6,486 Studies Reviewed. 85.2% of Original Studies Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

EMF Research Studies

Browse 6,486 peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field health effects from 4 research libraries.

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Showing 2,339 studies (Human Studies)

Effects of long-term exposure to 900 megahertz electromagnetic field on heart morphology and biochemistry of male adolescent rats.

Kerimoğlu G et al. · 2016

Male rats were divided into control, sham, and EMF-exposed groups, with the EMF group exposed to 900 MHz EMF for 1 hour per day between postnatal days 21 and 59. Biochemical analysis showed increased malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels, and reduced glutathione and catalase levels in the EMF-exposed group compared to controls. The percentage of apoptotic myocardial cells in the EMF-exposed group was higher than in either the sham or control groups, and electron microscopy revealed altered Z band structure, decreased myofilaments, and pronounced vacuolization.

Effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field on expression levels of some antioxidant genes in human MCF-7 cells.

Mahmoudinasab H, Sanie-Jahromi F, Saadat M · 2016

Researchers designed the study to evaluate the effect of EMFs on the mRNA levels of seven antioxidant genes in human MCF-7 cells. Three exposure patterns were tested at two field intensities, 0.25 mT and 0.50 mT, each with a total exposure time of 30 minutes. The MTT assay showed no cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells under any of the three exposure conditions at either field intensity. Under the 15-min-on/15-min-off pattern, the 0.50 mT intensity was associated with more up- or down-regulated genes than 0.25 mT, a statistically significant difference (P=0.041), while no such difference was found for the other two exposure patterns.

The developmental effects of extremely low frequency electric fields on visual and somatosensory evoked potentials in adult rats

Gok DK et al. · 2016

Researchers divided Wistar albino female rats into four groups: a control group, a prenatal-exposure group, a postnatal-exposure group, and a combined prenatal-plus-postnatal-exposure group. Pregnant rats in the prenatal and combined groups were exposed to a 50 Hz electric field at 12 kV/m for 1 hour per day during pregnancy, while postnatal animals were exposed for 68 days after birth. The latencies of visual evoked potential components were significantly prolonged in all exposed groups compared with controls. Retina TBARS levels, a marker of lipid peroxidation, were significantly elevated in all experimental groups compared with controls.

Mitochondrial ROS release and subsequent Akt Activation potentially mediated the anti-apoptotic effect of a 50-Hz magnetic field on FL cells.

Feng B, Ye C, Qiu L, Chen L, Fu Y, Sun W · 2016

Human amniotic FL cells were exposed to a 50-Hz magnetic field for different durations or intensities, then incubated with staurosporine for 4 hours. Magnetic field exposure alone had no significant effect on early apoptosis or cell viability. When cells were also treated with staurosporine, magnetic field exposure had a protective effect against early apoptosis, and this effect could be abolished by MPT inhibitors. The anti-apoptotic effect was completely eliminated when Akt was inhibited, suggesting that Akt activation was necessary for the effect.

NADPH oxidase-produced superoxide mediated a 50-Hz magnetic field-induced epidermal growth factor receptor clustering

Feng B, Dai A, Chen L, Qiu L, Fu Y, Sun W. · 2016

Researchers exposed human amniotic epithelial (FL) cells to a 50-Hz magnetic field to investigate the molecular mechanisms behind magnetic field-induced epidermal growth factor receptor clustering. Exposing FL cells to the magnetic field at intensities higher than 0.2 mT for 15 minutes enhanced total reactive oxygen species production. Blocking the NADPH oxidase enzyme with the inhibitor DPI suppressed magnetic field-induced cytoplasmic superoxide production and subsequent EGFR clustering, while mitochondrial superoxide production was not affected.

Exposure to a 50-Hz magnetic field induced mitochondrial permeability transition through the ROS/GSK-3β signaling pathway.

Feng B, Qiu L, Ye C, Chen L, Fu Y, Sun W. · 2016

Researchers exposed human amniotic epithelial cells to a 50-Hz magnetic field at 0.4 mT and examined mitochondrial permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cytochrome c release. Exposure to the magnetic field at 0.4 mT for 60 min transiently induced mitochondrial permeability transition and Cyt-c release, although there was no significant effect on mitochondrial membrane potential. Cells exposed to the magnetic field showed increased intracellular reactive oxidative species levels and GSK-3β dephosphorylation, and the induced mitochondrial permeability transition was attenuated by a ROS scavenger or GSK-3β inhibitor.

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) prevents pro-oxidant effects of H2O2 in SK-N-BE(2) human neuroblastoma cells.

Falone S et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed SK-N-BE(2) drug-resistant human neuroblastoma cells to a pulsed electromagnetic field and then challenged the cells with hydrogen peroxide to measure oxidative stress responses. The PEMF increased MnSOD-based antioxidant protection and reduced ROS production in response to a pro-oxidant challenge. The researchers suggested their work might lay foundation for the development of non-invasive PEMF-based approaches aimed at elevating endogenous antioxidant properties in cellular or tissue models.

Exposure to electromagnetic field attenuates oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced microglial cell death by reducing intracellular Ca2+ and ROS.

Duong CN, Kim JY · 2016

Researchers studied whether EMF exposure could protect a human microglial cell line, HMO6, from cell death caused by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), a model of ischemic injury. HMO6 cells were cultured for 4 hours under OGD with or without exposure to EMF at different combinations of frequencies and intensities, and cell survival, intracellular calcium, and ROS levels were measured. Among the combinations tested, 50 Hz/1 mT EMF was the most potent at reducing OGD-induced cell death and lowering intracellular calcium and ROS levels. A significant but less potent protective effect was also found at 10 Hz/1 mT, while no protective effect was found at other combinations.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure sensitizes SH-SY5Y cells to the pro-Parkinson's Disease toxin MPP.

Benassi B et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed SH-SY5Y cells to an extremely low frequency magnetic field set up to reproduce environmental prolonged exposure to ELF-MF (50 Hz, 1 mT) and then treated the cells with the pro-Parkinson's toxin MPP+. ELF-MF alone did not affect cell survival, shape, or morphology, but it did significantly impair redox homeostasis and thiol content, triggering an increase in protein carbonylation. When MPP+ was added to ELF-MF-exposed cells, toxicity was highly enhanced, with significant increases in ROS levels, oxidative damage, and caspase-dependent apoptosis. Pre-incubation with the thiol antioxidants N-acetyl-L-cysteine and GSH ethyl-ester significantly reduced oxidative damage and protected cells from death caused by the combined ELF-MF/MPP+ treatment.

Effects of GSM modulated radio-frequency electromagnetic radiation on permeability of blood–brain barrier in male & female rats

Sırav B, Seyhan N · 2016

Researchers used young adult male and female Wistar albino rats to investigate whether pulse modulated 900 MHz and 1800 MHz radio-frequency radiation affects the permeability of the blood-brain barrier. Permeability was measured by quantifying Evans blue dye that passed into the brain after intravenous injection. In both male radio-frequency radiation exposed groups, blood-brain barrier permeability was found to be increased compared with controls, with 1800 MHz found more effective in males. For female rats, 900 MHz exposure was associated with increased permeability, but no statistical difference was found between the 1800 MHz exposed and control groups.

2100-MHz electromagnetic fields have different effects on visual evoked potentials and oxidant/antioxidant status depending on exposure duration.

Hidisoglu E et al. · 2016

Researchers exposed rats to 2100-MHz electromagnetic fields for 2 hours per day for either 1 or 10 weeks, then recorded visual evoked potentials and measured markers of oxidative stress in the brain. After 1 week of exposure, visual response latencies were shortened and several antioxidant markers were increased. After 1 or 10 weeks, the effects on visual response latencies differed: latencies were shortened in the 1-week group but prolonged in the 10-week group. The researchers concluded that the effects of EMF on visual evoked potentials depend on exposure duration.

Neuroprotective effects of melatonin and omega-3 on hippocampal cells prenatally exposed to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields

Erdem Koç G et al. · 2016

Researchers established seven groups of pregnant rats and exposed some to 900 MHz EMF for 60 minutes per day during the gestation period. After birth, male rat pups were selected and the total number of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal region was counted using the optical fractionator technique. The total number of pyramidal cells in the EMF group was significantly lower than in the control, sham, EMF plus melatonin, and EMF plus omega-3 groups. No difference was observed between any groups in terms of rats' body or brain weights.

What is harmful for male fertility: Cell phone or the wireless internet?

Yildirim et al. · 2015

Researchers aimed to assess the potential harmful effects of radiofrequency-electromagnetic radiation on sperm parameters. They collected semen samples and asked 1082 men to complete an anonymous questionnaire, excluding 51 with azoospermia. Increased internet usage was associated with decreased total motile sperm count and progressive motile sperm count. Wireless internet usage compared with wired connection was linked to lower progressive motile sperm count.

Primary DNA damage in welders occupationally exposed to extremely-low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF)

Unknown authors · 2015

The study included 21 electric arc welders and 21 non-exposed controls. Occupational ELF-MF exposure was measured with personal dosimeters during a full work shift. Primary DNA damage was assessed in peripheral blood leukocytes using the alkaline comet assay. Tail length was similar between welders and controls. Tail intensity and tail moment were significantly lower in exposed welders than in controls.

Directional migration and transcriptional analysis of oligodendrocyte precursors subjected to stimulation of electrical signal

Li Y, Wang X, Yao L · 2015

Researchers investigated how oligodendrocyte precursor cells migrate in electric fields. The cells moved toward the anode, and their directedness and displacement increased significantly when the field strength was raised from 50 to 200 mV/mm. Electric fields did not significantly change the cells' migration speed. Transcriptome analysis revealed upregulation of the MAPK pathway at 200 mV/mm and downregulation of chemotaxis-related genes.

Fiocchi S et al, (Aprli 2015) Assessment of foetal exposure to the homogeneous magnetic field harmonic spectrum generated by electricity transmission and distribution networks, Int J Environ Res Public Health

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers assessed fetal exposure to the full harmonic content of a uniform 50 Hz magnetic field using high-resolution three-dimensional fetal models based on European electricity quality standards. The fundamental frequency component provided the main contribution to induced electric fields in the fetus. Harmonic components added some contributions but their amplitudes were low due to extremely low permitted levels relative to the fundamental. Induced electric field levels were much lower than general public exposure limits when the incident magnetic field was at the maximum permitted level.

Symptom reporting after the introduction of a new high-voltage power line: A prospective field study

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers used a quasi-experimental design with two pretests before and two posttests after a new high-voltage power line began operation. Residents living within 300 meters, 300-500 meters, and 500-2000 meters of the line participated. Symptom reports and causal beliefs increased significantly more in the closest group compared to those farther away. At baseline, symptom reports were similar across groups, but belief that power lines cause symptoms was already stronger among nearby residents.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Occupational exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields and electrical shocks and acute myeloid leukemia in four Nordic countries

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers studied 5,409 adult AML cases and 27,045 matched controls across four Nordic countries from 1961 to 2005. Lifetime occupational ELF-MF exposure and electrical shock risk were assigned using job-exposure matrices based on census-reported jobs. Approximately 40% of subjects had low-level ELF-MF exposure, 7% had high-level exposure, 18% had low electrical shock risk, and 15% had high electrical shock risk. No association was observed between high ELF-MF exposure (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.77-1.01) or high electrical shock risk (HR 0.94, 95% CI 0.85-1.05) and AML compared to background exposure. Results remained unchanged in sensitivity analyses.

Validation of self-reported start year of mobile phone use in a Swedish case-control study on radiofrequency fields and acoustic neuroma risk

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers used network operator data to validate self-reported start year of mobile phone use in a case-control study of acoustic neuroma risk. The validation included 96 cases (29%) and 111 controls (22%), with cases showing more complete subscription history reporting. Agreement categorized into short, intermediate, and long-term use was moderate with a kappa statistic of 0.42.

Exposure Knowledge and Risk Perception of RF EMF

Freudenstein F et al · 2015

The study evaluated respondents' risk perception of different RF EMF sources and their subjective knowledge about exposure characteristics. Results showed participants were more concerned about base stations than all other RF EMF sources. A linear regression indicated that exposure characteristics except distance influence general RF EMF risk perception. Better exposure knowledge tended to lead to higher risk perception, especially for mobile phones.

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