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441 postsEffect of Exposure to 900 MHz GSM Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation on Estrogen Receptor Methylation Status in Colon Cells of Male Sprague Dawley Rats
This animal study exposed male Sprague-Dawley rats to 900 MHz GSM mobile phone RF radiation for 4 hours and assessed ERα promoter methylation in colon tissue. The authors report altered ERα methylation patterns versus controls after RF exposure. They also report no radioadaptive response in ERα methylation following a subsequent 3 Gy Co-60 gamma challenge.
Electromagnetic Fields Act Similarly in Plants as in Animals: Probable Activation of Calcium Channels via Their Voltage Sensor
This narrative review proposes that low-intensity microwave/lower-frequency EMFs activate plasma membrane calcium channels in animals, increasing intracellular calcium and triggering downstream signaling including oxidative stress pathways. It further suggests that EMF actions in terrestrial multicellular plants are probably similar, with plant two-pore channels proposed as plausible mediators due to a comparable voltage sensor. The abstract describes briefly reviewed plant studies as consistent with this mechanism, but does not provide detailed exposure parameters or quantitative results.
Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression
This 2016 narrative review proposes that non-thermal microwave/lower-frequency EMFs act primarily through activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs), with calcium channel blockers reported to block EMF effects. It summarizes animal, occupational, and epidemiological literature and reports that exposures from base stations, heavy mobile phone use, and wireless smart meters are associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, sometimes with doseresponse patterns. The author concludes that multiple lines of evidence collectively support that non-thermal microwave EMF exposures can produce diverse neuropsychiatric effects including depression.
Effects of GSM modulated radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation on permeability of blood-brain barrier in male & female rats
This rat study examined whether pulse-modulated 900 MHz and 1800 MHz RF exposure affects blood-brain barrier permeability using Evans blue dye. The abstract reports increased permeability in male rats at both frequencies (stronger at 1800 MHz) and in female rats at 900 MHz but not at 1800 MHz. The authors suggest mobile-phone-like RF exposure could increase blood-brain barrier permeability under non-thermal conditions, while noting that further mechanistic studies are needed.
Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats
This animal study exposed 108 male Sprague-Dawley rats to 900 MHz EMF (1 mW/cm2) or sham for 14 or 28 days (3 h/day). The authors report that 28-day exposure was associated with impaired spatial memory, BBB permeability damage, and ultrastructural changes in hippocampus and cortex. They also report increased mkp-1 expression and ERK dephosphorylation, proposing activation of the mkp-1/ERK pathway as a mechanism.
RF Shielded Hat for Protecting Cameraman from EMF Exposure
The paper describes the development of RF-shielded hats using a microwave absorbing sheet intended to reduce EMF exposure to a cameraman’s head. Three hat designs are described, and measurements are planned/performed in an anechoic chamber using a wireless video camera operating around 1.9–2.7 GHz, including a 2.45 GHz signal condition and a sham condition. The abstract does not report quantitative results on whether exposure was reduced.
Electromagnetic fields act via activation of voltage-gated calcium channels to produce beneficial or adverse effects
This narrative review argues that non-thermal biological effects of extremely low and microwave frequency EMFs may be mediated by activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). It cites 23 studies in which VGCC blockers reportedly block or reduce diverse EMF effects and proposes downstream Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent nitric oxide signaling. The review discusses both potential therapeutic effects (e.g., bone growth stimulation) and potential adverse effects via oxidative stress pathways, including a reviewed example of DNA single-strand breaks.
Effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure on blood-brain barrier permeability in male and female rats
This rat study tested whether acute exposure to 0.9 and 1.8 GHz continuous-wave radiofrequency radiation alters blood-brain barrier permeability. Using Evans-blue/albumin as a tracer, the authors report no BBB leakage in exposed female rats but a significant increase in albumin in exposed male rat brains versus sham. The authors interpret this as suggesting BBB/vascular permeability changes in males at SAR levels stated to be below international limits.
The effects of microwave emitted by cellular phones on ovarian follicles in rats
This animal study examined whether prenatal exposure to mobile phone microwaves affects ovarian development in rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to a phone placed under the cage throughout pregnancy, with mostly standby exposure and brief periodic speech-mode exposure. Female pups assessed at 21 days had fewer ovarian follicles in the exposed group than in controls, which the authors interpret as a toxic effect on ovaries.
Electromagnetic fields and DNA damage
This review discusses the comet assay and summarizes research on non-ionizing EMF exposure and DNA/chromosomal damage. It describes both positive and negative findings across studies, noting no consistent overall pattern for radiofrequency radiation (RFR). The authors nonetheless conclude that under certain exposure conditions RFR appears genotoxic and may affect DNA damage and repair, with evidence discussed as most applicable to exposures typical of cell phone use.
Cell phones and brain tumors: a review including the long-term epidemiologic data
This paper presents a meta-analysis of 11 peer-reviewed epidemiologic studies examining long-term (>=10 years) cell phone use with laterality analyses. It reports that long-term use is associated with an approximately doubled risk of an ipsilateral brain tumor. The abstract states statistical significance for glioma and acoustic neuroma, but not for meningioma.
Biological effects from electromagnetic field exposure and public exposure standards
This review describes public concerns and scientific reports of non-thermal biological effects from low-intensity ELF and RF exposures. It lists multiple health endpoints reported to be associated with ELF and/or RF and highlights the BioInitiative Report’s conclusion that a reasonable suspicion of risk exists at environmentally relevant levels. The authors argue that existing public exposure standards should be lowered and that mobile phone SAR guidelines should be revised based on biology and long-term risk claims.
Genetic damage in mammalian somatic cells exposed to radiofrequency radiation: a meta-analysis of data from 63 publications (1990-2005)
A meta-analysis of 63 publications assessed whether radiofrequency (RF) radiation exposure is associated with genetic damage in mammalian somatic cells using multiple genotoxicity endpoints. Overall differences between RF-exposed and control conditions were reported as small, though statistically significant increases were observed for some endpoints under certain exposure conditions. Mean chromosomal aberration and micronucleus indices were reported to fall within historical spontaneous levels, and the analysis found considerable evidence of publication bias.
Mobile phone use and cancer
This narrative review discusses potential public health consequences of widespread mobile phone use and the controversy around long-term cancer risks. It states that evidence from epidemiological and experimental studies suggests long-term exposure to mobile phone emissions may be linked to a small to moderate increased risk of certain cancers, while also emphasizing that data are insufficient for a final risk assessment. The author argues that even small risks could matter at the population level and that exposure-reduction measures may be indicated given uncertainties.
20 kHz Magnetic Field Emission of Induction Cooking Heaters
This exposure assessment measured 20 kHz magnetic field leakage from induction cooking heaters across four models and compared results with ICNIRP general public limits. The maximum reported magnetic flux density was 16 µT at a specified measurement point using two S-type pans. Field leakage depended on pan size and configuration, and finite element modeling was reported to align closely with measurements.
Physics and biology of mobile telephony
This review argues that current mobile-telephony safety guidelines address excessive microwave heating but may not account for potential non-thermal influences of low-intensity, pulsed radiation. It highlights an asserted oscillatory similarity between pulsed microwave signals and certain electrochemical activities in humans as a reason for concern. While acknowledging uncertainty about health consequences, it notes reported consistencies between some non-thermal effects and neurological problems described by some users and people with long-term base-station exposure.
Headaches from cellular telephones: are they real and what are the implications?
This review discusses reports of headaches occurring with hand-held cellular telephone use and argues they are likely real and attributable to telephone emissions. It points to earlier reports of headaches from low-intensity microwave exposure and proposes biological plausibility via effects on the blood-brain barrier and dopamine-opiate systems. The author raises the possibility that such headaches could signal biologically significant effects.
The effect of pulsed and sinusoidal magnetic fields on the morphology of developing chick embryos
This animal study reports results from five experimental campaigns over five years examining weak magnetic field exposure and morphological abnormalities in White Leghorn chick embryos. Four campaigns reported statistically significant increases in abnormality rates, while one pulsed-field campaign showed only a small, non-significant increase. Pooled analyses reported increased abnormality rates for both pulsed and 60 Hz sinusoidal exposures compared with controls, and the authors propose genetic susceptibility as a possible confounder.
Biological effects of extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields: a review
This review summarizes reported biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric and magnetic fields, describing them as significant and often acting as stressors. Reported outcomes include metabolic, hormonal, and body weight changes in rodents, lethality at high exposure levels in mice and insects, and increased mitotic index in mouse tissues/cells under specified exposure conditions. The review suggests many effects may be mediated through neuroendocrine, nervous system, or behavioral responses to field exposure.
Evaluation of Electrochemical Information Transfer System: I . Effect of Electric Fields on Living Organisms
This 1976 animal study evaluated the effects of weak ELF electric fields similar to those associated with Project Seafarer on mice. The abstract reports that electric field exposure acted as a biological stressor, with effects involving the central nervous and endocrine systems. It is presented as part of broader research assessing potential physiological changes from high-power, low-frequency electromagnetic communication systems.