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Whole body exposure to 2.4 GHz WIFI signals: Effects on cognitive impairment in adult triple transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD)

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Banaceur S, Banasr S, Sakly M, Abdelmelek H · 2013

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This study found WiFi exposure improved memory in Alzheimer's mice, but one positive result doesn't outweigh extensive research showing RF radiation harms brain function.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed mice genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms to WiFi signals (2.4 GHz) for 2 hours daily over one month. Surprisingly, they found the WiFi exposure actually improved cognitive performance in the Alzheimer's mice compared to unexposed controls. This unexpected result suggests radiofrequency radiation might have some protective effects on brain function in certain disease states.

Why This Matters

This study presents one of the most counterintuitive findings in EMF research: WiFi signals appearing to improve cognitive function in mice predisposed to Alzheimer's disease. The exposure level used (1.6 W/kg SAR) is actually above typical smartphone limits, making this relevant to real-world exposures. However, this single positive result must be viewed cautiously within the broader body of EMF brain research, which predominantly shows concerning effects including cognitive impairment, memory problems, and neurological changes. The reality is that one study showing potential benefits doesn't override the substantial evidence of harm from radiofrequency exposure. What this means for you is that while intriguing, this research shouldn't be interpreted as evidence that WiFi is beneficial for brain health in humans.

Exposure Details

SAR
1.6 W/kg
Source/Device
2.40 GHz WIFI
Exposure Duration
continuous for 2 h/day for 1 month

Exposure Context

This study used 1.6 W/kg for SAR (device absorption):

Building Biology guidelines are practitioner-based limits from real-world assessments. BioInitiative Report recommendations are based on peer-reviewed science. Check Your Exposure to compare your own measurements.

Where This Falls on the Concern Scale

Study Exposure Level in ContextA logarithmic scale showing exposure levels relative to Building Biology concern thresholds and regulatory limits.Study Exposure Level in ContextThis study: 1.6 W/kgExtreme Concern0.1 W/kgFCC Limit1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 1x higher than this exposure level

Study Details

The present investigation aimed at evaluating the effects of long-term exposure to WIFI type radiofrequency (RF) signals (2.40 GHz), two hours per day during one month at a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 1.60 W/kg.

The effects of RF exposure were studied on wildtype mice and triple transgenic mice (3xTg-AD) destin...

Our data demonstrate for the first time that RF improves cognitive behavior of 3xTg-AD mice.

We conclude that RF exposure may represent an effective memory-enhancing approach in Alzheimer's disease

Cite This Study
Banaceur S, Banasr S, Sakly M, Abdelmelek H (2013). Whole body exposure to 2.4 GHz WIFI signals: Effects on cognitive impairment in adult triple transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD) Behav Brain Res. 240:197-201, 2013.
Show BibTeX
@article{s_2013_whole_body_exposure_to_66,
  author = {Banaceur S and Banasr S and Sakly M and Abdelmelek H},
  title = {Whole body exposure to 2.4 GHz WIFI signals: Effects on cognitive impairment in adult triple transgenic mouse models of Alzheimer's disease (3xTg-AD)},
  year = {2013},
  
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166432812007437},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Researchers exposed mice genetically programmed to develop Alzheimer's-like symptoms to WiFi signals (2.4 GHz) for 2 hours daily over one month. Surprisingly, they found the WiFi exposure actually improved cognitive performance in the Alzheimer's mice compared to unexposed controls. This unexpected result suggests radiofrequency radiation might have some protective effects on brain function in certain disease states.