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)

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Microglial activation as a measure of stress in mouse brains exposed acutely (60 minutes) and long-term (2 years) to mobile telephone radiofrequency fields

Finnie JW, Cai Z, Manavis J, Helps S, Blumbergs PC · 2010

Researchers exposed mice to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for either 60 minutes or five days a week for two years, then examined their brains for signs of microglial activation - a cellular stress response that occurs when brain tissue is damaged. They found no evidence of brain cell stress or activation at either exposure duration, even at radiation levels much higher than typical cell phone use.

Comparison of radiofrequency exposure of a mouse dam and foetuses at 900 MHz.

McIntosh RL et al. · 2010

Australian researchers developed detailed computer models to study how 900 MHz radiofrequency radiation (used in older cell phones) affects pregnant mice and their developing fetuses. They found that while both mother and fetuses absorbed the radiation, the fetuses experienced 14% lower energy absorption and 45% less temperature increase than their mothers. This research provides crucial data for understanding how RF exposure during pregnancy might affect developing offspring differently than adults.

Effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in Wistar rats.

Narayanan SN et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation for one hour daily over four weeks by placing active GSM phones in their cages. The exposed rats showed impaired memory and learning behavior, taking less time to enter a dark chamber they had previously learned to avoid. Brain tissue examination revealed structural damage in the hippocampus, the brain region crucial for memory formation.

Effects of mobile phone radiation on serum testosterone in Wistar albino rats.

Meo SA, Al-Drees AM, Husain S, Khan MM, Imran MB · 2010

Researchers exposed male rats to mobile phone radiation for either 30 or 60 minutes daily over three months to study effects on testosterone levels. They found that rats exposed for 60 minutes per day showed significantly reduced testosterone levels compared to unexposed control rats. This matters because testosterone is crucial for male reproductive health and overall wellbeing, suggesting that prolonged cell phone exposure might affect hormone production.

STAT3 signalling pathway is involved in the activation of microglia induced by 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields.

Hao Y, Yang X, Chen C, Yuan-Wang, Wang X, Li M, Yu Z. · 2010

Researchers exposed brain immune cells called microglia to 2.45 GHz electromagnetic fields (the same frequency used in WiFi and microwaves) and found that this radiation activated inflammatory pathways in the cells. The EMF exposure triggered specific molecular changes that led to increased production of inflammatory proteins and nitric oxide. This matters because activated microglia contribute to brain inflammation, which is linked to neurological problems and brain diseases.

Cranial and postcranial skeletal variations induced in mouse embryos by mobile phone radiation.

Fragopoulou AF, Koussoulakos SL, Margaritis LH. · 2010

Greek researchers exposed pregnant mice to GSM 900MHz cell phone radiation and examined their newborn offspring for developmental abnormalities. While the exposed mice appeared normal externally, detailed microscopic analysis revealed significant variations in bone formation (ossification) in the skull and rib cage, as well as cartilage displacement. These skeletal changes were temporary, disappearing by the time the mice developed teeth, suggesting cell phone radiation may disrupt normal bone development during critical embryonic periods.

The effects of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) on the bioactivity of insulin and a preliminary study of mechanism.

Chen YB, Li J, Qi Y, Miao X, Zhou Y, Ren D, Guo GZ. · 2010

Researchers exposed insulin solutions to electromagnetic pulses and tested how well the treated insulin worked in diabetic mice. They found that insulin exposed to electromagnetic pulses was significantly less effective at lowering blood sugar levels compared to unexposed insulin. The study suggests that electromagnetic fields can alter the shape and function of this critical hormone, potentially affecting how it binds to cellular receptors.

Effects of 900-MHz microwave radiation on gamma-ray-induced damage to mouse hematopoietic system.

Cao Y, Xu Q, Jin ZD, Zhang J, Lu MX, Nie JH, Tong J. · 2010

Researchers exposed mice to 900-MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used by many cell phones) before exposing them to gamma radiation to see how it affected their blood-forming system. They found that the microwave exposure actually protected the mice from radiation damage, with less severe harm to bone marrow and spleen tissues. The protective effect appeared to work by boosting growth factors and helping blood-forming cells survive the gamma radiation.

Static magnetic field exposure reproduces cellular effects of the Parkinson's disease drug candidate ZM241385.

Wang Z, Che PL, Du J, Ha B, Yarema KJ. · 2010

Researchers exposed rat brain cells to static magnetic fields and found they produced the same cellular changes as a promising Parkinson's disease drug called ZM241385. The magnetic fields altered calcium levels, energy production, and other cellular processes in ways that could potentially help treat Parkinson's disease. This suggests magnetic field therapy might offer a non-invasive treatment approach for neurological disorders.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields differentially regulate estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta expression in the rat olfactory bulb.

Reyes-Guerrero G et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed female and male rats to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields and measured how these fields affected estrogen receptor genes in the olfactory bulb (the brain region responsible for smell). They found that EMF exposure altered estrogen receptor activity in female rats during different phases of their reproductive cycle, but had no effect on male rats. This suggests EMF exposure may interact with female hormones in ways that could affect brain function.

Effects of mobile phone use on brain tissue from the rat and a possible protective role of vitamin C - a preliminary study.

Imge EB, Kiliçoğlu B, Devrim E, Cetin R, Durak I. · 2010

Researchers exposed rats to 900 MHz cell phone radiation and found it disrupted protective brain enzymes. When rats also received vitamin C, the antioxidant helped restore some enzyme function. This suggests phone radiation creates harmful oxidative stress in brain tissue that antioxidants might help counteract.

Reactive oxygen species levels and DNA fragmentation on astrocytes in primary culture after acute exposure to low intensity microwave electromagnetic field

Campisi A et al. · 2010

Italian researchers exposed brain cells called astrocytes to 900 MHz microwave radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for up to 20 minutes and measured cellular damage. They found that modulated signals caused significant increases in harmful free radicals and DNA fragmentation, while continuous waves did not produce these effects. The study demonstrates that even brief exposures to low-intensity electromagnetic fields can damage brain cells at the molecular level.

Static magnetic field exposure reproduces cellular effects of the Parkinson's disease drug candidate

Wang Z, Che PL, Du J, Ha B, Yarema KJ. · 2010

Researchers exposed cells with Parkinson's disease characteristics to static magnetic fields and found the fields produced effects remarkably similar to a promising Parkinson's drug candidate called ZM241385. The magnetic fields altered calcium levels, energy production, and other cellular processes in ways that could potentially benefit Parkinson's patients. This suggests magnetic field therapy might offer a non-invasive treatment approach for neurological disorders.

Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields differentially regulate estrogen receptor-alpha and -beta expression in the rat olfactory bulb.

Reyes-Guerrero G et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed adult rats to extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields and measured changes in estrogen receptor genes in the olfactory bulb, the brain region responsible for smell. They found that EMF exposure altered estrogen receptor activity in female rats during different phases of their reproductive cycle, but had no effect on male rats. This suggests that EMF exposure may affect hormonal signaling in the brain differently between sexes.

Effect of radio-frequency electromagnetic radiations (RF-EMR) on passive avoidance behaviour and hippocampal morphology in Wistar rats.

Narayanan SN et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed rats to cell phone radiation by placing an active phone in their cages and making 50 missed calls daily for four weeks. The exposed rats showed impaired learning and memory behavior, taking less time to enter dangerous areas they had previously learned to avoid. Brain tissue examination revealed structural damage in the hippocampus, the brain region crucial for memory formation.

Mechanisms involved in the blood-testis barrier increased permeability induced by EMP.

Wang XW et al. · 2010

Chinese researchers exposed male mice to electromagnetic pulses (intense bursts of electromagnetic energy) and found that this exposure damaged the blood-testis barrier, a protective wall that shields developing sperm from immune system attacks. The damage led to the production of antibodies that attack the mice's own sperm, potentially causing infertility. This suggests that electromagnetic pulse exposure could impair male fertility by triggering an autoimmune response against sperm.

The effect of mobile phone on the number of Purkinje cells: A stereological study.

Rağbetlı MC et al. · 2010

Researchers exposed pregnant mice to mobile phone radiation at levels similar to what humans experience (0.95 W/kg SAR) and found a significant decrease in Purkinje cells in the developing cerebellum of offspring. Purkinje cells are critical neurons that control movement, balance, and coordination. This study suggests that prenatal exposure to mobile phone radiation may affect brain development in areas responsible for motor function.

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