Recent Research on Wireless Radiation and Electromagnetic Fields

I have been circulating abstracts of newly-published scientific papers on radio frequency and other non-ionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) monthly since 2016. The complete collection contains more than 2500 abstracts with links to these papers. Several hundred EMF scientists around the world receive these updates.

To download Volume 3 which contains abstracts of papers published since 2024 

(including the new papers listed below) click on the following link (529 page pdf):

https://bit.ly/EMFstudies-Dec-2025

To download Volume 2 which contains abstracts of papers published from 2021 through 2023 

click on the following link (867 page pdf):

https://bit.ly/EMFStudies-2021-2023

To download Volume 1 which contains abstracts of papers published from 2016 through 2020 

click on the following link (875 page pdf):

https://bit.ly/EMFStudies-2016-2020

The abstracts for recently published papers appear below.

 

Flora and fauna: how nonhuman species interact with natural and man-made EMF at ecosystem levels and public policy recommendations

Levitt BB, Lai HC, Manville III AM,  Scarato T. Flora and fauna: how nonhuman species interact with natural and man-made EMF at ecosystem levels and public policy recommendations. Front. Public Health, 18 November 2025. Volume 13. 2025. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1693873.

Abstract

In the last 60 years, there has been a steady increase in ambient exposures from nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) between 0 and 300 GHz, primarily in the radiofrequency (RF) ranges between 30 kHz and 3 GHz. Each technology has introduced a layer of exposures with different transmission characteristics into the environment, creating what is today a broad scope of complex chronic, low-intensity, ambient exposures known to be biologically active in human and nonhuman species alike. The next generation of broadband technology employs a wide span of simultaneous frequency exposures for pervasive civilian use with signaling characteristics heretofore never deployed. Fifth and sixth generation (5G, 6G) networks utilize significantly higher areas of the electromagnetic spectrum >3.5 GHz unlike previous wireless technologies. The scale at which this EMF deployment unfolded has now reached documented proportions that simply do not exist in nature, creating 24/7 exposures to a novel energetic form of air pollution. While there are extensive local variations in exposure intensities, e.g., rural versus urban environments with proximity to transmission sources being the controlling variable, the advent of significantly increased satellites in low earth orbits, disseminating radiofrequency EMF (RF-EMF) toward Earth in broad radiation patterns, has now all but erased such demographic distinctions. Nowhere on Earth today is completely RF-EMF free. Nonhuman species are highly sensitive to the Earth’s geomagnetic fields which are used for orientation, migration, mating, food finding, territorial defense, and all of life’s activities. Compared to human abilities, myriad species have evolved an exceptionally sensitive physical array of electro/magneto-receptors with which to perceive environmental EMF often at, or very near, natural geomagnetic fields. Today’s exposures are capable, even at very low intensities, of disrupting critical fauna/flora functions. Any existing exposure standards are strictly for humans. Discussed are nonhuman unique physiologies and potential resonant matches at ambient levels today. Policy recommendations for wildlife protection includes discussion of “airspace as habitat,” adherence to existing laws, and mitigation that could include frequency re-allocation, redesign of hardware and network engineering, and societies moving away from certain competitive economic models, as well as EMF-free zones during migration and breeding seasons where possible.

Open access: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1693873/full

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Causal relationship between duration of mobile phone use and risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis

Gao W, Jiang X, Lin Q, Ye L, Huang X, Xiong Y, Guo X, Zheng H, Ke C, Hu W, Zheng F. Causal relationship between duration of mobile phone use and risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: A 2-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2025 Nov 21;104(47):e46053. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000046053.

Abstract

This study investigates whether the duration of mobile phone use (DMPU) is causally associated with the risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). We pooled data from publicly available genome-wide association studies. DMPU was assessed in European populations (n = 456972), and genome-wide association studies data on patients with aSAH were obtained from the Common Metabolic Disease Knowledge Portal (total n = 337159; cases = 7480; controls = 329679). Inverse-variance weighted was applied as the primary Mendelian randomization (MR) method, and 2-sample MR analyses with sensitivity tests were performed. Twenty-three single nucleotide polymorphisms reaching genome-wide significance were selected as instrumental variables for DMPU. Inverse-variance weighted analysis suggested a causal relationship between excessive DMPU and increased risk of aSAH (odds ratio [OR] = 2.20; 95% confidence interval: 1.26-3.83; P = .006). MR-Egger regression indicated that directional pleiotropy was unlikely to bias the results (OR = 12.93; 95% confidence interval:1.15-145.31; P = .051). The weighted median method supported the causal relationship between excessive DMPU and increased risk of aSAH (OR = 2.48; 95% Cl: 1.17-5.24; P = .018). The Cochrane Q test and funnel plot showed no heterogeneity or asymmetry, confirming the robustness of the findings. This study provides evidence supporting a causal relationship between DMPU and aSAH. Excessive mobile phone use may increase the risk of aSAH, with important implications for clinical practice, public health, and policy

Plain language summary

This study explored whether using mobile phones for long periods is linked to a higher risk of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), a type of brain bleed. Researchers analyzed genetic data from large European studies and found that excessive mobile phone use might indeed increase the risk of aSAH. They used Mendelian randomization, a method that helps determine causal relationships, and found consistent results across different analyses. The findings suggest that heavy mobile phone use could be a risk factor for aSAH, which has significant implications for healthcare practices and public health policies.

Key Points

• This study uses MR methods to examine a potential causal association

between the DMPU and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage risk using genome-wide association study datasets.

• Our study demonstrates that excessive DMPU may be causally associated with an increased aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage risk. We believe that our study makes a significant contribution to the literature because we are the first to use 2-sample MR methods to reduce the bias associated with observational studies and to identify causal relationships.

• We believe that this paper will be of interest to the readership of your journal because our data provides the evidence required to develop clinical and public health policies and provides rationale for longitudinal and experimental studies investigating the mechanisms behind the causality.

Open access: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/fulltext/2025/11210/causal_relationship_between_duration_of_mobile.40.aspx

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Personal radio use and risk of cancers among police officers in Great Britain: Results from the airwave health monitoring study

Di Gravio C, Elliott P, Muller DC. Personal radio use and risk of cancers among police officers in Great Britain: Results from the airwave health monitoring study. Int J Cancer. 2025 Nov 18. doi: 10.1002/ijc.70255. 

Abstract

Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from mobile phones and other wireless devices has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans. With data from 48,457 police officers and staff enrolled in the Airwave Health Monitoring Study, we investigated associations between personal radio use and the risk of developing cancer using Cox proportional hazard regressions. Personal radio use and duration of use were derived by combining objective data on call duration provided by the Home Office and participants' self-reported data via gradient boosting methods. Across a median follow-up time of 11 years, there were 1502 incident cancer cases of which 146 were cancers of the head, neck and central nervous system (CNS). There was no association between personal radio use, all cancers (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79, 1.15) and head, neck, and CNS cancers (HR = 0.74, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.38). Doubling minutes of call duration via personal radio use was not associated with increased hazard of developing all cancers (HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.96, 1.04) or head, neck and CNS cancers (HR = 1.09, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.22). Results were similar when considering exposure to RF-EMF via mobile phone use as well as when restricting the analyses to police officers only. 

What's New?

Terrestrial trunked radio (TETRA) is the standard digital communication system used by police and other emergency services in Great Britain. During active use, TETRA emits radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, which are potentially carcinogenic in humans. Here, using data on objective call duration, the authors examined cancer risk from personal radio use among police forces across Great Britain. No significant association was detected between radio use, call duration, and cancer risk.

Excerpts

There was no association between personal radio use and the risk of developing cancer. Compared to participants who did not use a personal radio, users had 4% (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.80, 1.16), 26% (HR: 0.74, 95% CI: 0.39, 1.38) and 17% (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.29, 2.40) lower hazard of developing all cancers, head, neck and CNS cancers, and brain cancer and meningeal tumours respectively. Overall, monthly call duration in the year before recruitment was not associated with cancer risk; however, results in Table 2 suggest a potential—although not statistically significant—9% higher risk of developing head, neck and CNS cancers (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.22) when doubling minutes of monthly call duration. There was no evidence of a non-linear association between call duration and cancer risk (Figure 2 and Table S3). Compared to participants with an average of 8.15 minutes of monthly call duration (equivalent to the observed median call duration), those in the 90th percentile (averaging 92.8 minutes per month) had a 9% higher risk of developing all cancers (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.92, 1.51), a 40% (HR: 1.40, 95% CI: 0.85, 2.23) higher risk of developing head, neck and CNS cancers and a 4% (HR: 1.04, 95% CI: 0.45, 2.39) higher risk of developing brain cancers and meningeal tumours. In contrast, participants who did not use a personal radio (i.e., those in the 25th percentile or lower with zero minutes of call duration) had an 18% (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.82, 1.51) higher risk of all cancers, a 15% (HR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.38, 1.92) lower risk of head, neck and CNS cancers, and a 41% (HR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.14, 2.45) lower risk of brain cancers and meningeal tumours. There was no evidence that the frequency of personal radio use without an earpiece/microphone modified the association between call duration and risk of cancer (Table S4). Results were similar when we restricted our sample only to police officers who were cancer-free at recruitment (N = 31,263). There were no discernible associations between mobile phone use and cancer risk (Table S5)....

In conclusion, we found no evidence of an association between TETRA use and risk of cancer. Whilst the results from the linear and non-linear models cannot exclude a modestly greater risk with higher TETRA usage, the wide confidence intervals are consistent with both substantially increased and substantially decreased risks, and thus a definite conclusion cannot be reached. Longer follow-up time would give us the opportunity to accrue more cancer cases, increase precision of estimated risks, ease the interpretation of the results, and analyse whether specific groups of participants have higher risk of developing cancer.  

Open access: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.70255

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Radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones and the risk of breast cancer: A multicenter case–control study with an additional suspected comparison group

Tahmasebi S; Mortazavi SMJ, Pourghayoomi M; Sheikhzadeh P; Welsh JS et al.. Radiofrequency radiation from mobile phones and the risk of breast cancer: A multicenter case–control study with an additional suspected comparison group. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences 30(1):63, November 2025. | DOI: 10.4103/jrms.jrms_679_25

Abstract

Background: The rapid global increase in mobile phone use has raised concerns about the potential long-term health effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. While most studies have focused on brain tumors, evidence regarding breast cancer remains limited. The objective of the study is to examine the association between mobile phone use and breast cancer risk among women in Iran.

Materials and Methods: In this multicenter case–control study, 226 women were recruited from diagnostic, mammography, and radiotherapy centers across Iran and classified as controls (no history of breast cancer, n = 97), suspected cases (advised to undergo mammography due to breast-related complaints or physician recommendation, n = 52), and confirmed cases (histologically verified invasive breast cancer, n = 77). Structured questionnaires collected demographic, reproductive, lifestyle, and environmental data, including mobile phone call duration, screen time, and phone placement. Associations were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression, adjusting sequentially for demographic, reproductive, environmental, and lifestyle variables.

Results: In fully adjusted models, women reporting more than 60 min of daily mobile phone conversations had higher odds of confirmed breast cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 3.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–11.97) and suspected status (OR = 10.84, 95% CI: 2.29–51.41) compared with those using phones <10 min daily. Longer screen time (>4 h/day), later age at menarche, lower education level, and exposure to environmental pollutants were also associated with increased odds.

Conclusion: Prolonged mobile phone use was associated with higher odds of breast cancer, but this does not imply causation. Given self-reported exposures and potential residual confounding, findings should be interpreted cautiously. Larger prospective studies with objective exposure assessment are warranted.

https://journals.lww.com/jrms/fulltext/2025/11290/radiofrequency_radiation_from_mobile_phones_and.63.aspx

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No Measurable Impact of Acute 26 GHz 5G Exposure on Salivary Stress Markers in Healthy Adults

Michelant L, Hugueville L, Lévêque P, Selmaoui B. No Measurable Impact of Acute 26 GHz 5G Exposure on Salivary Stress Markers in Healthy Adults. Environ Res. 2025 Nov 27:123439. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123439.

Abstract

The rapid deployment of fifth generation (5G) wireless networks has raised concerns about potential health effects associated with exposure to novel radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF) frequencies, particularly the 26 GHz band which represents a new exposure scenario for the general population with limited prior use in telecommunications. However, evidence regarding the acute biological impact of these exposures remains limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to assess whether short-term exposure (26.5 minutes) of healthy adults to 5G RF at 26 GHz, at levels representative of real-world environmental conditions, affects salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase, two established biomarkers of stress and autonomic nervous system activity. Thirty-one participants completed a triple-blind, randomized protocol with electroencephalography recordings. A subset of sixteen participants from this group also participated in an exploratory protocol with cognitive testing and higher temporal sampling resolution (5minute intervals). Saliva samples were collected before, during, and after exposure in both protocols. RF exposure was delivered via a horn antenna at 2 V/m (head) and 1 V/m (torso), in line with upper-range environmental measurements. Statistical analyses revealed no significant differences in salivary cortisol or alpha-amylase concentrations between real and sham exposures. Descriptive examination of the exploratory cognitive protocol, with higher temporal sampling resolution, showed consistent temporal stability of both biomarkers in both conditions. These findings suggest that acute 5G RF exposure at 26 GHz, under controlled and realistic conditions, does not elicit measurable changes in stress biomarkers. Further research is warranted to evaluate the effects of repeated or long-term exposures and to investigate potential impacts in vulnerable populations.

Highlights

• A 26.5 min 5G exposure at 26 GHz had no effect on salivary cortisol levels.
• No changes were observed in alpha-amylase levels in healthy adult participants.
• The study design allowed rigorous control of potential confounding variables.
• Findings suggest absence of acute stress effects from 26 GHz 5G exposure.
• Further research is needed on long-term effects and on different populations.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41317834/

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Definition and Validation of an Exposure Measurement Method for a Typical Load of a Base Station

Schiffarth AM, Ta TJ, Bornkessel C, Schilling LM, Hein M, Heberling D. Definition and Validation of an Exposure Measurement Method for a Typical Load of a Base Station. Bioelectromagnetics. 2025 Dec;46(8):e70029. doi: 10.1002/bem.70029. 

Abstract

In the context of risk communication in mobile radio, a discussion has emerged whether exposure at common load of a base station should be presented in addition to the theoretical maximum, especially with 5G massive‐MIMO. However, a reproducible measurement method for instantaneous exposure independent of the utilization of the cell has yet to be developed. To fill this gap, 10 mobile phone use cases were identified, the corresponding data rates were measured and categorized into low (20 Mbps), medium (200 Mbps), and high (600 Mbps) data rates to generate a typical base station load. A measurement method was developed, using iPerf on a user equipment to generate the data rates at a measurement point, while a channel power measurement is used to determine the exposure of all mobile radio services installed. The method was validated at four base stations, considering various factors such as reproducibility in relation to the number of users in the cell, averaging time, and application buffering. The results show the reliability of the method across different times of day and base station loads and that averaging over 30 sweeps provides reproducible exposure results. Consequently, this study presents a validated approach for measuring typical instantaneous exposure in real‐world mobile network conditions. 

Excerpt

A comparison between the instantaneous exposure of an actual application and the instantaneous exposure, when the corresponding constant data rate is provoked using iPerf, revealed that, overall, in only 5 out of the 48 cases examined, a higher deviation than the expanded uncertainty was observed in the comparison of the 5G exposures. Regarding the total exposure, a deviation of more than 3 dB was determined in only two of these cases. It thus follows that maintaining a constant data rate in iPerf is equivalent in terms of instantaneous exposure compared to typical usage scenarios, regardless of whether user data is buffered or not.

In summary, the studies presented here demonstrate the feasibility of measuring an instantaneous exposure at a typical base station load using the measurement method outlined, and subsequently outputting it for risk communication, in addition to the maximum possible exposure at each measurement point.

In the future, the integration of this measurement method for typical load conditions into the IEC 62232:2022 standard (International Electrotechnical Commission [IEC] 2022) could be discussed, as a method for deriving typical loads is already proposed there. In its present version, it mentions in‐situ measurements taken during regular network operation over a longer period of time without provoking a load condition. Additionally, exposure under a typical load condition is to be determined while streaming a video, livestreaming, or downloading a 1 GB data file. A consistent, reproducible measurement method by provoking a data rate over a relatively short period would be a useful addition.

Open access: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12579388/

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Evidence on RF-EMF and cancer in animals misjudged: methodological and analytical flaws in the Mevissen et al. systematic review

Karipidis K, Sean Hewson S, Mate R, Bhatt C, Henderson S, Peyman A, Loughran S. Evidence on RF-EMF and cancer in animals misjudged: methodological and analytical flaws in the Mevissen et al. systematic review. Environment International, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109961.

No abstract

Open access: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025007123

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Methodologically solid and analytically rigorous: the evaluations of our systematic review on RF-EMF and animal cancer are reliable

Mevissen M, Ducray A, Ward JM, Kopp-Schneider A, Rivero TM, Straif K. Methodologically solid and analytically rigorous: the evaluations of our systematic review on RF-EMF and animal cancer are reliable. Environment International, 2025, doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109962.

No abstract.

Open access: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412025007135

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NTP Lite: The Japan–Korea Collaborative RF Exposure Toxicity Project [Health Matters]

Lin JC. NTP Lite: The Japan–Korea Collaborative RF Exposure Toxicity Project [Health Matters]. IEEE Microwave Magazine, vol. 26, no. 12, pp. 16-17, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.1109/MMM.2025.3605069.  

No abstract

The U.S. National Toxicology Program (NTP) reported findings of clear evidence that lifelong exposure to low-level RF radiation caused cancers in laboratory rats in 2018 [1]. It showed that RF radiation used for wireless telecommunication devices and systems was the cause for the observation of two cancers—gliomas in the brain and schwannoma inside the heart of male rats. The reported temperature rise induced by RF exposure in the animal’s body did not exceed 1 °C at the highest exposure [specific absorption rate (SAR) = 6 W/kg]. Shortly thereafter, in the same year, the findings were confirmed by a Ramazzini Institute study from Italy [2]. Since then, a follow-up project had commenced in late 2020 through a formal collaboration between Japan and Korea. The two-year animal exposure phase was completed in December 2022 [3], [4]. At this moment, the final report for “NTP Lite” is already two years late and the earliest prospect of completing it is at least another year away [5]. 

The closely coordinated but independently conducted project involves laboratories from two different countries. The project employed the same custom-designed RF exposure system reverberation chamber (RC)— and applied the same study protocol, with Sprague-Dawley rats from the same breeder. The experimental animals were not restrained in order to avoid the commonly known stress factor from such practices that could potentially confound the results. An important performance feature for an RC is uniformity of the electric field or power density distribution. In this case, the distribution was evaluated at 900 MHz using 150 measurement points both in an empty and a loaded chamber. 

Nevertheless, the coordinated projects are not distinctive either as a confirmation or replication of the NTP rat study. It is a scaled-down version with a single exposure level at a whole-body SAR of 4 W/kg, instead of the NTP’s SARs ranging from 1.5, 3.0, to 6.0 W/kg. An SAR of 4 W/kg is lower than 6 W/kg. Given that an SAR of 4 W/kg is the basic restriction in the currently promulgated ICNIRP guidelines [7] and IEEE-ICES standards [8] for safe exposure, perhaps, it represents a subtle attempt to reaffirm the status quo for the current exposure limits. It is noteworthy that, if so, even in the event of a negative result of no cancer from the collaborative project, it would not be in any position to challenge the impact of NTP evidence of gliomas and schwannomas at 6 W/kg. An SAR of 4 W/kg is one-third lower than 6 W/kg. That’s a very thin margin for safety given the vagaries of biological variabilities and uncertainties of microwave power density or SAR measurements in practice. 

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has been waiting for the project results before embarking on an update of its assessment of RF–cancer risks. While the wait may seem prudent, in effect, the December 2025 17 outcome of the narrow scope of NTP-Lite would likely have limited influence on the IARC’s deliberations on the carcinogenicity of RF exposure. Simply put, the outcome of the Japan–Korea NTP-Lite project is unlikely to dissolve the NTP cancer findings of clear evidence for RF exposure in laboratory rats. On the contrary, it is conceivable that a positive result for RF carcinogenesis would oblige IARC to elevate its cancer risk classification from its current “possibly cancer causing” to the next level of “probably cancer causing,” or to directly to its highest level of classification as a “carcinogen” for RF exposure. In any case, the NTP- Lite RF rat cancer project has been hit by several delays. The project’s data evaluation has been in progress for more than two years since the completion of the RF-exposure phase of the project. It is obviously behind schedule. Indications are that the histopathological and genotoxicity examinations are currently underway. However, publication of the study results is not expected any time soon. 

Complications revealed by available reports [6], [7] from the experiments include RF-exposed rats in Japan had significantly different body mass and food consumptions than control animals, however, without any specific details. Also, the Korean part of the collaborative research disclosed the accidental death of four of the RF-exposed rats. The reason for the four deaths was not released. The rats died in the RF–chamber, on two separate days, about three months into the exposure. Note that reports on the carcinogenicity of cellphone RF radiation have been controversial [10], [11]. Many of the reported studies are limited and imperfect and have encountered skepticism. The investigations are multidisciplinary in nature. It is often complicated and can be subtle to appreciate the important features, facts, or theories from another discipline. Many of the older studies employed RF exposure systems and measurement instrumentations that did not allow or were unable to ascertain the specific and relevant local expo- sure conditions of the animal subjects. 

A recent systematic review of the effects of RF exposure on cancer in experimental animals [12] included all 52 reported studies employing 20 chronic bioassays to minimize the possibility of selection bias. Elevations in incidence or risk of two tumor types were identified in the systematic review. Specifically, an increase in glial cell-derived brain cancer (glioma) was observed in two life-long bioassays in male rats. The certainty of the evidence for an increased risk in glioma was judged as high. Also, in three chronic bioassays, statistically significant increases in malignant schwannomas were demonstrated as high in the heart of male rats. While this conclusion is in opposition to the interpretations of ICNIRP [7] and IEEE-ICES [8], it is consistent with the laboratory animal findings of NIH-NTP [1], Falcioni et al. [2], and Brooks et al. [13].

References

[1] “Technical report on the toxicology and car- cinogenesis studies in Sprague Dawley (HSD:Sprague Dawley ® SD® ) rats exposed to whole-body radio frequency radiation at a fre- quency (900 MHz) and modulations (GSM and CDMA) used by cell phones,” Nat. Toxicolo. Pro- gram, Public Health Service, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA, Tech. Rep. NTP TR 595, Nov. 2018.

[2] L. Falcioni et al., “Report of final results re- garding brain and heart tumors in Sprague- Dawley rats exposed from prenatal life until natural death to mobile phone radiofrequency field representative of a 1.8 GHz GSM base station environmental emission,” Environ Res., vol. 165, pp. 496–503, Aug. 2018, doi: 10.1016/j. envres.2018.01.037.

[3] Y. H. Ahn et al., “An international collabora- tive animal study of the carcinogenicity of mobile phone radiofrequency radiation: Con- siderations for preparation of a global project,” Bioelectromagnetics, vol. 43, no. 4, pp. 218–224, May 2022, doi: 10.1002/bem.22407.

[4] J. C. Lin, “Follow-up research on NTP’s clear evidence on RF causing malignant tumors in rats [Health Matters],” IEEE Microw. Mag., vol. 25, no. 6, pp. 16–18, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.1109/ MMM.2024.3378608.

[5] “Waiting for NTP lite,” Microw. News, Jun. 16, 2025. [Online]. Available: https:// microwavenews.com/news-center/waiting -%E2%80%9Cntp-lite%E2%80%9D

[6] “Korean NTP lite: Progress report,” Mi- crow. News, Jun. 17, 2023. [Online]. Available: htt ps://microwavenews.com/short-takes -archive/korean-briefing-%E2%80%98ntp -lite%E2%80%99

[7] International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), “Guidelines for limiting exposure to electromagnetic fields (100 kHz to 300 GHz),” Health Phys., vol. 118, pp. 483–524, May 2020, doi: 10.1097/ HP.0000000000001210.

[8] Standards for Safety Levels with Respect to Hu- man Exposure to Electric, Magnetic, and Electro- magnetic Fields, 0 Hz to 300 GHz, IEEE Stan- dard C95.1-2019 (Revision of IEEE Standard C95.1-2005/Incorporates IEEE Standard C95.1- 2019/Cor 1-2019), 2019.

[9] “IARC will soon reassess RF cancer risk — Or maybe not,” Microw. News, Apr. 13, 2024. [On- line]. Available: https://microwavenews.com/ news-center/iarc-2nd-rf-monograph-meeting

[10] J. C. Lin, “Cancer occurrences in laboratory rats from exposure to RF and microwave ra- diation,” IEEE J. Electromagn., RF, Microw. Med. Biol., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 2–13, Jun. 2017, doi: 10.1109/JERM.2017.2721427.

[11] J. C. Lin, “Carcinogenesis from chronic expo- sure to radio-frequency radiation,” Front. Pub- lic Health, vol. 10, Oct. 2022, Art. no. 1042478, doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1042478.

[12] M. Mevissen et al., “Effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic field exposure on cancer in laboratory animal studies, a systematic re- view,” Environ. Int., vol. 199, May 2025, Art. no. 109482, doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2025.109482.

[13] A. M. Brooks et al., “Genetic profiling of rat gliomas and cardiac schwannomas from life-time radiofrequency radiation exposure study using a targeted next-generation se- quencing gene panel,” PLoS One, vol. 19, no. 1, 2024, Art. no. e0296699, doi: 10.1371/journal. pone.0296699.

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=11230169&isnumber=11230136

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Acoustic Pressures in the Head From Pulsed Microwaves: Can They Explain “Anomalous” Health Incidents? (Havana Syndrome)

Foster LR, Diao Y, Chou  C. -K. Acoustic Pressures in the Head From Pulsed Microwaves: Can They Explain “Anomalous” Health Incidents? IEEE Microwave Magazine. 2025. doi: 10.1109/MMM.2025.3624334.

Abstract

The microwave auditory effect—referring to “clicks” or “buzzing” sensations that a person experiences when their head is exposed to pulsed microwave energy such as emitted by radar transmitters—has been known since the 1960s. Formerly a threshold hearing phenomenon, the effect has gained renewed interest due to the advent of high-powered microwave sources in recent decades. Over the past decade, some experts and expert panels have implicated the effect as a cause of “anomalous health incidents,” often but not exclusively to U.S. Government employees stationed in unfriendly countries. Can the microwave auditory effect explain such events?

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?tp=&arnumber=11251469&isnumber=11122301

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Millimeter-wave high frequency 5G (26 GHz) electromagnetic fields do not modulate human brain electrical activity

Michelant L, Baz T, Carrie A, Hugueville L, Lévêque P, Selmaoui B. Millimeter-wave high frequency 5G (26 GHz) electromagnetic fields do not modulate human brain electrical activity. Environ Res. 2025 Nov 18:123349. doi: 10.1016/j.envres.2025.123349. 

Abstract

The deployment of 5G networks utilizing millimeter-wave frequencies such as 26 GHz has raised concerns about potential neurophysiological effects. However, no controlled studies have investigated the impact of 26 GHz exposure on human brain electrical activity. We conducted a randomized, triple-blind crossover study in 31 healthy young adults (18 men, 14 women, mean age 26.1 ± 5.2 years). Participants underwent two sessions (real and sham exposure) separated by one week, with 26.5-minute exposure to 26 GHz electromagnetic fields at 2 V/m. EEG activity was recorded before, during, and after exposure. Power spectral density was computed for delta (1-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8-12 Hz), and beta (12-35 Hz) frequency bands. Statistical analysis employed mixed-effects models with baseline correction, examining exposure effects across temporal phases and electrode clusters. No significant modulation of EEG frequency bands was observed during eyes-closed conditions following 26 GHz exposure. Mixed-effects modeling revealed no significant main effects or interactions for exposure conditions across all frequency bands and electrode clusters. This first controlled investigation of 26 GHz 5G effects on human EEG activity found no detectable alterations in brain electrical activity under regulatory-compliant exposure conditions. These findings contribute important preliminary safety data for 5G millimeter-wave technology deployment, though further research across diverse populations and exposure scenarios remains warranted. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41265672/

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Assessment of Electromagnetic Field Exposure from Multiple Sources Simultaneously in the High-Frequency Range Based on Safety Standards

Chutchavong V, Aroonmitr P. Assessment of Electromagnetic Field Exposure from Multiple Sources Simultaneously in the High-Frequency Range Based on Safety Standards. 2025 SICE Festival with Annual Conference (SICE FES), Chiang Mai, Thailand, 2025, pp. 1234-1238, doi: 10.23919/SICEFES67750.2025.11236585.

Abstract

This study presents a method for evaluating electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from multiple sources operating simultaneously across a wide range of frequencies, based on the guidelines defined by the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) in its 2020 publication. The proposed approach adopts the normalized exposure ratio, which combines the exposure values from all relevant sources and frequency bands. A key issue addressed in this study is the lack of standardized measurement methods for absorbed power density (Sab) in high frequency bands above 10 GHz, despite the existence of defined exposure limits. A comparison reveals that the difference between the limits for Sab and incident power density (Sinc) for the general public is relatively small when compared to the gap between the general public and occupational exposure limits. Therefore, the use of Sinc is proposed as a temporary surrogate for Sab in frequency ranges where direct measurement is not yet feasible. This approach enables comprehensive exposure assessment from multiple sources under both near-field and far-field conditions. It also serves as a practical alternative while Sab measurement techniques for high-frequency applications such as 5G, WiGig, and next-generation wireless technologies are still under development.

Conclusion

This study proposed a method for evaluating human exposure to EMFs from multiple sources operating simultaneously across various frequency ranges. The assessment was based on the normalized exposure ratio concept defined by ICNIRP 2020, which considers cumulative exposure across all applicable sources and frequency bands. A key challenge addressed in this work was the lack of standardized measurement methods for Sab in high-frequency ranges above 10 GHz, despite the availability of established exposure limits.

To overcome this limitation, the author proposed the use of Sinc as a temporary substitute for Sab in frequency ranges where direct Sab measurement is not feasible. A new combined equation, referred to as (3), was developed by integrating the evaluation principles of (1) and (2). This approach enables practical and comprehensive assessment of simultaneous exposure from multiple RF sources in both near-field and far-field scenarios.

The approach proposed in this study can be applied as a supporting tool for designing safety measures or as a supplementary criterion in verifying the compliance of radiocommunication equipment operating in environments with multiple EMF sources. This is especially relevant for emerging high-frequency wireless systems such as 5G networks and short-range communication devices. However, (3) should be further validated through simulations or experimental measurements to confirm its accuracy and applicability in real-world scenarios, particularly when standardized methods for measuring Sab in high-frequency bands become available in the future.

Future research should focus on the development and standardization of Sab measurement techniques at frequencies above 10 GHz. Additionally, extensive experimental validation under various realistic environmental conditions will further strengthen the applicability and reliability of the proposed methodology.

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11236585

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Analysis of Actual Transmitted Power from Hundreds of 5G FR2 Radio Base Stations over One Month in Urban Areas in Japan

Ishioka R, Iyama T, Higashiyama J, Hada F, Suzuki Y, Suyama S. Analysis of Actual Transmitted Power from Hundreds of FR2 Radio Base Stations over One Month in Urban Areas in Japan. Electronics. 2025; 14(23):4676. doi: 10.3390/electronics14234676

Abstract

This study analyzes the actual transmitted power from 5G beamforming radio base stations (BF-RBSs) to clarify the effectiveness and issues of an actual maximum approach specified in the International Electrotechnical Commission 62232:2025. The actual maximum approach is a new compliance assessment method for electromagnetic field exposure levels from BF-RBSs based on time-averaged transmitted power. In this study, the actual maximum transmitted power every 5 or 30 min from more than 400 BF-RBSs using millimeter waves in urban areas in Japan was collected using a network management system over a period of one month. For each BF-RBS, normalized actual transmitted power was derived as the ratio of actual to configured maximum transmitted power. As a result of this measurement, the maximum value of normalized actual transmitted power was approximately −3 dB when the number of sets of user equipment (UEs) in the BF-RBS was less than two with high data traffic. Moreover, statistical analysis results of the measurement data shows that the actual maximum approach may underestimate the electromagnetic field exposure levels from a BF-RBS with three or fewer UEs when the actual transmitted power of the BF-RBSs is not monitored and controlled to maintain a level below the threshold.

Conclusions

This study analyzed network data obtained from more than 400 BF-RBSs using millimeter waves in urban areas in Japan via a network management system for a month. As a result of the network-based measurement, we found that all the actual transmitted powers for each BF-RBS were below the configured maximum transmitted power. In particular, the maximum value of the normalized actual transmitted power averaged for 30 min was less than −8 dB. Therefore, when the average time of compliance assessment for RBSs exceeds 30 min, the actual maximum approach is effective in avoiding overestimation using the conventional compliance assessment. In contrast, the maximum value of the normalized actual transmitted power averaged for 5 min was approximately −3 dB when the number of UEs was less than three. In this situation, the power reduction factor for beamforming technologies defined in the IEC 62232:2025 standard is approximately 0.19. Since this power reduction factor did not consider the influence of adjacent beams, future studies should address the calculation of FPR considering the impact of sidelobes from adjacent beams for the compliance assessment of an RBS installation. Regarding the issues of the actual maximum approach, the theoretical statistical analysis of the network data using multinomial distribution showed that the actual maximum approach underestimates the EMF exposure levels from a BF-RBS with three or fewer UEs when the actual transmitted power of the BF-RBSs is not monitored and controlled to maintain a level below the threshold. The measurement results show the necessity of monitoring and controlling the actual transmitted power of BF-RBSs to avoid underestimating the EMF exposure levels.

Open access paper: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9292/14/23/4676

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Model Variability in Assessment of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields

Hirata A, et al. Model Variability in Assessment of Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields. IEEE Journal of Microwaves, doi: 10.1109/JMW.2025.3628902. 

Abstract

The recent advances in computational dosimetry for electromagnetics and thermodynamics are reviewed to assess human exposure to electromagnetic fields in the MHz-to-terahertz range. This review emphasizes model variability in computational dosimetry. Apart from computational electromagnetic methods and their usage, the developments in anatomical phantoms and tissue dielectric properties characterization are also surveyed. In addition, the rationale for dosimetric quantities prescribed in international exposure guidelines, such as the specific absorption rate (SAR) and absorbed power density, is revisited in relation to their correlation with local and core temperature rises in various tissues and populations. A heating factor, which is defined as a steady-state temperature rise per SAR, for the brain, eye lens, skin, and body core is evaluated to estimate heating resulting from exposure to electromagnetic fields. The transition of a physical quantity in the guidelines at 6 GHz, from SAR to the absorbed power density, is discussed along with the optimal spatial averaging volume and areas. Computational evaluations of product compliance, 5G devices, and wireless power transfer systems are also reviewed. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge, identify key sources of computational model variability and uncertainty, and outline further research needs for setting exposure guidelines and compliance assessment.

Summary

This review highlights the mechanism by which variability across anatomical, thermophysiological, and numerical human models affects the prediction of temperature rise in computational dosimetry. Computational dosimetry plays a crucial role in defining the physical quantities used in the guidelines and setting the limit. The conceptual framework is schematically illustrated in Fig. 1, highlighting that SAR variability is largely driven by anatomical scaling, whereas temperature rise is predominantly governed by thermophysiological parameters. To complement this, the key quantitative findings are summarized in Table 2.

Model variability and computational uncertainty in SAR showed consistent patterns across studies. For psSAR10g un- der local exposure, children and adults exhibit broadly similar values, although anatomical factors, such as head size, can yield higher localized absorption in children. Intermodel analyses indicated variability on the order of ∼30%, with rare extreme cases up to a threefold difference. For WBASAR, smaller and child models generally show 40%–60% higher values than adults, whereas additional variability arises from body shape, modeling method, and tissue properties (10%– 30%), with polarization and incidence angle occasionally producing variations of up to ∼60%. Computational uncertainty, which arises from discretization, boundary conditions, and algorithmic implementation, is typically small; however, additional errors of ±10%–20% may occur if the parameters are not properly controlled.

The model variability in the temperature rise showed a different pattern compared with the SAR. For the brain and eye, heating factors per psSAR10g remained consistently be- low ∼0.12–0.19 °C · kg/W, corresponding to <0.1 °C–0.2 °C rises under guideline limits, with limited differences between adults and children. In the skin, variability is mainly due to tissue thickness and microstructure, generally accounting for 10%–20%, whereas pulse exposures highlight the importance of transient surface heating. Core temperature rise is smaller in children and higher in fetuses and the elderly; however, in occupational scenarios, environmental and clothing factors outweigh EMF-induced heating. Furthermore, vascular models, which explicitly represent major blood vessels, have demonstrated additional influence on local temperature distributions, particularly near large arteries and in deep brain regions, although their contribution is generally secondary compared to bulk blood perfusion [174], [175].

Overall, unlike SAR, where anatomical scaling and body size are the dominant sources of variability, temperature rise is more sensitive to thermal and physiological parameters, such as blood perfusion and thermoregulatory responses. While further investigations into these aspects are warranted, with several challenges already identified by international standardization bodies [10], [176], the variability observed to date remains within the margins covered by the reduction factors in ICNIRP and IEEE guidelines, supporting both the robust- ness of current limits and their value for future refinement. Further research is essential, particularly in view of emerging applications such as 6G.

Open access: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11269783

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Prospective cohort study on non-specific symptoms, cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health in relation to electronic media use and transportation noise among adolescents (HERMES): study protocol

Jaillian H, Sandoval-Diez N Waibl VJ, Schmutz M Trefalt S et al. Prospective cohort study on non-specific symptoms, cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health in relation to electronic media use and transportation noise among adolescents (HERMES): study protocol [version 2; peer review: 2 approved with reservations]

This article is included in Horizon Europe gateway and Wireless Communications collection

Abstract

Electronic media (eMedia) devices along with exposure to transportation noise are integral to the daily routines of adolescents. The concerns associated with excessive eMedia usage extend beyond sleep deprivation to include the heightened exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by these wireless devices. The aim of HERMES (Health Effects Related to Mobile PhonE Use in AdolescentS) study is to better understand biophysical and psychological pathways in relation to eMedia use, RF-EMF exposure and transportation noise that may affect cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health, as well as non-specific symptoms. Following two previous HERMES cohorts conducted between 2012 and 2015 we have initiated the third wave of HERMES study as a prospective cohort with intermediate (every four months) and one year follows-up. Eligible participants are adolescents attending 7th or 8th school grades in Northwest and Central Switzerland. Baseline examinations are a questionnaire on eMedia usage and selected health outcomes, as well as computerized cognitive tests. In addition, parents/guardians are asked to fill in a questionnaire about their child’s health and potential eMedia use determinants. Far-field RF-EMF exposure and transportation noise at the place of residence and school are predicted based on a propagation model. Cumulative RF-EMF brain dose is calculated based on self-reported eMedia use, mobile phone operator data, and RF-EMF modelling. A follow-up visit is conducted one year later, and two interim questionnaires are sent to adolescents to be completed at home. Between baseline and 1-year follow-up, a subsample of 150 study participants is invited to collect personal RF-EMF measurements as well as sleep and physical activity data using accelerometers. This new recruitment wave of HERMES study provides a greater understanding of causal pathways between eMedia, RF-EMF, and transportation noise exposure and their effects on health outcomes, with relevant implications for both governmental health policy and lay people alike.

Plain Language Summary

Use of electronic media (eMedia) devices such as mobile phones as well exposure to transportation noise are inseparable parts of adolescents’ everyday life. The excessive use of eMedia can be of concern when it results in sleep deprivation, but also when it leads to an increase in exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) emitted by wireless devices. These exposures could potentially affect cognition, and mental health resulting in behavioral problems of adolescents.

This study is part of a large research effort within the project GOLIAT aiming to understand the relationship of eMedia use, RF EMF exposure, and transportation noise exposure with cognitive, behavioral, sleep and mental health, as well as non-specific symptoms of Swiss adolescents. In this research, we recruit adolescents in secondary school and use questionnaires, cognitive tests, measurement devices, and mobile applications to collect information regarding exposure and outcomes at two time points, at baseline and one year later.

https://open-research-europe.ec.europa.eu/articles/4-120/v2

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The Impact of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Waves on the Neurons and Blood Brain Barrier Integrity in the Chick Embryo

Siddiqi N, Moin F, Al-Kindi M. The Impact of Mobile Phone Electromagnetic Waves on the Neurons and Blood Brain Barrier Integrity in the Chick Embryo. Biomed Pharmacol J 2024;17(3).

Abstract

The electromagnetic environment surrounding us has dramatically evolved over the past decade, with the proliferation of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other wireless technologies becoming commonplace in our daily lives. Mobile phones emit non-ionizing low-frequency electromagnetic waves (EW). To examine the effects of EW on living cells, this study aims to explore the impact of cell phone EW on the developing brain of chick embryos. The fertilized eggs were allowed to develop under exposure to electromagnetic waves emitted by cell mobile. A cell phone was placed inside the incubator with 20 eggs and was called from outside on a precise schedule.  The same number of fertilized eggs were placed in another incubator without a mobile phone and served as the control. Embryos were sacrificed on days 10 and 15, and the cerebral cortex and cerebellum were removed and sent for electron microscopy. In the control group, cerebral neurons appeared healthy, with a large, centrally placed nucleus, visible oligodendrocytes, and a less dense extracellular matrix. In contrast, neurons from the exposed group were smaller, fewer in number, with unclear nuclear margins, signs of shrinkage, and apoptosis and a dense extracellular matrix. In the cerebellum, the exposed group revealed a reduced number of Purkinje neurons and noticeable mitochondrial swelling. The blood-brain barrier remained intact in the control group but was compromised in the exposed group. We conclude that electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones adversely affect the normal development of the brain in chick embryos.

Open access:  https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no3/the-impact-of-mobile-phone-electromagnetic-waves-on-the-neurons-and-blood-brain-barrier-integrity-in-the-chick-embryo/

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Role of radio-frequency electromagnetic waves in causing oxidative stress

Siddiqi N, Al Nazwani N. Role of radio-frequency electromagnetic waves in causing oxidative stress. In Eds: Faiza Alam, Rehana Rehman, Fundamental Principles of Oxidative Stress in Metabolism and Reproduction. Academic Press, 2024, Pages 77-91. doiL 10.1016/B978-0-443-18807-7.00005-3.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to study the effects of electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones on the heart, liver, and brain in a developing chick embryo. Forty fertilized chick eggs were acquired. Twenty eggs were placed in the egg incubator with a mobile phone, which was given calls from outside while the other 20 eggs were not exposed to mobile. Embryos were sacrificed at days 10 and 15 of its development, heart, liver, and brain tissues were removed, and electron microscopy and heat shock protein 70 were done. Exposed groups showed elongated, dumbbell-shaped mitochondria in the hepatocytes, swollen mitochondria in the neurons, and damaged mitochondria and intercalated discs in the cardiomyocyte. HSP70 levels were increased in exposed groups in cardiomyocytes and hepatocytes confirming oxidative stress by the cells. We conclude that electromagnetic waves damaged the mitochondria in the heart, liver, and neurons of the developing chick embryo.

Excerpt

For each experiment, 40 fertilized eggs were randomly divided into two groups: the control and the experimental group. One incubator was used carrying 20 eggs at a time: one wave of the exposed group experiment and one wave of the control group. Freshly fertilized chicken eggs were exposed to radiofrequency waves (RFW) emitted by a mobile phone during embryonic development and compared with the control eggs, which were not exposed to RFW. A popular mobile phone and service provider was selected with 1800 MHz frequency, power of 0.47 W/kg body, and SAR 1.10 W/kg (head). A TriField Meter, model 100XE was used to detect the strength of RFW of the mobile phone during the experiment (Fig. 5.1). Experimental group: 20 fertilized eggs were incubated in the incubator with the mobile phone in silent mode with the vibration mode disabled. The distance of all the eggs from the mobile phone was maintained within one wavelength (approximately 16.5 cm) of the emitting 1800 MHz frequency electromagnetic waves. The mobile phone was rung from another mobile phone for 5 min, 10 times daily with an exposure-free period in between the calls. No calls were made at night. The total daily exposure duration was 50 min in each 24 h starting from day 1. Ten eggs were sacrificed on day 10 (total exposure time 500 min) and 10 eggs at day 15 (total exposure time 750 min). For the control group, 20 eggs were placed in the incubator, and 10 eggs were sacrificed on days 10 and the other 10 eggs at day 15 of development.

Conclusion

It is apparent from this study that electromagnetic wave exposure has induced many changes to the hepatocytes, cardiomyocytes, and neurons of developing chick embryos, especially to the mitochondria and increase in the levels of HSP70. Hence, it is scientifically documented that these electromagnetic waves are causing stress to the living cells. Further studies should be carried out to fully understand the mechanism of apoptosis because of this mitochondrial damage when exposed to RFW.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780443188077000053

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Behaviour and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 3.6 GHz radio-frequency electromagnetic fields

De Boose P, Ribas FO, Bell D, Bouga M, De Borre E, Fröhlich J, Hatjina F, Huss A, Kalapouti A, Katsamenis OL, Blackwell L, Georgiadou P, Mohiud-Din A, Alshamrani E, Lasbleiz C, Stavrinides M, Thanou Z, Tsagkarakis A, Varnava A, Zahner M, Wijnen H, Thielens A. Behaviour and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 3.6 GHz radio-frequency electromagnetic fields. PLoS One. 2025 Dec 1;20(12):e0336228. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336228. 

Abstract

Insects are exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields emitted by wireless telecommunication networks. A part of these fields will be absorbed by these insects. This absorption might have biological effects, depending on the amount of absorbed power. It is currently unknown at what level of absorption this might occur. To investigate this, we used RF dosimetry of adult Drosophila melanogaster flies, which we combined with two assays studying the locomotor activity and fecundity of D. melanogaster exposed to electromagnetic fields at 3.6 GHz. To perform dosimetry, we created a 3D digital twin of an adult fly using micro-CT scans of a female D. melanogaster. We used this model in numerical EM simulations to estimate the absorbed power in the fly as a function of RF frequency in the far field of an antenna and during the two experimental assays at 3.6 GHz. In the behavioural experiments, no effects were found on the locomotor activity for a 5-day exposure to RF field values between 5.4 and 9 V/m, which correspond to 3.56 nW to 9.88 nW absorbed power. We also did not find any effects on fecundity, at an absorption level of 1.91 mW for 48h at 3.6 GHz. In our future work, we aim to investigate possible exposure effects at higher frequencies and exposures, and for immature stages. 

Open access: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0336228

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Mitigating Heat-Induced Sperm Damage and Testicular Tissue Abnormalities: The Protective Role of Radiofrequency Radiation from Wi-Fi Routers in Rodent Models

Mahmoudi R, Karbalay-Doust S, Masoudi E, Jafari-Barmak M, Ghanbri A, Nikseresht M, Mortazavi SMJ, Mortazavi SA. Mitigating Heat-Induced Sperm Damage and Testicular Tissue Abnormalities: The Protective Role of Radiofrequency Radiation from Wi-Fi Routers in Rodent Models. J Biomed Phys Eng. 2025 Dec 1;15(6):555-566. doi: 10.31661/jbpe.v0i0.2405-1759. 

Abstract

Background: Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (RF-EMF) have raised concerns due to their potential adverse effects on reproductive health. However, emerging evidence indicates that exposure to low-level RF-EMF may induce adaptive responses, rendering cells or organisms more resilient to subsequent stressors.

Objective: To investigate whether exposure to 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi radiation could mitigate heat-induced damage in the reproductive system of male rats.

Material and methods: In this factorial experimental study, 32 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, RF-EMF alone, heat stress alone, and RF-EMF combined with heat stress. Rats in the RF-EMF group were exposed to RF-EMF for 2 hours daily over 52 days, while those in the heat group experienced 10 minutes of heat stress per day over the same period. The 'RF-EMF + heat' group received both RF-EMF and heat exposure. After 52 days, the testes and sperm parameters were assessed.

Results: Animals exposed to 'RF-EMF + heat' combined with heat showed significant improvements in testis volume, tubular epithelium, interstitium, cell counts, sperm quality, and Leydig cells compared to those exposed to heat alone (P<0.05).

Conclusion: As far as we know, this is the first study to explore the potential protective effects of RF-EMF exposure against heat-induced structural abnormalities in the testes of male rats. Our findings suggest that RF-EMF exposure may mitigate heat-induced damage, possibly through the induction of adaptive responses. These results have implications for various fields, including reproductive biology, environmental health, and occupational safety, highlighting the need for further research to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Excerpt

A D-Link Wi-Fi router (D-Link, D-Link Corporation, Taiwan) was used in this study as the RF-EMF exposure source. This modem was exchanging data with a laptop computer that was in another room (at least 5 meters away from the Wi-Fi router) during the exposure period. The Wi-Fi router operated on power level of 1W and the Specific Absorption Rate at the distance of 30 cm in animals’ head level, as reported in another publication by our team, was 0.091 W/kg [11]

Open access: https://jbpe.sums.ac.ir/article_50328_e8a7f3e8c74e93143def214e643cc851.pdf

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Time-Dependence Effect of 2.45 GHz RF-EMR Exposure on Male Reproductive Hormones and LHCGR

Jamaludin N, Ibrahim SF, Osman K, Syed Taha SMA, Hairulazam A, Vijay S, Farzana Zulkefli A, Mat Ros MF, Fathihah Jaffar FH. Time-Dependence Effect of 2.45 GHz RF-EMR Exposure on Male Reproductive Hormones and LHCGR. Journal of Pioneering Medical Sciences. 2025 Oct;14(10):43-51.

Abstract

As wireless technologies become increasingly integrated into daily life, concerns have grown regarding the biological effects of Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Radiation (RF-EMR), particularly its influence on the Luteinizing Hormone (LH)–LH receptor (LHCGR)-testosterone pathway within the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis. This study investigated the effects of 2.45 GHz Wi-Fi exposure on this pathway in male rats. A total of 24 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group) and exposed to Wi-Fi for 0 (control), 4, 8, or 24 hours daily for eight weeks. Serum LH and testosterone levels were measured by ELISA. LHCGR gene and protein expression were assessed using RT-qPCR and Western blot. All data were analyzed using ANOVA, except for serum testosterone levels which were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. No significant differences were found in systemic LH or testosterone levels between groups. However, LHCGR mRNA expression showed a significant time-dependent increase. LHCGR protein levels decreased with shorter exposure durations and showed partial improvement at 24 hours, though they remained significantly lower than controls. These findings suggest that although systemic hormonal levels remain stable, RF-EMR exposure may associated with molecular alterations in testicular tissue, including compensatory upregulation of LHCGR expression. The increased LHCGR gene expression, alongside the fluctuating protein levels, indicates an adaptive, but not fully restorative response in Leydig cells compared with non-exposed controls.

Open access: https://jpmsonline.com/article/time-dependence-effect-of-2-45-ghz-rf-emr-exposure-on-male-reproductive-hormones-and-lhcgr-906/

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From adults to offspring: Wi-Fi RF-EMR exposure in adult zebrafish impairs reproduction and transgenerationally effects development and behavior of progeny

Mehta J, Khira R, Fumakiya S, Sharma P, Punekar A, Jain C, Uggini GK. From adults to offspring: Wi-Fi RF-EMR exposure in adult zebrafish impairs reproduction and transgenerationally effects development and behavior of progeny. Sci Total Environ. 2025 Dec 15;1008:180982. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2025.180982. 

Abstract

The widespread presence of wireless communication technologies in modern human society is raising concerns about the biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR). In this study the impacts of Wi-Fi induced RF-EMR exposure in Danio rerio (zebrafish) were examined. Adult zebrafish were exposed to 4 h of RF-EMR daily from a 4G Wi-Fi router over a 30-day period. The exposed adult fish were bred under exposure free condition, on the 10th, 20th and 30th day of experiment. Fertilized embryos obtained from these breeding events were maintained under EMF-free conditions and were observed up to 10 dpf and analysed for developmental and neurobehavioral changes. After completion of the exposure on the 30th day, the adult male and female gonads were processed for histomorphological study. Histopathological analysis revealed significant testicular abnormalities, including seminiferous tubule disintegration, reduced spermatids, and abnormal lumina. Ovaries showed notable follicular degeneration and stromal disruption. Significant rates of mortality and gross morphological abnormalities like yolk sac edema, pericardial edema, curved axis and tail deformities were found in the progeny of exposed fish. Malformation rates increased significantly with longer adult exposure periods. Neurobehavioral tests on these larvae at 10 dpf showed anxiety-like behavior. The results indicated progressive decline in reproductive health of adults and increased adversities in the progeny. The study highlights long-term biological risks of widespread electromagnetic radiation exposure and calls for further research into potential transgenerational effects. 

Highlights

Zebrafish were exposed to 4G Wi-Fi RF-EMR for 30 days, 4 h/day.
Fish were bred on 10th, 20th, and 30th day of exposure.
Exposure caused damage to gonadal histoarchitecture in both males and females.
The progeny of exposed adults showed severe developmental malformations and neurobehavioral alterations.
Study highlights progressive transgenerational effects of Wi-Fi RF-EMR that intensify with longer exposure.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41264945/

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Modeling the interplay between myelin architecture and local electromagnetic fields

Han J, Qin P, Zhu G, Wang R, Bai S, Wen J, Italiano M, Aplin F, Lovell NH, Tsai D, Wang H, Guo T. Modeling the interplay between myelin architecture and local electromagnetic fields. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2025 Jul;2025:1-4. doi: 10.1109/EMBC58623.2025.11253436. 

Abstract

Myelin plays a vital role in the functioning of the nervous system and is highly susceptible to damage in neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigates how alterations in electromagnetic fields associated with myelin can reflect its integrity. To achieve this, we developed a 3D microstructure model using finite element analysis and high-resolution imaging, enabling us to simulate electromagnetic field distributions. Unlike conventional models, our approach retains key microstructural details. Our findings demonstrate that the myelin microstructure significantly influences the distribution of electromagnetic fields, with variations in these fields potentially serving as indicators of myelin health. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that combining assessments of both electric and magnetic fields provides a more comprehensive understanding of myelin integrity.

Clinical Relevance-This work offers a non-invasive framework for tracking disease progression by analyzing electromagnetic signatures, thus providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. 

https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11253436

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Electrical oscillations in microtubules 

Mohsin M, Cantiello HF, Cantero MR, Marucho M. Electrical oscillations in microtubules. Sci Rep 15, 41106 (2025). doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-24920-w 

Abstract

Environmental perturbations and local changes in cellular electric potential can stimulate cytoskeletal filaments to transmit ionic currents along their surface. Advanced models and accurate experiments may provide a molecular understanding of these processes and reveal their role in cell electrical activities. This article introduces a multi-scale electrokinetic model incorporating atomistic protein details and biological environments to characterize electrical impulses along microtubules. We consider that condensed ionic layers on microtubule surfaces form two coupled asymmetric nonlinear electrical transmission lines. The model accounts for tubulin-tubulin interactions, dissipation, and a nanopore coupling between inner and outer surfaces, enabling luminal currents, energy transfer, amplification, and oscillatory dynamics that resemble the experimentally observed transistor properties of microtubules. The approach has been used to analyze how different electrolyte conditions and voltage stimuli affect electrical impulses’ shape, attenuation, oscillation, and propagation velocity along microtubules. Integrating transistor-like properties in the microtubules model has profound implications for intracellular communication and bioelectronic applications.

Conclusion

In summary, the combined theoretical and experimental evidence underscores the central role of nanopores in the electrical activity of MTs. Pharmacological inhibition by Taxol and Gd³⁺ demonstrates that these pores are not passive structural defects but functional nanogates whose state determines the oscillatory and amplifying properties of the polymer. Their coupling to the surrounding ionic environment enables MTs to act as biological transistors, mediating nonlinear amplification and signal propagation at the nanoscale.

By situating these phenomena within the broader context of cell signaling, our findings extend the frontier of cytoskeletal biophysics, positioning MTs as active bioelectronic elements with potential relevance for cellular communication, neuronal dynamics, and emergent quantum–electrodynamic phenomena in biology. Rather than relying solely on diffusion-limited processes, cells could harness frequency-specific oscillatory signals along cytoskeletal filaments to regulate local biochemical events, synchronize activity across compartments, and potentially contribute to higher-order integrative processes in excitable tissues such as the brain. This biological framing underscores the broader significance of our model, making it accessible not only to physicists and engineers but also to experimental biologists interested in cytoskeletal dynamics and cell communication.

Open access: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-24920-w

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Role of visual and non-visual opsins in blue light–induced neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster

Piacenti-Silva M, de Mattos AS, Zaparoli HH, de Oliveira M, Morimoto J, Zilli Vieira CL. Role of visual and non-visual opsins in blue light–induced neurodegeneration in Drosophila melanogaster. Frontiers in Public Health. Volume 13. 2025. doi:10.3389/fpubh.2025.1644780

Abstract

Introduction  Light plays a key role in regulating circadian rhythms and downstream physiological and behavioural functions. However, excessive exposure to artificial blue light (450–500 nm) can disrupt sleep, metabolism and neural integrity. Visual opsins mediate light-dependent signalling, but organisms also express non-visual opsins whose roles in blue-light-induced neural stress are not well understood.

Methods  We used Drosophila melanogaster knockout lines lacking either visual rhodopsin 1 (Rh11) or non-visual rhodopsin 7 (Rh71), alongside wild-type (w1118) controls. Flies were continuously exposed to 488 nm blue light (1,320 lux; 1,120 μW·cm−2) from egg deposition until they were 20 days old. DNA damage (γ-H2Av immunostaining) and vacuole formation were quantified in brain regions associated with sensory processing and neurotransmission.

Results  Rh11 flies exhibited the highest levels of DNA damage and vacuolisation compared to the w1118 and Rh71 lines. These effects were most pronounced in neuropils linked to sensory integration and synaptic activity.

Discussion  Our findings demonstrate that the visual opsin Rh1 plays a predominant role in blue-light-induced DNA damage and neurodegeneration in the Drosophila central nervous system. This suggests that it is visual, rather than non-visual, opsins that mediate the neurotoxic effects of exposure to artificial light.

Open access: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1644780