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The Screening of Genes Sensitive to Long-Term, Low-Level Microwave Exposure and Bioinformatic Analysis of Potential Correlations to Learning and Memory.

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Zhao YL, Li YX, Ma HB, Li D, Li HL, Jiang R, Kan GH, Yang ZZ, Huang ZX. · 2015

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Eight weeks of cell phone radiation exposure altered hundreds of brain genes linked to Alzheimer's and memory loss in mice.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation (2100 MHz) for one hour daily over eight weeks. Even low-level exposures altered brain genes involved in learning and memory, with higher levels affecting over 200 genes linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Why This Matters

This study provides molecular-level evidence for what many researchers have long suspected: chronic exposure to cell phone radiation can interfere with normal brain function. The science demonstrates that even at relatively low exposure levels (0.45 W/kg SAR), microwave radiation altered 41 genes involved in learning and memory processes. What makes this particularly concerning is that the highest exposure level tested (3.6 W/kg) is well within the range of everyday cell phone use, yet it disrupted 219 genes linked to neurodegenerative diseases. The reality is that our brains are constantly bathed in these frequencies from our phones, WiFi networks, and other wireless devices. While this was an animal study, the pathways identified are fundamental to mammalian brain function, suggesting similar mechanisms could operate in humans.

Exposure Details

SAR
0.45 1.8 , and 3.6 W/kg
Source/Device
2100 MHz
Exposure Duration
1 hour daily for 8 weeks

Exposure Context

This study used 0.45 1.8 , and 3.6 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: 0.45 1.8 , and 3.6 W/kgExtreme Concern0.1 W/kgFCC Limit1.6 W/kgEffects observed in the Extreme Concern range (Building Biology)FCC limit is 4x higher than this exposure level

Study Details

To gain a better understanding of gene expression changes in the brain following microwave exposure in mice. This study hopes to reveal mechanisms contributing to microwave-induced learning and memory dysfunction.

Mice were exposed to whole body 2100 MHz microwaves with specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0.45 W/...

The gene chip results demonstrated that 41 genes (0.45 W/kg group), 29 genes (1.8 W/kg group), and 2...

Long-term, low-level microwave exposure may inhibit learning and memory by affecting protein and energy metabolic processes and signaling pathways relating to neurological functions or diseases.

Cite This Study
Zhao YL, Li YX, Ma HB, Li D, Li HL, Jiang R, Kan GH, Yang ZZ, Huang ZX. (2015). The Screening of Genes Sensitive to Long-Term, Low-Level Microwave Exposure and Bioinformatic Analysis of Potential Correlations to Learning and Memory. Biomed Environ Sci. 28(8):558-570, 2015.
Show BibTeX
@article{yl_2015_the_screening_of_genes_1468,
  author = {Zhao YL and Li YX and Ma HB and Li D and Li HL and Jiang R and Kan GH and Yang ZZ and Huang ZX.},
  title = {The Screening of Genes Sensitive to Long-Term, Low-Level Microwave Exposure and Bioinformatic Analysis of Potential Correlations to Learning and Memory.},
  year = {2015},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26383594/},
}

Quick Questions About This Study

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation (2100 MHz) for one hour daily over eight weeks. Even low-level exposures altered brain genes involved in learning and memory, with higher levels affecting over 200 genes linked to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.