underestimate peak heating.
The Influence of an Electromagnetic Field at a Radiofrequency of 900 MHz on the Behavior of a Honey Bee
This laboratory study examined whether a 900 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) influences the behavior of newly emerged honey bee workers. Compared with controls, the exposed groups showed behavioral changes, with some parameters showing statistically significant differences seven days after exposure. The authors frame RF-EMF as a potential environmental stressor and call for further research, including gene expression analyses.
Mitigation of 3.5 GHz Electromagnetic Field-Induced BV2 Microglial Cytotoxicity by Polydeoxyribonucleotide
This in vitro study exposed BV2 mouse microglial cells to 3.5 GHz EMF for 2 hours and reports reduced cell growth and increased apoptosis alongside oxidative stress and signaling changes. The authors report that ROS generation and activation of JNK-1/2 and p38 MAPK were key events in the observed cytotoxicity. Polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) reportedly reduced several EMF-associated cytotoxicity markers, suggesting a potential mitigating effect under the tested conditions.
The proliferation rates of HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells can be accelerated or inhibited by weak static and extremely low frequency magnetic fields
This in vitro study exposed HT-1080 human fibrosarcoma cells for 4 days to weak extremely low frequency magnetic fields (10 μT, 12–33 Hz) superimposed on a 45 μT static field. The authors report frequency- and amplitude-dependent increases or decreases in cell growth, including sharp inversions near 16.5 Hz with small parameter changes or reversal of the static field direction. Associated changes in membrane potential, intracellular calcium, and mitochondrial superoxide are presented as supporting a bioenergetic mechanism.
Impact of magnetic fields from tablets, laptops, smartphones, and household/leisure magnets on cardiac implantable electronic devices
This study tested magnetic fields from tablets, laptops, smartphones, and household/leisure magnets against 13 cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) models to assess magnet mode activation. It reports that these consumer devices can trigger magnet mode when in close proximity, with median activation distances of 5–6.5 mm for phones/tablets/laptops and mainly contact-level activation for household/leisure magnets. None of the tested devices activated magnet mode at distances of 20 mm or more, and the authors emphasize patient awareness of proximity-related risk.
Bus-exposure matrix, a tool to assess bus drivers' exposure to physicochemical hazards
This paper describes the development of a Bus-Exposure Matrix (BEM) to retrospectively estimate Swiss bus drivers’ exposures to 10 physicochemical hazards, including electric and magnetic fields. Measurements in representative buses were combined with technical inventories and INLA modeling to estimate annual exposures from 1985–2022. Reported trends include increasing peak noise and electric-field exposures over time, alongside decreases in several air pollution, vibration, and noise metrics.
A comprehensive mechanism of biological and health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency and wireless communication electromagnetic fields
This narrative review discusses biological mechanisms and reported health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency (ELF) and wireless communication (WC) electromagnetic fields. It highlights oxidative stress and DNA damage as key mechanistic endpoints and proposes an IFO-VGIC pathway linking EMF exposure to ROS overproduction and cellular dysfunction. The authors interpret the broader literature as indicating risks (e.g., cancer, infertility, EHS) even below current exposure limits and advocate precautionary policy measures, including stricter limits and a 5G moratorium.
5G-exposed human skin cells do not respond with altered gene expression and methylation profiles
This in vitro study exposed human skin cells (fibroblasts and keratinocytes) to 5G-band electromagnetic fields for 2 hours and 48 hours using a fully blinded design. Exposures were up to ten times permissible limits, with sham exposure as a negative control and UV exposure as a positive control. The study reports that observed gene expression and DNA methylation differences were minor and consistent with random variation, supporting no detectable EMF-related effect under the tested conditions.
Exposure Perception and Symptom Reporting in Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance Attributed to Electromagnetic Fields Using a Co-Designed Provocation Test
This co-designed provocation study in IEI-EMF volunteers evaluated whether perceived exposure and symptom reporting tracked actual EMF exposure under double-blind conditions. The abstract reports no consistent alignment between perceived exposure certainty or symptoms and true exposure status at the group level, with limited individual exceptions. Symptom reporting was related to certainty of being exposed for about half of participants, which the authors interpret as supporting a nocebo-type mechanism and motivating refinement of provocation protocols.
What is the effect of alarmist media and radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure on salivary cortisol and non-specific symptoms?
This randomized study tested whether viewing alarmist media and participating in an open-label RF-EMF provocation trial influenced non-specific symptoms and salivary cortisol. Participants who believed they were being exposed reported more symptoms than those who believed they were not exposed. The study did not find a replicated effect of alarmist media or open-label RF-EMF exposure on salivary cortisol, suggesting reported symptoms were more related to perception than cortisol-measured stress.
Potential Impacts of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields on the Central Nervous System, Brain Neurotransmitter Dynamics and Reproductive System
This review discusses potential impacts of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from technologies such as Wi‑Fi and mobile phones on the central nervous system, neurotransmitter dynamics, and reproductive health. It describes proposed mechanisms including oxidative stress, thermal effects, altered neurotransmitter activity, ion channel changes, and neuronal apoptosis, while acknowledging conflicting evidence. The authors note that Wi‑Fi RF exposure has not been confirmed to exceed safety guidelines but argue that updated standards and long-term studies are needed, particularly for children/adolescents and in the context of expanding technologies such as 5G.
Electromagnetic fields regulate iron metabolism: From mechanisms to applications
This review synthesizes evidence that electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure is associated in the literature with changes in systemic and cellular iron metabolism, with reported effects varying by EMF parameters, exposure duration, and biological context. It proposes mechanistic pathways involving iron-containing proteins/tissues, membrane and ion channel modulation, and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The authors frame iron-metabolism modulation as relevant to both therapeutic applications and safety evaluation, while emphasizing inconsistencies and the need for standardized exposure protocols.
Active matter as the underpinning agency for extraordinary sensitivity of biological membranes to electric fields
This biophysics paper presents a nonequilibrium (active matter) statistical mechanics model for electromechanical biological membranes. It argues that energy-driven activity in membranes could enable detection of electric fields far below equilibrium thermal-noise limits, and reports that the model can reproduce experimental observations by tuning activity. The abstract frames this as a potential mechanistic link between weak electromagnetic fields and biological responses, while also noting future modeling directions and possible implications for exposure safety discussions.
An 1800 MHz Electromagnetic Field Affects Hormone Levels, Sperm Quality, and Behavior in Laboratory Rats
This animal study exposed rats to a 1800 MHz electromagnetic field for 12 weeks and assessed hormones, sperm quality, and behavior. The abstract reports increased corticosterone, decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone, reduced sperm motility/viability, and increased anxiety-like behavior in exposed rats. Some hormonal changes reportedly persisted for at least 2 weeks after exposure ended, and the authors frame the results as indicating adverse endocrine, reproductive, and behavioral effects.
Exploring the influence of Schumann resonance and electromagnetic fields on bioelectricity and human health
This review examines links between extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields, especially the Schumann resonance at ~7.83 Hz, and biological regulation of bioelectricity. It describes proposed mechanisms involving calcium flux modulation and downstream effects on neural activity (including EEG) and circadian rhythms. The article presents both potential benefits from controlled ELF exposures (e.g., therapeutic applications) and potential harms from artificial EMFs disrupting key physiological processes, while emphasizing the need for further research.
Effect of Occupational Exposure to Low-frequency Electromagnetic Fields on Cataract Development
This cross-sectional epidemiologic study enrolled 100 employees of an electricity company to assess whether occupational low-frequency electromagnetic field exposure is associated with cataract development. Cataract frequency was higher in exposed versus non-exposed groups, and nuclear opacity grading differed significantly between groups. Within exposed workers, nuclear and posterior subcapsular cataract grades were associated with longer work experience, suggesting occupational exposure may be a risk factor, particularly for nuclear cataracts.
Carcinogenicity of extremely low-frequency magnetic fields: A systematic review of animal studies
This PRISMA-based systematic review evaluated 54 animal studies on the carcinogenicity of extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields. The authors report very little evidence that ELF magnetic fields alone are carcinogenic. Findings on co-carcinogenicity (ELF MFs combined with other agents) are inconclusive, and the review notes a clear indication of publication bias.
Effect of short-term extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on respiratory functions
This animal study tested whether short-term ELF-EMF exposure alters respiratory physiology in rats. Twenty Wistar albino rats were assigned to control or EMF exposure (50 Hz, 0.3 mT for 2 minutes) with respiratory parameters measured before, during, and after exposure. The study reports changes during exposure (lower respiratory rate and higher cycle duration, inspiration time, and tidal volume) but no differences after exposure, and it frames the findings as relevant to EMF safety and potential health risks.
Electromagnetic wireless remote control of mammalian transgene expression
This animal proof-of-concept study describes an engineered nanoparticle–cell interface (EMPOWER) enabling wireless regulation of transgene expression using a 1-kHz magnetic field. Chitosan-coated multiferroic nanoparticles reportedly generate intracellular ROS that activates KEAP1/NRF2 biosensors connected to ROS-responsive promoters. In a mouse model of type 1 diabetes, implanted engineered cells expressing an EMPOWER-controlled insulin system reportedly normalized blood glucose in response to a weak magnetic field.
Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on cancer in laboratory animal studies, a systematic review
This systematic review evaluated RF EMF exposure and cancer outcomes in experimental animals, including chronic cancer bioassays and tumor-promotion designs. Across 52 included studies, the authors report high certainty of evidence for increased malignant heart schwannomas and gliomas in male rats, and moderate certainty for increased risks of several other tumor types. Many other organ systems showed no or minimal evidence of carcinogenic effects, and the authors note challenges in translating animal findings to human risk assessment due to exposure and mechanistic uncertainties.
Sleep and Arousal Hubs and Ferromagnetic Ultrafine Particulate Matter and Nanoparticle Motion Under Electromagnetic Fields: Neurodegeneration, Sleep Disorders, Orexinergic Neurons, and Air Pollution in Young Urbanites
This review/overview argues that ultrafine particulate matter and industrial nanoparticles can reach the brain and accumulate in sleep and arousal regulatory regions, including orexinergic neuron hubs. It reports that ferromagnetic particles in these regions show motion responsive to low-intensity electromagnetic fields (30–50 μT) and describes links to sleep disturbances and neurodegenerative disease markers in young urban residents. The authors frame combined air pollution nanoparticle exposure and low-level EMF as a significant threat and call for monitoring and protective strategies.
Efficient design of electromagnetic field exposure maps with multi-method evolutionary ensembles
This engineering/methods study proposes an evolutionary computation approach (PCRO-SL) to optimize the selection of measurement points for constructing RF-EMF exposure maps. Tested on real measurements in Meco (Madrid, Spain), it reports good agreement with a reference exposure map while reducing required sampling density. The authors provide practical point-selection rules (e.g., line-of-sight within 250 m and directional sampling within 500 m) intended to maintain representativeness and avoid interpolation artifacts.
The effect on rat peripheral nerve morphology and function of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field applied in the prenatal period
This animal study exposed pregnant Sprague Dawley rats to a 900 MHz electromagnetic field for 1 hour daily throughout gestation and assessed offspring outcomes postnatally. Sciatic nerve analyses at postnatal day 60 indicated persistent morphological alterations attributed to prenatal EMF exposure. However, the reported changes were not severe enough to significantly affect measured functional outcomes (including electrophysiology and locomotor tests).