5G and Cell Tower Radiation Research

Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity under 28 GHz 5G-band electromagnetic radiation in rats: Insights into the mitigative role of vitamin C

Unknown authors · 2026

The International Collaborative Animal Study of Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation Carcinogenicity and Genotoxicity: The Japanese Study

Imaida K et al. · 2026

The study included a 28-day preliminary toxicity study, genotoxicity assays, and a two-year carcinogenicity assessment following OECD guidelines. No statistically significant increases in neoplastic or non-neoplastic lesions were found in major organs including brain, heart, and adrenal glands.

The International Collaborative Animal Study of The Carcinogenicity and Genotoxicity of Mobile Phone Radiofrequency Radiation: The Korean Study

Kim HS et al. · 2026

Researchers conducted a chronic bioassay in Korea and Japan using the same protocol to test CDMA-modulated 900 MHz RF at a whole-body SAR of 4 W/kg. Exposure began on gestational day 5 and continued for 18 hours 20 minutes each day with 10-minute on/off cycles. The Korean study observed no statistically significant changes in tumor incidence or survival rates. No significant RF-related effects were found in the heart, brain, or adrenal glands, and genotoxicity tests showed no DNA damage or mutation.

Ameliorative Role of Coenzyme Q10 in RF Radiation-Associated Testicular and Oxidative Impairments in a 3.5-GHz Exposure Model

Bektas H, Yildirim S, Cakir S, Dogu S, Altindag F · 2026

Twenty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into Control, RF, CoQ10, and RF + CoQ10 groups. RF exposure lowered testosterone, LH, and FSH, raised MDA and TOS, and produced degenerative testicular changes; CoQ10 partially reversed these changes by restoring testosterone and TAS and reducing tissue damage.

Neurotoxic effects of 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF exposure on cultured DRG neurons: a mechanistic insight into oxidative and apoptotic pathways

Bektas H, Seker A, Ustun R, Dogu S · 2026

Researchers exposed primary mouse dorsal root ganglion cultures to pulsed 3.5 GHz GSM-like RF-EMF for 1 to 24 hours in a GTEM-based setup. Dosimetry confirmed non-thermal exposure with temperature differences below 0.1°C. They assessed cell viability, ROS levels, mitochondrial apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl-2, cytochrome c, caspase-3), and p75^NTR using blinded confocal analysis. Exposure caused a time-dependent reduction in viability, robust ROS elevations, increased Bax and caspase-3, decreased Bcl-2, and cytochrome c release, with maximal effects at 12 to 24 hours. p75^NTR upregulation indicated maladaptive neurotrophin signaling.

Effects of wireless local area network exposure on testicular morphology and VEGF levels

Effects of wireless local area network exposure on testicular morphology and VEGF levels Çakmak E et al. · 2026

VEGFA gene expression and protein levels increased significantly in the exposed group while HIF1A gene expression did not change. Exposed rats had reduced seminiferous tubule diameter, epithelial thickness, tubule density, and Sertoli cell count.

5G RF-EMFs Mitigate UV-Induced Genotoxic Stress Through Redox Balance and p38 Pathway Regulation in Skin Cells

Kim JH et al. · 2026

Researchers exposed human keratinocytes and murine melanoma cells to UVA radiation followed by 5G RF-EMFs at 3.5 and 28 GHz. Post-UV RF-EMF exposure significantly reduced DNA damage markers such as γH2AX foci formation by approximately 30–50% and comet tail moments by 60–80%, and suppressed intracellular ROS accumulation by 56–93%. These effects were accompanied by selective attenuation of p38 MAPK phosphorylation reduced by 55–85%. The magnitude of molecular protection was comparable to that of N-acetylcysteine treatment or pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK. However, RF-EMF exposure did not reverse UV-induced reductions in cell viability or alterations in cell cycle distribution.

Exposure to hexavalent chromium and 1800 MHz electromagnetic radiation can synergistically induce intracellular DNA damage in mouse embryonic fibroblasts

Zhu Y, Zhu L, Lan Y, Sun C, Chen G · 2026

Researchers exposed mouse embryonic fibroblasts to 1800 MHz RF-EMF alone or combined with hydrogen peroxide, 4NQO, cadmium, or hexavalent chromium. RF-EMF alone did not cause detectable DNA damage and did not significantly increase damage from hydrogen peroxide, 4NQO, or cadmium. Combined exposure to RF-EMF and hexavalent chromium produced a significant synergistic increase in DNA damage.

Effects of exposure to nearby mobile phone base stations and mobile phone usage on human blood parameters

​ Laldinpuii et al. · 2026

Researchers compared 50 people highly exposed to mobile phone base stations with 51 reference individuals, measuring complete blood counts and the stress markers amylase and cortisol. Stepwise regression showed that base-station exposure significantly predicted total leukocyte count, while gender, age and power density predicted basophil and monocyte counts, and daily mobile-phone use with age predicted basophil and lymphocyte counts. Almost a quarter of the highly base-station-exposed group had basophil counts above reference limits, and over half of heavy mobile-phone users (4–6 hours daily) had lymphocyte counts above limits, most under 30 years old. Smoking and age influenced amylase, but no exposure variable affected amylase or cortisol.

Short-term exposure of 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cellular ROS generation and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell line and impact on developing chick embryo brain tissue

Unknown authors · 2025

Chick embryos were exposed continuously to 2.4 GHz EMR for 4 hours each day over 5 days, and SH-SY5Y cells were also exposed to assess cell viability, DNA damage, and apoptosis. Exposure increased ROS production in SH-SY5Y cells after 4 hours, caused moderate DNA damage, and upregulated the Bax gene as an early apoptosis marker. Antioxidants NAC and Mito-TEMPO reduced the cytotoxic effects of EMR in both models.

Short-term exposure of 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cellular ROS generation and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell line and impact on developing chick embryo brain tissue

Unknown authors · 2025

Researchers exposed developing chick embryos and human nerve cells to 2.4 GHz radiation (the same frequency used by WiFi and Bluetooth) for 4 hours daily over 5 days. They found increased oxidative stress and early signs of cell death in both models, though antioxidants helped reduce these harmful effects. The study suggests even short-term exposure to common wireless frequencies can damage developing brain tissue at the cellular level.

Short-term exposure of 2.4 GHz electromagnetic radiation on cellular ROS generation and apoptosis in SH-SY5Y cell line and impact on developing chick embryo brain tissue

Unknown authors · 2025

Researchers exposed developing chick embryos and human brain cells to 2.4 GHz radiation (the same frequency used by WiFi and Bluetooth) for 4 hours daily over 5 days. The study found that this short-term exposure increased oxidative stress and triggered early signs of cell death in brain tissue, though antioxidants helped reduce these harmful effects.

An 1800 MHz Electromagnetic Field Affects Hormone Levels, Sperm Quality, and Behavior in Laboratory Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Unknown authors · 2025

Researchers exposed rats to 1800 MHz EMF for 12 weeks, 10 minutes four times daily, while control rats were kept in standard conditions. Exposed rats had elevated corticosterone and decreased thyroid-stimulating hormone levels, which persisted for two weeks after EMF exposure stopped. Exposure also decreased sperm motility and viability and increased anxiety in the rats. The authors concluded that 1800 MHz EMF may affect endocrine status, behavior, and reproductive functions, but hormonal disorders appear reversible.

An 1800 MHz Electromagnetic Field Affects Hormone Levels, Sperm Quality, and Behavior in Laboratory Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Unknown authors · 2025

Researchers exposed laboratory rats to 1800 MHz electromagnetic fields (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 12 weeks and found significant hormonal disruptions, reduced sperm quality, and increased anxiety behaviors. The effects included elevated stress hormones, decreased thyroid function, and impaired reproductive health that persisted for weeks after exposure ended.

Possible effects of melatonin and omega-3 on the obesity-related hypothalamic nuclei of the electromagnetic field-exposed offspring rats: a stereological and immunohistochemical analysis

Altun G, Kaplan S · 2025

Offspring hypothalamic neurons were analyzed using stereological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural methods, and anxiety and locomotor behaviors were assessed. EMF exposure reduced neuron numbers in the arcuate nucleus and increased anxiety-like behavior in offspring. Oxidative stress markers were altered and NPY immunoreactivity was stronger in EMF-exposed offspring, while melatonin and omega-3 did not show clear therapeutic effects.

Protective effects of quercetin against 3.5 GHz RF radiation-induced thyroid dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats

Bektas H, Bese Akgun BB, Cakir S, Dogu S, Ahnas B · 2025

Impact of in vitro exposure to 5G-modulated 3.5 GHz fields on oxidative stress and DNA repair in skin cells

Unknown authors · 2025

Researchers exposed human fibroblasts to 5G RF-EMF at SAR of 0.08 and 4 W/kg for 24 hours using BRET-based biosensors. No significant effect was found on oxidative stress markers, adaptive response, or CPD repair kinetics and efficiency.

The effect on rat peripheral nerve morphology and function of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field applied in the prenatal period

Hancı H, Yenilmez E, Demir S, Yıldırım M, Gedikli Ö, Kaya H · 2025

Nine pregnant Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to three groups, with the control group receiving no procedure. The sham group was placed in the EMF cage for 1 hour daily during pregnancy without exposure, and the EMF group was exposed to 900 MHz EMF for the same duration. Offspring were evaluated on postnatal days 21 and 60 with open field and rotarod tests, followed by electrophysiological measurements, and sciatic nerves were analyzed histopathologically, histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically, and biochemically. The study concluded that prenatal 900 MHz EMF exposure adversely affected peripheral nerve development, with persistent morphological changes in the sciatic nerve into adulthood that were not severe enough to impair functional outcomes.

Direct measurement of non-thermal microwave effects on bacterial growth and redox dynamics using a novel high-throughput waveguide applicator

Miles A, Porch A, Choi H, Cripps S, Brown H, Williams C · 2025

Researchers designed a high-throughput waveguide applicator that exposed 96 samples simultaneously to a quantifiable electric field at 2.45 GHz. Staphylococcus aureus bacteria received non-thermal microsecond-pulsed microwave exposure at 25 W r.m.s. for 24 h. After exposure, the bacteria showed significantly higher optical density measurements and growth rates than thermal controls. Fluorescent probes indicated that microwave exposure altered the cellular redox state.

The influence of Wi-Fi on the mesonephros in the 9-day-old chicken embryo

Unknown authors · 2025

The study applied continuous Wi-Fi radiation at 2.4 GHz and 200–500 µW/m² for nine days to chicken embryos. Overall mesonephros development was not adversely affected, but moderate diffuse degenerative changes appeared in mesonephric corpuscles and tubules. Congested blood vessels were observed in the interstitium without inflammatory infiltrate. The exposed group showed significantly more apoptotic and proliferating cells and up-regulated caspase-1 gene expression.

Impact of in vitro exposure to 5G-modulated 3.5 GHz fields on oxidative stress and DNA repair in skin cells

Unknown authors · 2025

Researchers exposed human skin cells to 5G radiofrequency fields at 3.5 GHz for 24 hours to test for cellular damage. They found no increase in oxidative stress or DNA repair problems, even at exposure levels 50 times higher than typical phone use. The study suggests 5G frequencies may not harm skin cells under laboratory conditions.

The effect on rat peripheral nerve morphology and function of a 900-MHz electromagnetic field applied in the prenatal period

Hancı H, Yenilmez E, Demir S, Yıldırım M, Gedikli Ö, Kaya H · 2025

Researchers exposed pregnant rats to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields (similar to cell phone frequencies) for one hour daily throughout pregnancy, then examined their offspring's nerve development into adulthood. The study found that prenatal EMF exposure caused lasting structural damage to peripheral nerves, though not severe enough to impair nerve function. This suggests cell phone radiation during pregnancy may affect developing nervous systems in ways that persist long-term.

Genotoxic and histopathological effects of 6 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation on rat liver tissue

Ilgaz NS et al. · 2025

After exposure, liver tissues were examined for DNA damage using the Comet assay and for histopathologic changes using Masson Trichrome and Hematoxylin Eosin staining. The Comet assay showed higher genetic damage index and damaged cell percentage in exposed rats, but the difference was not statistically significant. Histopathologic examination revealed more prominent portal inflammation, single cell necrosis, vascularity, and congestion in the exposed group.

Repeated Head Exposures to a 5G-3.5 GHz Signal Do Not Alter Behavior but Modify Intracortical Gene Expression in Adult Male Mice

Unknown authors · 2025

Researchers exposed mice to a 5G-modulated 3.5 GHz signal for 1 hour daily, 5 days per week over six weeks at a brain-averaged SAR of 0.19 W/kg. Behavioral tests after four weeks showed no significant effects on locomotion, anxiety, or memory. mRNA profiling at the end revealed significant expression changes in less than 1% of genes, with over-representation of glutamatergic synapse genes. The right cortical area with a SAR of 0.43 W/kg showed more mitochondrial genome-encoded responsive genes than the left area with a SAR of 0.14 W/kg.

Possible effects of melatonin and omega-3 on the obesity-related hypothalamic nuclei of the electromagnetic field-exposed offspring rats: a stereological and immunohistochemical analysis

Altun G, Kaplan S · 2025

Researchers exposed pregnant rats to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for 2 hours daily and found their offspring had fewer brain neurons in areas controlling appetite, along with increased anxiety behaviors. The study also examined whether melatonin or omega-3 supplements could protect against these effects, but found limited benefits.