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Note: This study found no significant biological effects under its experimental conditions. We include all studies for scientific completeness.

Cellular Effects

Electromagnetic fields (UHF) increase voltage sensitivity of membrane ion channels; possible indication of cell phone effect on living cells.

No Effects Found

Ketabi N, Mobasheri H, Faraji-Dana R. · 2013

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Cell phone frequencies can make cellular ion channels more electrically sensitive without damaging them, revealing subtle molecular effects.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Iranian researchers exposed protein ion channels (tiny gateways in cell membranes) to cell phone frequencies between 910-990 MHz and found that the electromagnetic fields made these channels more sensitive to electrical changes. While the channels still functioned normally, they responded more readily to voltage changes when exposed to EMF, with the strongest effect occurring at 930 MHz. This suggests that cell phone radiation can subtly alter how cellular components behave at the molecular level, even without causing obvious damage.

Exposure Information

A logarithmic frequency spectrum from 10 Hz to 100 GHz showing where this study's 990 MHz exposure sits relative to common EMF sources.Where This Frequency Sits on the EMF SpectrumELFVLFLF / MFHF / VHFUHFSHFmm10 Hz100 GHzThis study: 990 MHzPower lines50/60 Hz5G mm28 GHzLogarithmic scale

The study examined exposure from: 910 to 990 MHz

Study Details

The effects of ultra high frequency (UHF) nonionizing electromagnetic fields (EMF) on the channel activities of nanopore forming protein, OmpF porin, were investigated.

The voltage clamp technique was used to study the single channel activity of the pore in an artifici...

Our results show that the effects of EMF on channel activities are frequency dependent, with a maxim...

We have not identified any changes in the capacitance and permeability of membrane in the presence of EMF. The effect of the EMF irradiated by cell phones is measured by Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) in artificial model of human head, Phantom. Thus, current approach applied to biological molecules and electrolytes might be considered as complement to evaluate safety of irradiating sources on biological matter at molecular level.

Cite This Study
Ketabi N, Mobasheri H, Faraji-Dana R. (2013). Electromagnetic fields (UHF) increase voltage sensitivity of membrane ion channels; possible indication of cell phone effect on living cells. Electromagn Biol Med. 2013 Nov 15.
Show BibTeX
@article{n_2013_electromagnetic_fields_uhf_increase_3133,
  author = {Ketabi N and Mobasheri H and Faraji-Dana R.},
  title = {Electromagnetic fields (UHF) increase voltage sensitivity of membrane ion channels; possible indication of cell phone effect on living cells.},
  year = {2013},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24236537/},
}
PubMed: 24236537

Cited By (11 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, cell phone radiation can affect ion channels in cell membranes. A 2013 Iranian study found that frequencies between 910-990 MHz made protein ion channels more sensitive to electrical changes, with the strongest effect at 930 MHz, though the channels continued functioning normally.
Cell phone EMF can subtly alter cellular behavior at the molecular level. Research shows that 910-990 MHz frequencies increase voltage sensitivity in membrane ion channels, making them respond more readily to electrical changes without causing obvious damage or affecting their conductance.
The 930 MHz frequency shows the strongest effect on cellular ion channels, making them more voltage-sensitive. However, this Iranian study found no significant harmful effects and the channels maintained normal function and conductance despite increased sensitivity to electrical changes.
Cell phone radiation between 910-990 MHz increases the voltage sensitivity of ion channels in cell membranes. While the channels gate more frequently and respond more readily to voltage changes, their overall conductance and the membrane's basic properties remain unchanged.
This 2013 study found no significant harmful cellular effects from cell phone EMF at 910-990 MHz frequencies. While ion channels became more voltage-sensitive, they maintained normal function, suggesting subtle molecular changes without obvious cellular damage or dysfunction.