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Exposure to radiation from global system for mobile communications at 1,800 MHz significantly changes gene expression in rat hippocampus and cortex.

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Nittby H, Widegren B, Krogh M, Grafström G, Berlin H, Rehn G, Eberhardt JL, Malmgren L, Persson BRR, Salford L. · 2008

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Cell phone radiation significantly altered hundreds of genes in rat brain tissue after just 6 hours at exposure levels similar to long phone calls.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Swedish researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation at 1,800 MHz for 6 hours and analyzed gene activity in brain regions critical for memory and thinking. The radiation significantly altered the expression of hundreds of genes, particularly those involved in cell membrane functions and cellular communication. This suggests that even brief exposure to mobile phone radiation can trigger measurable biological changes in brain tissue at the genetic level.

Why This Matters

This study represents some of the most detailed molecular evidence we have that cell phone radiation creates biological effects in brain tissue. The researchers found significant changes in gene expression patterns in both the hippocampus (critical for memory) and cortex (involved in higher thinking) after just 6 hours of exposure. What makes this particularly concerning is that the exposure level used (30 mW/kg brain SAR) is well within current safety limits and comparable to what your brain experiences during a long phone call. The fact that genes related to membrane function were most affected aligns with the same research team's previous findings showing that cell phone radiation increases blood-brain barrier permeability. Put simply, this study demonstrates that mobile phone radiation doesn't just pass harmlessly through brain tissue - it actively changes how brain cells function at the most fundamental genetic level.

Exposure Details

SAR
0.013 (Whole body) and 0.03 (brain) W/kg
Source/Device
1,800 MHz GSM Mobile test phone
Exposure Duration
6h

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextStudy Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 0.013 (Whole body) and 0.03 (brain) W/kgExtreme Concern - 0.1 W/kgFCC Limit - 1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Severe Concern rangeFCC limit is 123x higher than this level
A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 1.80 GHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 1.80 GHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

Study Details

To study whether the exposure to radiation from global system for mobile communications at 1,800 MHz significantly changes gene expression in rat hippocampus and cortex.

The study was conducted with 6 h of exposure to the radiation from a GSM mobile test phone at 1,800 ...

Gene ontology analysis (using the gene ontology categories biological processes, molecular functions...

Cite This Study
Nittby H, Widegren B, Krogh M, Grafström G, Berlin H, Rehn G, Eberhardt JL, Malmgren L, Persson BRR, Salford L. (2008). Exposure to radiation from global system for mobile communications at 1,800 MHz significantly changes gene expression in rat hippocampus and cortex. Environmentalist 28(4), 458-465, 2008.
Show BibTeX
@article{h_2008_exposure_to_radiation_from_19,
  author = {Nittby H and Widegren B and Krogh M and Grafström G and Berlin H and Rehn G and Eberhardt JL and Malmgren L and Persson BRR and Salford L.},
  title = {Exposure to radiation from global system for mobile communications at 1,800 MHz significantly changes gene expression in rat hippocampus and cortex.},
  year = {2008},
  doi = {10.1007/s10669-008-9170-8},
  url = {http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10669-008-9170-8},
}
DOI: 10.1007/s10669-008-9170-8

Cited By (43 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, Swedish researchers found that just 6 hours of 1,800 MHz GSM radiation significantly altered hundreds of genes in rat brain tissue. The study specifically affected genes controlling cell membrane functions and cellular communication in both the hippocampus and cortex regions critical for memory.
The hippocampus and cortex showed significant genetic changes after 1,800 MHz GSM exposure. These brain regions are critical for memory formation and cognitive thinking. Researchers found altered gene expression in both areas, particularly affecting membrane-related cellular functions.
Hundreds of genes showed altered expression after just 6 hours of 1,800 MHz cell phone radiation exposure. The Swedish study found the most significant changes occurred in genes controlling extracellular regions, signal transduction, and membrane functions in rat brain tissue.
Yes, even brief 6-hour exposure to 1,800 MHz GSM radiation triggered measurable biological changes at the genetic level. Swedish researchers found significant alterations in gene expression patterns in brain tissue, particularly affecting cellular membrane functions and communication pathways.
Cell membrane functions are most significantly affected by 1,800 MHz GSM radiation. The study found altered genes primarily involved in extracellular regions, signal transduction, and membrane-related processes. These changes may relate to previously observed effects on brain blood barrier permeability.