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)

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Membrane potential and currents of isolated heart muscle cells exposed to pulsed radio frequency fields.

Linz et al. · 1999

German researchers exposed isolated heart muscle cells from guinea pigs and rats to cell phone frequencies (900 MHz and 1800 MHz) to see if radio waves affected the cells' electrical activity. They found no significant changes to the heart cells' membrane potential, action potentials, or calcium and potassium currents even at exposure levels up to 880 mW/kg. The study suggests that cell phone radiation at these levels does not directly disrupt the basic electrical functions of heart muscle cells.

CardiovascularNo Effects Found

Lack of effects on heart rate and blood pressure in ketamine-anesthetized rats briefly exposed to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses.

Jauchem JR, Frei MR, Ryan KL, Merritt JH, Murphy MR · 1999

Researchers exposed anesthetized rats to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses (extremely brief, high-intensity bursts of electromagnetic energy) to see if it affected their heart rate and blood pressure. They found no significant changes in cardiovascular function during the brief exposures. This suggests that short-term exposure to these specific types of electromagnetic pulses may not immediately harm the cardiovascular system.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found

Proto-oncogene mRNA levels and activities of multiple transcription factors in C3H 10T 1/2 murine embryonic fibroblasts exposed to 835.62 and 847.74 MHz cellular phone communication frequency radiation.

Goswami PC et al. · 1999

Researchers exposed mouse cells to cellular phone radiation at 835 MHz and 847 MHz (similar to early cell phones) to see if it triggered stress responses. While most stress indicators showed no change, one specific gene called Fos increased by 40-100% in exposed cells. This suggests cell phone radiation can alter gene activity even when it doesn't cause obvious cellular stress.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

[Stimulation of murine natural killer cells by weak electromagnetic waves in the centimeter range].

Fesenko EE et al. · 1999

Russian researchers exposed mice to weak microwave radiation (8.15-18 GHz) for 24-72 hours and found their natural killer cells - immune cells that fight cancer and infections - became 130-150% more active. The immune boost lasted at least 24 hours after exposure ended, but shorter exposures of just a few hours showed no effect.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

No effect of short-term exposure to GSM-modulated low-power microwaves on benzo(a)pyrene-induced tumours in rat.

Chagnaud, JL, Moreau, JM, Veyret, B · 1999

Researchers exposed rats with chemically-induced tumors to GSM cell phone radiation (900 MHz) for 2 hours daily over 2 weeks to see if the radiation would accelerate cancer development. The study found no effect - the microwave exposure neither sped up nor delayed tumor growth, and didn't affect animal survival rates. The exposure levels used were within current safety limits for human whole-body exposure.

Immune SystemNo Effects Found

In vivo exposure of rats to GSM-modulated microwaves: flow cytometry analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations and of mitogen stimulation.

Chagnaud JL, Veyret B · 1999

French researchers exposed rats to GSM cell phone radiation and examined their immune system cells using advanced laboratory techniques. They found no changes in the rats' lymphocytes (white blood cells that fight infection) or in how well these cells responded to immune challenges. The study suggests that low-level pulsed microwaves from cell phones may not harm basic immune system function.

Influence of EMP on the nervous system of rats.

Wu Y, Jia Y, Guo Y, Zheng Z · 1999

Researchers exposed rats to electromagnetic pulses (EMP) and tested their learning ability using maze tests, while measuring brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. They found that EMP exposure reduced the rats' learning ability for three days and altered levels of important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine in key brain regions including the hippocampus. This suggests that electromagnetic pulse exposure can disrupt normal brain function and cognitive performance.

IRIDIUM exposure increases c-fos expression in the mouse brain only at levels which likely result in tissue heating.

Morrissey JJ et al. · 1999

Researchers exposed mice to 1.6-GHz radiofrequency signals (similar to satellite phone frequencies) for one hour to see if it affected brain activity. They found that brain changes only occurred at exposure levels 6-30 times higher than current safety limits for cell phones, and these changes appeared to be caused by tissue heating rather than direct effects from the radiation itself.

Adrenergic nerve plexuses of heart and adrenal and myocardial catecholamines of spontaneously hypertensive rats under the influence of electromagnetic irradiation in the millimeter range].

Belousova TE, Kargina-Terent'eva RA · 1999

Russian researchers exposed hypertensive rats to millimeter wave radiation at frequencies used in medical therapy devices (42,194 MHz and 53,534 MHz). They found the radiation reduced nerve density in heart tissue and decreased stress hormone production in both the heart and adrenal glands. This suggests millimeter wave exposure can suppress the sympathetic nervous system that controls heart rate and blood pressure responses.

Spontaneous and nitrosourea-induced primary tumors of the central nervous system in Fischer 344 rats chronically exposed to 836 MHz modulated microwaves.

Adey WR et al. · 1999

Researchers exposed pregnant rats and their offspring to cell phone radiation (836 MHz) for 24 months to study brain tumor development. Surprisingly, the radiation-exposed animals showed fewer brain tumors than unexposed controls, both naturally occurring tumors and those induced by a cancer-causing chemical. This unexpected protective effect was most pronounced in rats that died early in the study, where radiation exposure reduced chemically-induced brain tumors by a statistically significant amount.

Hyperactivity caused by a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor is countered by ultra-wideband pulses.

Seaman RL, Belt ML, Doyle JM, Mathur SP · 1999

Researchers exposed mice to ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses at extremely high field strength (102,000 volts per meter) to see if it could counteract the hyperactive behavior caused by blocking nitric oxide production in the brain. The electromagnetic exposure successfully eliminated the drug-induced hyperactivity, suggesting the pulses somehow restored normal nitric oxide function. This demonstrates that pulsed electromagnetic fields can directly influence brain chemistry and behavior in laboratory animals.

Effect of amplitude modulated RF radiation on calcium ion efflux and ODC activity in chronically exposed rat brain.

Paul Raj R, Behari J, Rao AR · 1999

Researchers exposed young rats to radiofrequency radiation at cell phone-like levels for 35 days and found significant changes in brain chemistry, including increased calcium movement and enzyme activity. These cellular changes in developing brains suggest RF exposure during growth may disrupt normal brain function.

Microwaves and cellular immunity. II. Immunostimulating effects of microwaves and naturally occurring antioxidant nutrients

Novoselova, EG, Fesenko, EE, Makar, VR, Sadovnikov, VB · 1999

Russian researchers exposed mice to very low-level microwave radiation (similar to what cell towers emit) for 5 hours and found it significantly boosted immune system activity. The microwaves increased production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a key immune signaling molecule, in immune cells called macrophages and T-cells. This immune activation lasted for at least 3 days after exposure and was enhanced when mice were given antioxidant nutrients.

Ultrawide-band electromagnetic pulses induced hypotension in rats.

Lu ST, Mathur SP, Akyel Y, Lee JC · 1999

Researchers exposed rats to ultrawide-band electromagnetic pulses (a type of radar technology) for just 6 minutes and measured their blood pressure for up to 4 weeks afterward. The exposed rats developed persistent low blood pressure (hypotension) that lasted for weeks, while their heart rate remained normal. This suggests that brief exposure to these high-intensity electromagnetic pulses can cause lasting cardiovascular effects.

Microwaves and cellular immunity: II. Immunostimulating effects of microwaves and naturally occurring antioxidant nutrients

E.G Novoselova, E.E Fesenko, V.R Makar, V.B Sadovnikov · 1999

Researchers exposed mice to extremely low-power microwave radiation (8.15-18 GHz) for 5 hours and found it actually stimulated their immune systems, increasing production of immune signaling molecules and enhancing T cell activity. The immune boost was further enhanced when mice were given antioxidant nutrients like vitamin E and beta-carotene. This suggests that very low-level microwave exposure might trigger beneficial immune responses rather than suppress immunity.

[Stimulation of murine natural killer cells by weak electromagnetic waves in the centimeter range].

Fesenko EE et al. · 1999

Russian researchers exposed mice to extremely low-power microwave radiation (8.15-18 GHz at 1 microW/cm²) for 24-72 hours and found their natural killer cells became 130-150% more active. Natural killer cells are immune system defenders that destroy cancer cells and virus-infected cells. The immune boost lasted 24 hours after exposure ended, but shorter exposures of 3-5 hours showed no effect.

Microwaves and cellular immunity. I. Effect of whole body microwave irradiation on tumor necrosis factor production in mouse cells.

Fesenko EE, Makar VR, Novoselova EG, Sadovnikov VB. · 1999

Researchers exposed mice to extremely low-level microwave radiation (8.15-18 GHz at just 1 microW/cm²) and found it significantly boosted production of TNF (tumor necrosis factor), a key immune system protein. Short-term exposure for 5 hours to 3 days enhanced immune cell activity, but chronic exposure for 7 days actually suppressed it. This demonstrates that even ultra-weak microwave radiation can measurably alter immune system function in living organisms.

[Effect of millimeter waves on the early development of the mouse and sea urchin embryo].

Galat VV et al. · 1999

Russian researchers exposed mouse and sea urchin embryos to millimeter wave radiation (54-78 GHz) at very low power levels for 30 minutes during early development. They found that exposed mouse embryos developed faster and more successfully reached the blastocyst stage compared to unexposed controls. The radiation appeared to strengthen embryos against environmental stress, suggesting these frequencies may have biological effects even at non-thermal levels.

Microwaves and cellular immunity. I. Effect of whole body microwave irradiation on tumor necrosis factor production in mouse cells.

Fesenko, EE, Makar, VR, Novoselova, EG, Sadovnikov, VB, · 1999

Russian researchers exposed mice to low-level microwave radiation and found it significantly altered immune system function. Short exposures boosted immune cell activity, while longer exposure suppressed it. These effects persisted for days after radiation ended, showing even weak microwaves can disrupt normal immunity.

Reproductive Health175 citations

Whole-body microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones and testicular function of rats.

Dasdag et al. · 1999

Researchers exposed male rats to cell phone radiation for 2 hours daily over one month and examined their reproductive organs. They found that phones actively making calls (not just on standby) caused structural changes in the testes, specifically shrinking the seminiferous tubules where sperm are produced. The study also recorded higher body temperatures in rats exposed to active phone radiation.

Brain & Nervous SystemNo Effects Found

Ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses and morphine-induced changes in nociception and activity in mice.

Seaman RL, Belt ML, Doyle JM, Mathur SP · 1998

Researchers exposed mice to extremely high-intensity ultra-wideband electromagnetic pulses (99-105 kV/m) for up to 45 minutes and tested whether this affected their pain sensitivity and movement, including when combined with morphine. The study found no changes in pain response or activity levels in either normal mice or those given morphine. This suggests these particular electromagnetic pulses did not interfere with the nervous system pathways that control pain and movement.

DNA & Genetic DamageNo Effects Found141 citations

DNA damage in rat brain cells after in vivo exposure to 2450 MHz electromagnetic radiation and various methods of euthanasia.

Malyapa RS et al. · 1998

Researchers exposed rats to 2450 MHz microwave radiation (the same frequency used in microwave ovens and some WiFi devices) for 2 hours to see if it would damage DNA in brain cells, as a previous study had suggested. They found no DNA damage in either the brain's cortex or hippocampus regions, contradicting the earlier research. This study suggests that short-term exposure to this type of radiation at moderate levels may not cause immediate genetic damage to brain cells.

Cancer & TumorsNo Effects Found

Lack of promoting effects of the electromagnetic near-field used for cellular phones (929.2 MHz) on rat liver carcinogenesis in a medium-term liver bioassay.

Imaida K et al. · 1998

Japanese researchers exposed rats to 929.2 MHz cell phone radiation for 90 minutes daily over 6 weeks to test whether the radiation could promote liver cancer development. The study used relatively high SAR levels (up to 7.2 W/kg) and found no difference in pre-cancerous liver lesions between exposed and unexposed rats. This suggests that cell phone radiation at these levels does not accelerate liver cancer progression in this animal model.

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