3,138 Studies Reviewed. 77.4% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.

EMF Research Studies

Browse 3,138 peer-reviewed studies on electromagnetic field health effects from the BioInitiative Report database.

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Showing 1,014 studies (Rodent Studies)

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

Prenatal exposure to radiofrequencies: Effects of WiFi signals on thymocyte development and peripheral T cell compartment in an animal model.

Laudisi F et al. · 2012

Italian researchers exposed pregnant mice to WiFi signals (2.45 GHz) at high levels for 2 hours daily throughout pregnancy to study effects on their offspring's immune system development. They found no detrimental effects on T cell development, immune cell counts, or immune function in the offspring at either 5 weeks or 26 weeks of age. This suggests that prenatal WiFi exposure may not harm developing immune systems, though the study used exposure levels much higher than typical human exposure.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of electromagnetic radiation produced by 3G mobile phones on rat brains: magnetic resonance spectroscopy, biochemical, and histopathological evaluation.

Dogan M et al. · 2012

Turkish researchers exposed rats to 3G mobile phone radiation for 20 days and examined their brain tissue using advanced imaging, biochemical tests, and microscopic analysis. They found no significant differences between exposed and control rats in brain chemistry markers, antioxidant enzyme levels, or cell death. The study suggests that short-term 3G phone exposure may not cause detectable brain damage in rats.

Oxidative StressNo Effects Found

Effects of third generation mobile phone-emitted electromagnetic radiation on oxidative stress parameters in eye tissue and blood of rats.

Demirel S, Doganay S, Turkoz Y, Dogan Z, Turan B, Firat PG. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to 3G mobile phone radiation for 20 days and measured oxidative stress markers in eye tissue and blood. They found no significant differences between exposed and control rats in any of the markers they tested, including antioxidant enzymes and damage indicators. The study suggests that short-term 3G phone radiation exposure doesn't cause measurable oxidative damage to eyes or blood in rats.

Oxidative StressNo Effects Found

Effects of third generation mobile phone-emitted electromagnetic radiation on oxidative stress parameters in eye tissue and blood of rats

Demirel S, Doganay S, Turkoz Y, Dogan Z, Turan B, Firat PG. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to 3G mobile phone radiation for 20 days and measured oxidative stress markers in their eye tissue and blood. They found no significant differences between exposed and control groups in any of the measured stress indicators. This suggests that short-term exposure to 3G phone radiation may not cause oxidative damage to eyes or blood in rats.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Combined effects of 60 Hz electromagnetic field exposure with various stress factors on cellular transformation in NIH3T3 cells.

Lee HJ, Jin YB, Lee JS, Choi JI, Lee JW, Myung SH, Lee YS. · 2012

Researchers exposed mouse cells to 60 Hz magnetic fields (the type from power lines) to see if this could trigger cellular transformation into cancer-like cells. They tested the magnetic field alone and combined with known cancer-causing agents like radiation. The study found no evidence that the magnetic field exposure caused cell transformation or enhanced the cancer-causing effects of other agents.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Effects of electromagnetic radiation produced by 3G mobile phones on rat brains: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, biochemical, and histopathological evaluation

Dogan M et al. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to electromagnetic radiation from 3G mobile phones for 20 days and examined brain tissue using advanced imaging, biochemical tests, and cellular analysis. They found no significant differences in brain metabolism, antioxidant enzyme activity, or cell death between exposed and unexposed rats. The study suggests short-term 3G phone exposure may not cause detectable brain damage in this animal model.

Differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells is induced by high-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields.

Teven CM et al. · 2012

University of Chicago researchers exposed bone-forming stem cells to high-frequency electromagnetic fields at 27.1 MHz using an FDA-approved device called ActiPatch. They found that this exposure significantly increased the cells' ability to form bone tissue, triggering multiple markers of bone development without affecting cell growth rates. This suggests electromagnetic field therapy could potentially help repair bone defects in patients who lack sufficient natural bone tissue for reconstruction.

Effects of exposure to electromagnetic field (1.8/0.9 GHz) on testicular function and structure in growing rats.

Ozlem Nisbet H, Nisbet C, Akar A, Cevik M, Karayigit MO · 2012

Turkish researchers exposed young male rats to cell phone frequencies (900 MHz and 1800 MHz) for 2 hours daily over 90 days to study effects on reproductive development. They found that EMF exposure increased testosterone levels and accelerated sperm development compared to unexposed rats. The researchers concluded this electromagnetic exposure may trigger early puberty in developing males.

Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative injury in rat testis induced by wireless (2.45 GHz) devices.

Oksay T, Naziroğlu M, Doğan S, Güzel A, Gümral N, Koşar PA · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to WiFi-frequency radiation (2.45 GHz) for one hour daily over 30 days and found significant damage to testicular tissue through oxidative stress. The radiation increased harmful cellular byproducts and depleted protective antioxidants like vitamins A and E. However, when rats received melatonin supplements, this damage was largely prevented.

Melatonin modulates wireless (2.45 GHz)-induced oxidative injury through TRPM2 and voltage gated Ca(2+) channels in brain and dorsal root ganglion in rat.

Nazıroğlu M et al. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz wireless radiation (the same frequency used by WiFi and microwave ovens) for one hour daily over 30 days, finding it caused brain damage including increased calcium influx into neurons, oxidative stress, and abnormal brain wave activity. When rats were given melatonin supplements along with the radiation exposure, these harmful effects were significantly reduced, suggesting melatonin may protect against wireless radiation damage to the nervous system.

Cellular Effects102 citations

Increased Radioresistance to Lethal Doses of Gamma Rays in Mice and Rats after Exposure to Microwave Radiation Emitted by a GSM Mobile Phone Simulator.

Mortazavi S et al. · 2012

Researchers exposed mice and rats to microwave radiation from a GSM mobile phone simulator for several days, then subjected them to lethal doses of gamma radiation. Animals that received microwave pre-exposure showed significantly higher survival rates compared to those that didn't. This suggests that microwave radiation can trigger an adaptive response that helps protect cells against subsequent radiation damage.

Reproductive Health100 citations

Evidence for mobile phone radiation exposure effects on reproductive pattern of male rats: Role of ROS.

Kesari KK, Behari J. · 2012

Researchers exposed male rats to mobile phone radiation for 2 hours daily over 45 days and found significant damage to their reproductive health. The exposed rats had lower testosterone levels, damaged sperm structure, and produced fewer offspring that weighed less than normal. The scientists believe this damage occurs because the radiation triggers harmful reactive oxygen species (free radicals) that attack reproductive cells.

The influence of microwave radiation from cellular phone on fetal rat brain.

Jing J, Yuhua Z, Xiao-qian Y, Rongping J, Dong-mei G, Xi C. · 2012

Researchers exposed pregnant rats to cell phone radiation for different durations (10, 30, or 60 minutes, three times daily) throughout their pregnancies and then examined the brain chemistry of their offspring. They found that longer exposures caused significant oxidative stress (cellular damage from free radicals) and altered neurotransmitter levels in the fetal brains. The study suggests that prenatal cell phone radiation exposure may harm developing brain tissue.

Protective effects of β-glucan against oxidative injury induced by 2.45-GHz electromagnetic radiation in the skin tissue of rats.

Ceyhan AM et al. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to WiFi-frequency radiation (2.45 GHz) for one hour daily over four weeks and measured damage to skin tissue. The radiation significantly increased oxidative stress markers and decreased protective antioxidant enzymes in the skin. However, when rats were given beta-glucan (a natural compound found in oats and mushrooms) before each exposure, it largely prevented this cellular damage.

An Evaluation of the effects of long-term cell phone use on the testes via light and electron microscope analysis

Celik S, Aridogan IA, Izol V, Erdoğan S, Polat S, Doran S. · 2012

Turkish researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation for three months to study potential effects on male reproductive organs. While basic measurements like testis weight appeared normal, detailed microscopic analysis revealed structural changes in sperm-producing cells, including thicker cell membranes and abnormal deposits. The researchers concluded these early changes suggest longer exposure could lead to more significant reproductive damage.

Suppressive effect of electromagnetic field on analgesic activity of tramadol in rats.

Bodera P et al. · 2012

Polish researchers exposed rats to cell phone frequency radiation (1800 MHz) and found it interfered with tramadol, a common painkiller used for moderate to severe pain. The electromagnetic fields didn't change pain levels on their own, but they significantly reduced the effectiveness of the pain medication 30 minutes after injection. This suggests that EMF exposure from devices like cell phones might interfere with how our bodies process certain medications.

Electromagnetic Treatment to Old Alzheimer's Mice Reverses β-Amyloid Deposition, Modifies Cerebral Blood Flow, and Provides Selected Cognitive Benefit.

Arendash GW et al. · 2012

Researchers exposed very old mice (equivalent to elderly humans) with Alzheimer's disease to electromagnetic fields similar to cell phone radiation for two months. The treatment reversed brain damage by clearing out toxic protein clumps called beta-amyloid and improved memory performance. The benefits occurred without heating the brain, suggesting the electromagnetic fields worked through biological mechanisms rather than just thermal effects.

Rat testicular impairment induced by electromagnetic radiation from a conventional cellular telephone and the protective effects of the antioxidants vitamins C and E.

Al-Damegh MA. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to electromagnetic radiation from cell phones for 15-60 minutes daily over two weeks and found significant damage to testicular tissue and sperm production. The radiation caused a 3-fold increase in harmful oxidative stress markers while dramatically reducing protective antioxidant levels by 3-5 fold. However, supplementing with vitamins C and E helped protect against this reproductive damage.

Fetal radiofrequency radiation exposure from 800-1900 mhz-rated cellular telephones affects neurodevelopment and behavior in mice.

Aldad TS, Gan G, Gao XB, Taylor HS · 2012

Researchers exposed pregnant mice to cell phone radiation (800-1900 MHz) and found their offspring showed hyperactivity and memory problems as adults. Brain recordings revealed altered development in the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for attention and memory. This is the first experimental evidence that prenatal cell phone exposure can cause lasting behavioral and brain changes.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields activate the antioxidant pathway Nrf2 in a Huntington's disease-like rat model.

Tasset I et al. · 2012

Researchers studied whether transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) - a medical treatment using magnetic fields - could protect brain cells in rats with a Huntington's disease-like condition. They found that TMS activated a key cellular defense system called Nrf2, which helps protect cells from damage. This suggests magnetic field therapy might offer neuroprotective benefits by boosting the brain's natural antioxidant defenses.

Subacute exposure to 50-Hz electromagnetic fields affect prenatal and neonatal mice’s motor coordination.

Sakhnini L, Al Ali H, Al Qassab N, Al Arab E, Kamal A. · 2012

Researchers exposed pregnant mice and newborn mice to 50-Hz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency used in electrical power systems) for five days and then tested their motor coordination skills. They found that mice exposed during pregnancy showed significant learning deficits when tested on a rotating rod device, while mice exposed only after birth showed no such problems. This suggests that developing brains may be particularly vulnerable to EMF exposure during the prenatal period.

Protective effects of melatonin against oxidative injury in rat testis induced by wireless (2.45 GHz) devices.

Oksay T, Naziroğlu M, Doğan S, Güzel A, Gümral N, Koşar PA. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to 2.45 GHz wireless radiation (the same frequency as WiFi and microwaves) for one hour daily over 30 days and found it caused oxidative damage to testicular tissue. The damage included increased harmful oxidation and decreased protective vitamins A and E. When rats were given melatonin supplements, it prevented most of the radiation-induced damage.

Reproductive Health100 citations

Evidence for mobile phone radiation exposure effects on reproductive pattern of male rats: role of ROS.

Kesari KK, Behari J. · 2012

Researchers exposed male rats to mobile phone radiation for 2 hours daily over 45 days and found significant damage to their reproductive health. The exposed rats had lower testosterone levels, damaged sperm cells, and fewer offspring that weighed less than normal. The study suggests this damage occurs through oxidative stress (cellular damage from unstable molecules called free radicals).

Effect of acute extremely low frequency electromagnetic field exposure on the antioxidant status and lipid levels in rat brain.

Martínez-Sámano J et al. · 2012

Researchers exposed rats to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields for 2 hours and measured changes in their brain chemistry. They found that EMF exposure reduced the activity of key antioxidant enzymes (catalase and superoxide dismutase) that normally protect brain cells from damage. This suggests that even brief EMF exposure can impair the brain's natural defense systems against oxidative stress.

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