Ets1 oncogene induction by ELF-modulated 50 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field
Romano-Spica V, Mucci N, Ursini CL, Ianni A, Bhat NK · 2000
View Original AbstractModulated radiofrequency fields activated cancer-promoting genes in human cells, but only with specific low-frequency pulsing patterns.
Plain English Summary
Italian researchers exposed blood and reproductive cells to radiofrequency radiation (50 MHz) combined with extremely low frequency modulation (16 Hz) to study effects on gene activity. They found that this specific combination activated the ets1 gene, which is associated with cancer development, but only when the low-frequency modulation was present. This suggests that the pulsing or modulation of RF signals may be more biologically active than continuous exposure.
Why This Matters
This study reveals a concerning mechanism by which modulated radiofrequency fields can activate oncogenes (cancer-promoting genes) in human cells. The researchers specifically chose exposure conditions that would interfere with calcium ion flow in cells, and found that the 16 Hz modulation was critical for the effect. What makes this particularly relevant is that many wireless devices use pulsed or modulated signals rather than continuous waves. The exposure levels used (0.2 microT magnetic field, 60 V/m electric field) are within ranges that can occur near wireless devices, though the specific frequency and modulation combination differs from most consumer electronics. The reality is that this research adds to a growing body of evidence showing that EMF effects on cells depend not just on power levels, but on the specific characteristics of the signal including frequency, modulation, and timing.
Exposure Details
- Magnetic Field
- 0.0002, 0.0457 mG
- Electric Field
- 60 V/m
- Source/Device
- 50 MHz
Exposure Context
This study used 60 V/m for electric fields:
- 200x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.3 V/m
This study used 0.0002, 0.0457 mG for magnetic fields:
- 10x above the Building Biology guideline of 0.2 mG
- 2x above the BioInitiative Report recommendation of 1 mG
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 Details
We have analyzed gene expression in hemopoietic and testicular cell types after their exposure to 50 MHz radiofrequency (RF) non-ionizing radiation modulated (80%) with a 16 Hz frequency.
The exposure system generates a 0.2 microT magnetic field parallel to the ground and a 60 V/m electr...
Under these electromagnetic field (EMF) conditions, we observed an overexpression of the ets1 mRNA ...
The experimental model described in this paper may contribute to the understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in EMF effects.
Show BibTeX
@article{v_2000_ets1_oncogene_induction_by_1298,
author = {Romano-Spica V and Mucci N and Ursini CL and Ianni A and Bhat NK},
title = {Ets1 oncogene induction by ELF-modulated 50 MHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field},
year = {2000},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10615087/},
}