Exposure to 26.5 GHz, 5G modulated and unmodulated signal, does not affect key cellular endpoints of human neuroblastoma cells

PAPER manual Scientific Reports 2025 In vitro study Effect: no_effect Evidence: Low

Read original paper → DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-04834-3 Evidence Lab

Abstract

Category: Cellular Biology Tags: 5G, electromagnetic fields, neuroblastoma, cellular effects, health risk, millimeter waves, DNA damage DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-04834-3 URL: nature.com Overview The fifth generation (5G) network is currently being worldwide spread out, raising questions about its potential health impact. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of a 26.5 GHz 5G electromagnetic field on key cellular endpoints of human neuroblastoma cells. Methodology - A reverberation chamber-based exposure system was designed for the study. - This system allowed the controlled exposure/sham exposure of cell cultures to both electromagnetic and biological parameters. - The suitability of chambers was confirmed by evaluating cell proliferation and cell cycle progression. - Exposure lasted 3 hours at a specific absorption rate of 1.25 W/kg, using both continuous wave and 5G modulated signals. - Evaluations focused on cell cycle and DNA damage, including conditions with the oxidant menadione for possible cooperative effects. Findings - Results showed an absence of effects from exposures, both alone and in combination with menadione, when using continuous wave or modulated signals at the stated exposure level. Conclusion Further investigations are necessary, varying exposure and biological parameters, to strengthen the evidence regarding the absence of effects from 5G signals in the millimeter wave range. It is important to recognize that ongoing research continues to assess the potential health risks of electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, and users should remain informed about possible links between EMF and health outcomes.

AI evidence extraction

At a glance

Study type

In vitro study

Effect direction

no_effect

Population

Human neuroblastoma cells (cell culture)

Sample size

—

Exposure

mmWave 5G · 26500 MHz · 1.25 W/kg · 3 hours

Evidence strength

Low

Confidence: 78% · Peer-reviewed: yes

Main findings

In human neuroblastoma cell cultures exposed for 3 hours at 26.5 GHz (SAR 1.25 W/kg), neither continuous wave nor 5G-modulated signals produced detectable effects on assessed cellular endpoints, including cell cycle and DNA damage. No effects were observed when exposure was combined with the oxidant menadione.

Outcomes measured

cell proliferation
cell cycle progression
cell cycle
DNA damage
cooperative effects with oxidant (menadione)

Limitations

Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata
Only one frequency (26.5 GHz) and one SAR level (1.25 W/kg) described
Exposure duration limited to 3 hours
Endpoints limited to selected cellular measures (e.g., cell cycle, DNA damage)
Authors note need for further investigations varying exposure and biological parameters

Suggested hubs

5g-policy (0.62)
Study evaluates biological effects of a 5G-relevant mmWave frequency (26.5 GHz) with modulated and unmodulated signals.

View raw extracted JSON

{
    "study_type": "in_vitro",
    "exposure": {
        "band": "mmWave",
        "source": "5G",
        "frequency_mhz": 26500,
        "sar_wkg": 1.25,
        "duration": "3 hours"
    },
    "population": "Human neuroblastoma cells (cell culture)",
    "sample_size": null,
    "outcomes": [
        "cell proliferation",
        "cell cycle progression",
        "cell cycle",
        "DNA damage",
        "cooperative effects with oxidant (menadione)"
    ],
    "main_findings": "In human neuroblastoma cell cultures exposed for 3 hours at 26.5 GHz (SAR 1.25 W/kg), neither continuous wave nor 5G-modulated signals produced detectable effects on assessed cellular endpoints, including cell cycle and DNA damage. No effects were observed when exposure was combined with the oxidant menadione.",
    "effect_direction": "no_effect",
    "limitations": [
        "Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
        "Only one frequency (26.5 GHz) and one SAR level (1.25 W/kg) described",
        "Exposure duration limited to 3 hours",
        "Endpoints limited to selected cellular measures (e.g., cell cycle, DNA damage)",
        "Authors note need for further investigations varying exposure and biological parameters"
    ],
    "evidence_strength": "low",
    "confidence": 0.7800000000000000266453525910037569701671600341796875,
    "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
    "keywords": [
        "5G",
        "26.5 GHz",
        "millimeter waves",
        "mmWave",
        "electromagnetic fields",
        "EMF",
        "reverberation chamber",
        "continuous wave",
        "modulated signal",
        "human neuroblastoma cells",
        "cell cycle",
        "DNA damage",
        "menadione"
    ],
    "suggested_hubs": [
        {
            "slug": "5g-policy",
            "weight": 0.61999999999999999555910790149937383830547332763671875,
            "reason": "Study evaluates biological effects of a 5G-relevant mmWave frequency (26.5 GHz) with modulated and unmodulated signals."
        }
    ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract/metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.

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