Brain & Nervous System

Exposure to 50 Hz electromagnetic field changes the efficiency of the scorpion alpha toxin

Jankowska M et al. · 2015

Exploration of molecular pathways mediating electric field-directed Schwann cell migration by RNA-seq

Yao L, Li Y, Knapp J, Smith P. · 2015

Researchers used electric fields to study how Schwann cells (nerve-supporting cells) migrate toward damaged areas in the nervous system. They found that these cells move toward the positive electrode when exposed to electric fields of 50-200 mV/mm, and stronger fields caused more directed movement. The study identified over 2,600 genes that changed expression during this electric field-guided migration.

Extremely Low- Frequency Electromagnetic Fields Affect the miRNA-Mediated Regulation of Signaling Pathways in the GC-2 Cell Line

Liu Y, Liu W-B, Liu K-J, Ao L, Cao J, Zhong JL, Liu J-Y · 2015

This 2015 study examined how extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) affect microRNA-mediated regulation of signaling pathways in GC-2 cells, a mouse-derived germ cell line. The research investigated molecular changes in cellular signaling mechanisms in response to ELF-EMF exposure.

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

Li Y, Wang X, Yao L · 2015

This study investigated how oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) respond to applied electric fields, finding that OPCs migrate toward the anode (positive electrode) with increased directedness at higher field strengths (50-200 mV/mm), while migration speed remained unchanged. Transcriptional analysis revealed that the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, which signals cell migration, was significantly upregulated at 200 mV/mm, suggesting electric fields can guide OPC migration through specific genetic mechanisms relevant to neural regeneration.

Deleterious impacts of a 900MHz electromagnetic field on hippocampal pyramidal neurons of 8-week-old Sprague Dawley male rats

Şahin A et al. · 2015

Turkish researchers exposed 8-week-old rats (equivalent to preadolescent humans) to 900 MHz cell phone radiation for one hour daily over 30 days. The exposed rats showed significant loss of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and learning, along with visible cellular damage and enlarged brain ventricles.

Effects of mobile phone exposure (GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS) on polysomnography based sleep quality: An intra- and inter-individual perspective

Danker-Hopfe H et al. · 2015

This double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study examined how RF-EMF exposure from GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS mobile phone signals affected sleep quality in 30 healthy young men using polysomnography. The study found that while RF-EMF effects were observed in 90% of individuals across various sleep variables, the only consistent finding was an increase in REM (stage R) sleep in approximately one-third of subjects under both GSM 900 and WCDMA/UMTS exposure conditions.

Extremely low frequency magnetic field modulates the level of neurotransmitters

Chung YH et al · 2015

Korean researchers exposed rats to 60 Hz magnetic fields (the same frequency as power lines) for 2-5 days and found significant changes in brain neurotransmitters across multiple brain regions. The exposure altered levels of dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and other brain chemicals that control mood, movement, and cognitive function. These findings suggest that everyday exposure to power line frequencies may directly affect brain chemistry.

Non-thermal extremely low frequency magnetic field effects on opioid related behaviors: Snails to humans, mechanisms to therapy

Prato FS · 2015

Researchers discovered that extremely low frequency magnetic fields can alter pain perception and opioid drug effects in animals and humans. Over 30 years of studies showed these EMF exposures can both increase and decrease pain sensitivity, and even produce pain relief in people. The research used brain imaging to track how magnetic fields affect pain processing in the nervous system.

Could Magnetic Fields Affect the Circadian Clock Function of Cryptochromes? Testing the Basic Premise of the Cryptochrome Hypothesis (ELF Magnetic Fields)

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers examined whether weak 50/60 Hz magnetic fields could disrupt circadian rhythms by affecting cryptochrome proteins, which help regulate our body's internal clock. The study tested the basic premise that Earth-strength magnetic fields can alter the chemical balance of cryptochromes in the retina. This research explores a potential biological mechanism for how power line frequencies might affect sleep and circadian health.

Effect of long-term (2 years) exposure of mouse brains to global system for mobile communication (GSM) radiofrequency fields on astrocytic immunoreactivity

Court-Kowalski S et al · 2015

Researchers exposed mice to cell phone radiation at 900 MHz (4 W/kg) for 5 days per week over 2 years, then examined their brains for signs of glial cell activation. The study found no detectable changes in astrocytes (brain support cells) compared to unexposed control mice, suggesting no inflammatory brain response occurred.

No Dynamic Changes in Blood-brain Barrier Permeability Occur in Developing Rats During Local Cortex Exposure to Microwaves

Unknown authors · 2015

Japanese researchers exposed developing rats' brain cortex to 1457 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 50 minutes at 2.0 W/kg to test blood-brain barrier effects. Using advanced fluorescence microscopy, they found no changes in barrier permeability in either juvenile or young adult rats. The study suggests this specific RF exposure doesn't immediately compromise the protective barrier around the developing brain.

1950 MHz Electromagnetic Fields Ameliorate AB Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Mice

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers exposed Alzheimer's disease mice to 1950 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 8 months and found it reduced brain plaques and improved memory. The EMF exposure appeared to slow disease progression by decreasing harmful protein buildup and brain inflammation. This unexpected finding suggests certain RF exposures might have protective effects in advanced Alzheimer's cases.

Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as an emerging threat to wildlife orientation

Unknown authors · 2015

This 2015 research review examined how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from cell towers and wireless devices may interfere with animals' natural magnetic navigation systems. The study found that RF radiation at environmental levels commonly found in urban areas can disrupt the magnetic sensors that birds and insects use for orientation and migration. This suggests wireless infrastructure may be creating invisible barriers that confuse wildlife navigation.

Non-thermal extremely low frequency magnetic field effects on opioid related behaviors: Snails to humans, mechanisms to therapy

Prato FS · 2015

Researchers discovered that extremely low frequency magnetic fields can alter how the body responds to pain and opioid medications, with effects documented across species from snails to humans over 30 years of study. The findings show these magnetic fields can both increase and decrease pain sensitivity depending on exposure conditions. This research opens new possibilities for treating chronic pain using electromagnetic therapy.

Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as an emerging threat to wildlife orientation

Unknown authors · 2015

This 2015 research review examined how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from cell towers and wireless infrastructure disrupt wildlife navigation systems. The study found that RF radiation at environmental levels commonly found in urban areas interferes with animals' ability to sense Earth's magnetic field for orientation. This disruption poses particular threats to migratory birds and insects that rely on magnetic navigation.

Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as an emerging threat to wildlife orientation

Unknown authors · 2015

This 2015 review examined how radiofrequency radiation from cell towers and wireless infrastructure disrupts wildlife's natural magnetic navigation systems. The research found that RF exposure at environmental levels commonly found in cities and near base stations interferes with animals' ability to sense Earth's magnetic field for orientation. This disruption could significantly impact migratory birds and insects, particularly in urban areas but also in protected natural areas with powerful RF transmitters.

No Dynamic Changes in Blood-brain Barrier Permeability Occur in Developing Rats During Local Cortex Exposure to Microwaves

Unknown authors · 2015

Japanese researchers exposed developing rats to 1457 MHz radiofrequency radiation at 2.0 W/kg for 50 minutes while directly measuring blood-brain barrier permeability using advanced microscopy. They found no changes in barrier function in either juvenile or young adult rats, with no evidence of protein leakage into brain tissue.

1950 MHz Electromagnetic Fields Ameliorate AB Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Mice

Unknown authors · 2015

Researchers exposed Alzheimer's disease mice to 1950 MHz radiofrequency radiation (similar to cell phone frequencies) for 8 months and found it significantly reduced amyloid plaques in the brain and improved memory function. The study suggests RF exposure may have protective effects against Alzheimer's pathology, though only in mice already showing disease symptoms, not healthy brains.

Anthropogenic radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as an emerging threat to wildlife orientation

Unknown authors · 2015

This 2015 scientific review examined how radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from cell towers and wireless infrastructure may disrupt wildlife navigation systems. The research found that RF radiation at environmental levels commonly found in urban areas and near base stations can interfere with animals' ability to sense Earth's magnetic field for orientation. This poses particular risks for migratory birds and insects that rely on magnetic navigation.

Mobile phone use and risk of glioma: a case-control study in Korea for 2002-2007.

Yoon S, Choi JW, Lee E, Ahn H, Kim HS, Choi HD, Kim N. · 2015

Korean researchers studied 285 brain tumor patients and 285 healthy controls to investigate whether mobile phone use increases the risk of gliomas, a serious type of brain cancer. The study found no significant overall increase in brain tumor risk from mobile phone use, though there was a non-significant trend toward higher risk when people used phones on the same side of their head where the tumor developed. The researchers concluded their findings don't support the idea that mobile phones cause brain tumors, but suggested more research is needed for long-term users.

Biomarkers in volunteers exposed to mobile phone radiation.

Söderqvist F, Carlberg M, Hardell L · 2015

Swedish researchers tested whether cell phone radiation affects the blood-brain barrier (the brain's protective shield) by measuring specific proteins in blood samples from 24 volunteers before and after exposure to phone-like signals. The study found no significant differences in these barrier-protecting proteins between real exposure and fake exposure sessions. However, the researchers noted that all participants were regular cell phone users, which may have influenced the results.

Pituitary tumor risk in relation to mobile phone use: A case-control study.

Shrestha M, Raitanen J, Salminen T, Lahkola A, Auvinen A · 2015

Finnish researchers studied whether mobile phone use increases the risk of pituitary tumors by comparing 80 tumor patients with 240 healthy controls. They found no increased risk of pituitary tumors from mobile phone use, even after 10 years of use. However, the study had limited data on very long-term users (beyond 10 years), so questions remain about potential risks from decades of use.

Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents in Relation to Mobile Phone Use during Night.

Schoeni A, Roser K, Röösli M. · 2015

Researchers studied 439 Swiss adolescents to see how nighttime mobile phone interruptions affect their health and thinking abilities. They found that teens awakened by phones at least once monthly were 86% more likely to experience daytime tiredness and over twice as likely to feel rapidly exhausted. However, the interruptions didn't impair memory or concentration on cognitive tests, suggesting the main impact is on energy levels rather than mental performance.

Do signals of a hand-held TETRA transmitter affect cognitive performance, well-being, mood or somatic complaints in healthy young men? Results of a randomized double-blind cross-over provocation study.

Sauter C et al. · 2015

German researchers exposed 30 healthy young men to TETRA radio signals (used by police and emergency services) for 2.5 hours to test effects on thinking, mood, and physical symptoms. They found no negative impacts on cognitive performance or well-being, with some participants actually showing slight improvements in certain memory tasks. The study suggests short-term exposure to TETRA signals doesn't harm mental function in healthy adults.

Magnetoreception in the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus): influence of weak frequency-modulated radio frequency fields.

Malkemper EP et al. · 2015

Researchers tested whether wood mice can sense magnetic fields by observing where they built nests in circular arenas. They found that mice normally oriented their nests north-south using Earth's magnetic field, but when exposed to weak radio frequency fields (0.9-5 MHz), the mice switched to building nests east-west instead. This demonstrates that low-level RF exposure can disrupt an animal's natural magnetic navigation system.