Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.
Court-Kowalski S et al, (April 2015) Effect of long-term (2 years) exposure of mouse brains to global system for mobile communication (GSM) radiofrequency fields on astrocytic immunoreactivity., Bioelectromagnetics. 2015 Apr;36(3):245-50. doi: 10.1002/bem.21891
No Effects Found
Authors not listed · 2015
Two-year exposure to high-level 900 MHz radiation caused no brain inflammation in mice, but doesn't rule out other neurological effects.
Plain English Summary
Summary written for general audiences
Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation at 900 MHz (4 W/kg) for 5 days per week over 2 years, then examined their brains for signs of glial cell activation. The study found no detectable changes in astrocytes (brain support cells) compared to unexposed control mice, suggesting no inflammatory brain response occurred.
Exposure Information
Cite This Study
Unknown (2015). Court-Kowalski S et al, (April 2015) Effect of long-term (2 years) exposure of mouse brains to global system for mobile communication (GSM) radiofrequency fields on astrocytic immunoreactivity., Bioelectromagnetics. 2015 Apr;36(3):245-50. doi: 10.1002/bem.21891.
Show BibTeX
@article{court_kowalski_s_et_al_april_2015_effect_of_long_term_2_years_exposure_of_mouse_brains_to_global_system_for_mobile_communication_gsm_radiofrequency_fields_on_astrocytic_immunoreactivity_bioelectromagn_ce1785,
author = {Unknown},
title = {Court-Kowalski S et al, (April 2015) Effect of long-term (2 years) exposure of mouse brains to global system for mobile communication (GSM) radiofrequency fields on astrocytic immunoreactivity., Bioelectromagnetics. 2015 Apr;36(3):245-50. doi: 10.1002/bem.21891},
year = {2015},
doi = {10.1002/bem.21891},
}Quick Questions About This Study
No, this study found no signs of astrocyte activation or brain inflammation after 2 years of 900 MHz exposure at 4 W/kg, which is much higher than typical phone radiation levels.
Mice were exposed to 900 MHz GSM radiation for 2 full years (104 weeks), receiving exposure 5 days per week in this long-term study design.
GFAP immunostaining detects glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker that increases when astrocytes (brain support cells) become activated due to injury, stress, or inflammation in brain tissue.
No, 4 W/kg is much higher than real-world phone use. Most countries limit phone radiation to 0.5-2 W/kg, and actual exposure during calls is typically much lower.
No, astrocyte activation is just one potential brain response. EMF could affect neurons, blood-brain barrier, or brain chemistry through other pathways not measured in this study.