Effects Of Radiofrequency Fields Research Articles

Effects of radiofrequency field from 5G communication on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in mice

With the rapid development of 5G networks, the influence of the radiofrequency field (RF) generated from 5G communication equipment on human health is drawing increasing attention in public. The study aimed at assessing the effects of long-term exposure to 4.9 GHz (one of the working frequencies of 5G communication) RF field on fecal microbiome and metabolome profiles in adult male C57BL/6 mice. The animals were divided into Sham group and radiofrequency group (RF group). For RF group, the mice were whole body exposed to 4.9 GHz RF field for three weeks, 1 h/d, at average power density (PD) of 50 W/m2. After RF exposure, the mice fecal samples were collected to detect gut microorganisms and metabolites by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and LC–MS method, respectively. The results showed that intestinal microbial compositions were altered in RF group, as evidenced by reduced microbial diversity and changed microbial community distribution. Metabolomics profiling identified 258 significantly differentially abundant metabolites in RF group, 57 of which can be classified to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Besides, functional correlation analysis showed that changes in gut microbiota genera were significantly correlated with changes in fecal metabolites. In summary, the results suggested that altered gut microbiota and metabolic profile are associated with 4.9 GHz radiofrequency exposure.

In vitro exposure of neuronal networks to the 5G-3.5 GHz signal.

The current deployment of the fifth generation (5G) of wireless communications raises new questions about the potential health effects of exposure to radiofrequency (RF) fields. So far, most of the established biological effects of RF have been known to be caused by heating. We previously reported inhibition of the spontaneous electrical activity of neuronal networks in vitro when exposed to 1.8 GHz signals at specific absorption rates (SAR) well above the guidelines. The present study aimed to assess the effects of RF fields at 3.5 GHz, one of the frequencies related to 5G, on neuronal activity in-vitro. Potential differences in the effects elicited by continuous-wave (CW) and 5G-modulated signals were also investigated. Spontaneous activity of neuronal cultures from embryonic cortices was recorded using 60-electrode multi-electrode arrays (MEAs) between 17 and 27 days in vitro. The neuronal cultures were subjected to 15 min RF exposures at SAR of 1, 3, and 28 W/kg. At SAR close to the guidelines (1 and 3 W/kg), we found no conclusive evidence that 3.5 GHz RF exposure impacts the activity of neurons in vitro. On the contrary, CW and 5G-modulated signals elicited a clear decrease in bursting and total firing rates during RF exposure at high SAR levels (28 W/kg). Our experimental findings extend our previous results, showing that RF, at 1.8 to 3.5 GHz, inhibits the electrical activity of neurons in vitro at levels above environmental standards.

Competing Effects of Radio Frequency Fields on Carbon Nanotube/Resin Systems: Alignment versus Heating

AbstractThis work shows that radio‐frequency (RF) fields can simultaneously align carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dispersed in a resin and induce Joule heating to cure the resin. The timescales of alignment and curing using RF heating are numerically computed and compared at different field strengths in order to determine a temperature where alignment happens before the matrix crosslinks. Composites are experimentally fabricated at the desired target temperature and are optically analyzed and quantified; the CNT network is successfully aligned in the direction of the applied electric field. This methodology can be used to create composites where the local alignment can be varied across the sample. Composites fabricated using RF fields have higher electrical conductivity in the direction of the aligned CNTs than an oven‐cured, randomly aligned sample. Also, RF‐cured nanocomposites exhibit higher tensile strength and modulus in the direction of alignment compared to an oven‐cured sample. Finally, it is further demonstrated how this methodology can be coupled with a direct ink writing additive manufacturing process to induce alignment in any desired direction, even orthogonal to the shear forces in the extrusion direction.

Upper bound for broadband radiofrequency field disruption of magnetic compass orientation in night-migratory songbirds

Night-migratory songbirds have a light-dependent magnetic compass sense, the mechanism of which is thought to depend on the photochemical formation of radical pairs in cryptochrome (Cry) proteins located in the retina. The finding that weak radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields can prevent birds from orienting in the Earth's magnetic field has been regarded as a diagnostic test for this mechanism and as a potential source of information on the identities of the radicals. The maximum frequency that could cause such disorientation has been predicted to lie between 120 and 220 MHz for a flavin-tryptophan radical pair in Cry. Here we show that the magnetic orientation capabilities of Eurasian blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) are not affected by RF noise in the frequency bands 140 to 150 MHz and 235 to 245 MHz. From a consideration of its internal magnetic interactions, we argue that RF field effects on a flavin-containing radical-pair sensor should be approximately independent of frequency up to 116 MHz and that birds' sensitivity to RF disorientation should fall by about two orders of magnitude when the frequency exceeds 116 MHz. Taken together with our earlier finding that 75 to 85 MHz RF fields disrupt the magnetic orientation of blackcaps, these results provide compelling evidence that the magnetic compass of migratory birds operates by a radical pair mechanism.

Effects of radiofrequency field from 5G communications on the spatial memory and emotionality in mice

ABSTRACT The rapid development of 5G network technology has gained much popularity as well as concerns about its adverse effects. In this study, we investigated the effects of 4.9 GHz (one of working frequencies of 5G communication) radiofrequency (RF) field on emotional behaviours and spatial memory in adult male mice. Open field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST) and Y maze were used to evaluate anxiety, depression-like behaviour and spatial memory ability, respectively. It was found that the anxiety-like behaviour and spatial memory ability of mice did not change, but the depression-like behaviour was induced in mice after 4.9 GHz RF exposure. In addition, the number of neurons significantly reduced and the level of pyroptosis obviously increased in amygdala rather than hippocampus. These results suggested that 4.9 GHz RF exposure could induce depression-like behaviour, which might be associated with the neuronal pyroptosis in amygdala.

Comparative study between radiofrequency-induced and muscimol-induced inhibition of cultured networks of cortical neuron.

Previous studies have shown that spontaneously active cultured networks of cortical neuron grown planar microelectrode arrays are sensitive to radiofrequency (RF) fields and exhibit an inhibitory response more pronounced as the exposure time and power increase. To better understand the mechanism behind the observed effects, we aimed at identifying similarities and differences between the inhibitory effect of RF fields (continuous wave, 1800 MHz) to the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist muscimol (MU). Inhibition of the network bursting activity in response to RF exposure became apparent at an SAR level of 28.6 W/kg and co-occurred with an elevation of the culture medium temperature of ~1°C. Exposure to RF fields preferentially inhibits bursting over spiking activity and exerts fewer constraints on neural network bursting synchrony, differentiating it from a pharmacological inhibition with MU. Network rebound excitation, a phenomenon relying on the intrinsic properties of cortical neurons, was observed following the removal of tonic hyperpolarization after washout of MU but not in response to cessation of RF exposure. This implies that hyperpolarization is not the main driving force mediating the inhibitory effects of RF fields. At the level of single neurons, network inhibition induced by MU and RF fields occurred with reduced action potential (AP) half-width. As changes in AP waveform strongly influence efficacy of synaptic transmission, the narrowing effect on AP seen under RF exposure might contribute to reducing network bursting activity. By pointing only to a partial overlap between the inhibitory hallmarks of these two forms of inhibition, our data suggest that the inhibitory mechanisms of the action of RF fields differ from the ones mediated by the activation of GABAA receptors.

Effect of a Radio Frequency Field on Atmospheric Pressure Pulsed Discharges in Air

The article presents an investigation of the effect of radio frequency (RF) field (Wi-Fi signal) on electrical discharges produced by high-voltage (HV) pulses of different time duration applied between two pin electrodes in ambient air at atmospheric pressure. In the course of the work, electrical characterization was carried out, namely, the measurement and analysis of the breakdown voltage and the energy of single and multiple discharges with a duration from 500 ns to 200 <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\mu \text{s}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> in the presence, as well as without external influence, of RF radiation with a power of 30 W at a frequency of 2.45 GHz. The study results showed that the energy of the discharges remained unchanged in all cases; the breakdown voltage of the primary pulse was unchanged as well, whereas the amplitude of subsequent pulses in the packet for the case of multiple pulses dropped by half. Despite this fact, under current experimental conditions, a potential ignition risk of electric breakdown is still highly improbable. This result is of interest for the installation of wireless sensors in flammable environments.

Genotoxic Effects of Radiofrequency-Electromagnetic Fields

Genotoxic Effects of Radiofrequency-Electromagnetic Fields

Numerical Solution of Biomagnetic Power-Law Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in a Channel

The effect of non-Newtonian biomagnetic power-law fluid in a channel undergoing external localised magnetic fields is investigated. The governing equations are derived by considering both effects of Ferrohydrodynamics (FHD) and Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). These governing equations are difficult to solve due to the inclusion of source term from magnetic equation and the nonlinearity of the power-law model. Numerical scheme of Constrained Interpolation Profile (CIP) is developed to solve the governing equations numerically. Extensive results carried out show that this method is efficient on studying the biomagnetic and non-Newtonian power-law flow. New results show that the inclusion of power-law model affects the vortex formation, skin friction and heat transfer parameter significantly. Regardless of the power-law index, the vortex formation length increases when Magnetic number increases. The effect of this vortex however decreases with the inclusion of power-law where in the shear thinning case, the arising vortex is more pronounced than in the shear thickening case. Furthermore, increasing of power-law index from shear thinning to shear thickening, decreases the wall shear stress and heat transfer parameters. However for high Magnetic number, the wall shear stress and heat transfer parameters increase especially near the location of the magnetic source. The results can be used as a guide on assessing the potential effects of radiofrequency fields (RF) from electromagnetic fields (EMF) exposure on blood vessel.

Effects of radiofrequency fields on RAS and ERK kinases activity in live cells using the bioluminescence resonance energy transfer technique

Purpose: The present study was conducted to re-evaluate the effect of low-level 1800 MHz RF signals on RAS/MAPK activation in live cells.Material and methods: Using Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer technique (BRET), we assessed the effect of Continuous wave (CW) and Global System for Mobile (GSM)-modulated 1800 MHz signals (up to 2 W/kg) on ERK and RAS kinases' activity in live HuH7 cells.Results: We found that radiofrequency field (RF) exposure for 24 h altered neither basal level of RAS and ERK activation nor the potency of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) to activate RAS and ERK kinases. However, we found that exposure to GSM-modulated 1800 MHz signals at 2 W/kg decreased the PMA maximal efficacy to activate both RAS and ERK kinases' activity. Exposure with CW 1800 MHz signal at 2 W/kg only decreased maximal efficacy of PMA to activate ERK but not RAS. No effects of RF exposure at 0.5 W/kg was observed on maximal efficacy of PMA to activate either RAS or ERK whatever the signal used.Conclusions: Our results indicate that RF exposure decreases the efficiency of the cascade of events, which, from the binding of PMA to its receptor(s), leads to the activation of RAS and ERK kinases.

Can Low-Level Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields Effect Cognitive Behaviour in Laboratory Animals? A Systematic Review of the Literature Related to Spatial Learning and Place Memory.

This review considers whether exposure to low-level radiofrequency (RF) fields, mostly associated with mobile phone technology, can influence cognitive behaviour of laboratory animals. Studies were nominated for inclusion using an a priori defined protocol with preselected criteria, and studies were excluded from analysis if they did not include sufficient details about the exposure, dosimetry or experimental protocol, or if they lacked a sham-exposed group. Overall, 62 studies were identified that have investigated the effects of RF fields on spatial memory and place learning and have been published since 1993. Of these, 17 studies were excluded, 20 studies reported no significant field-related effects, 21 studies reported significant impairments or deficits, and four studies reported beneficial consequences. The data do not suggest whether these outcomes are related to specific differences in exposure or testing conditions, or simply represent chance. However, some studies have suggested possible molecular mechanisms for the observed effects, but none of these has been substantiated through independent replication. Further behavioural studies could prove useful to resolve this situation, and it is suggested that these studies should use a consistent animal model with standardized exposure and testing protocols, and with detailed dosimetry provided by heterogeneous, anatomically-realistic animal models.

Detection of radio-frequency field with a single spin in diamond

Detection of a.c. magnetic field is consequential for many developments in physical and biological sciences, and various designs of magnetometer have been proposed recently. However, the large size of sensor and the extreme measurement conditions required strongly limit their application. It remains a challenge to reconstruct the vector of a.c. field with nanoscale spatial resolution using a single spin under ambient conditions. In this work, we choose the radio-frequency (RF) field as a typical case and realize the measurement of RF field based on a nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond. We build a solid sensor through measuring the effect of RF field on NV electron spin energy levels and the transition between them. Both of the phase and amplitude (including the transverse and longitudinal components) are measured by this new approach.

Studies on the Effect of Radio Frequency Field in a Cusp-Type Charge Separation Device for Direct Energy Conversion

Studies on the Effect of Radio Frequency Field in a Cusp-Type Charge Separation Device for Direct Energy Conversion

Magnetoreception in birds: the effect of radio-frequency fields.

The avian magnetic compass, probably based on radical pair processes, works only in a narrow functional window around the local field strength, with cryptochrome 1a as most likely receptor molecule. Radio-frequency fields in the MHz range have been shown to disrupt the birds' orientation, yet the nature of this interference is still unclear. In an immuno-histological study, we tested whether the radio-frequency fields interfere with the photoreduction of cryptochrome, but this does not seem to be the case. In behavioural studies, birds were not able to adjust to radio-frequency fields like they are able to adjust to static fields outside the normal functional range: neither a 2-h pre-exposure in a 7.0 MHz field, 480 nT, nor a 7-h pre-exposure in a 1.315 MHz field, 15 nT, allowed the birds to regain their orientation ability. This inability to adjust to radio-frequency fields suggests that these fields interfere directly with the primary processes of magnetoreception and therefore disable the avian compass as long as they are present. They do not have lasting adverse after-effects, however, as birds immediately after exposure to a radio-frequency field were able to orient in the local geomagnetic field.

Composite-180° pulse-based symmetry sequences to recouple proton chemical shift anisotropy tensors under ultrafast MAS solid-state NMR spectroscopy

There is considerable interest in the measurement of proton (1H) chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) tensors to obtain deeper insights into H-bonding interactions which find numerous applications in chemical and biological systems. However, the presence of strong 1H/1H dipolar interaction makes it difficult to determine small size 1H CSAs from the homogeneously broadened NMR spectra. Previously reported pulse sequences for 1H CSA recoupling are prone to the effects of radio frequency field (B1) inhomogeneity. In the present work we have carried out a systematic study using both numerical and experimental approaches to evaluate γ-encoded radio frequency (RF) pulse sequences based on R-symmetries that recouple 1H CSA in the indirect dimension of a 2D 1H/1H anisotropic/isotropic chemical shift correlation experiment under ultrafast magic angle spinning (MAS) frequencies. The spectral resolution and sensitivity can be significantly improved in both frequency dimensions of the 2D 1H/1H correlation spectrum without decoupling 1H/1H dipolar couplings but by using ultrafast MAS rates up to 70kHz. We successfully demonstrate that with a reasonable RF field requirement (<200kHz) a set of symmetry-based recoupling sequences, with a series of phase-alternating 270°0–90°180 composite-180° pulses, are more robust in combating B1 inhomogeneity effects. In addition, our results show that the new pulse sequences render remarkable 1H CSA recoupling efficiency and undistorted CSA lineshapes. Experimental results on citric acid and malonic acid comparing the efficiencies of these newly developed pulse sequences with that of previously reported CSA recoupling pulse sequences are also reported under ultrafast MAS conditions.

Effect of radio frequency fields on the radical pair magnetoreception model.

Although the radical pair (RP) model is widely accepted for birds' orientation, the physical mechanism of it is still not fully understood. In this paper we consider the RP model in the total angular-momentum representation and clearly show a detailed mechanism for orientation. When only the vertical hyperfine (HF) coupling component is considered, analytical expressions of singlet yield angular profiles are obtained with and without considering the radio frequency field, and when the horizontal HF coupling components are considered, a numerical calculation of the singlet yield is given. Based on these analytical and numerical results we present a detailed account of the following issues: how the HF coupling induces the singlet-triplet conversion; why the vertical radio frequency field can disorient the birds, while the parallel one cannot; and why the birds are able to "train" to different field strengths. Finally, we consider a multinuclei RP model.

International and national expert group evaluations: biological/health effects of radiofrequency fields.

The escalated use of various wireless communication devices, which emit non-ionizing radiofrequency (RF) fields, have raised concerns among the general public regarding the potential adverse effects on human health. During the last six decades, researchers have used different parameters to investigate the effects of in vitro and in vivo exposures of animals and humans or their cells to RF fields. Data reported in peer-reviewed scientific publications were contradictory: some indicated effects while others did not. International organizations have considered all of these data as well as the observations reported in human epidemiological investigations to set-up the guidelines or standards (based on the quality of published studies and the “weight of scientific evidence” approach) for RF exposures in occupationally exposed individuals and the general public. Scientists with relevant expertise in various countries have also considered the published data to provide the required scientific information for policy-makers to develop and disseminate authoritative health information to the general public regarding RF exposures. This paper is a compilation of the conclusions, on the biological effects of RF exposures, from various national and international expert groups, based on their analyses. In general, the expert groups suggested a reduction in exposure levels, precautionary approach, and further research.

Cellular and Molecular Responses to Radio-Frequency Electromagnetic Fields

In recent years, people have been exposed to many kinds of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) generated by domestic electrical appliances and mobile telecommunication devices. There is increasing public concern regarding the health risks of radio-frequency (RF) radiation, particularly that produced by mobile phones. Concern regarding the potential risks of exposure to EMFs has led to many epidemiological investigations, but the effects of EMF exposure on human and other mammalian cells are still unclear. Cellular studies of the effects of RF EMFs have been conducted more often than epidemiological and animal studies. This review provides a summary of the potential cellular effects of RF fields, including those generated by cell phones and their base stations. In vitro studies of the effects of RF fields can mainly be classified into those examining genotoxic and nongenotoxic effects. Genotoxic effects include DNA strand breaks, micronucleus formation, mutation, and chromosomal aberration, i.e., changes involving damage to DNA. Nongenotoxic effects refer to changes in cellular functions, including cell proliferation, signal transduction, and gene expression (mRNA and protein). The results of most recent studies show no marked effects of RF exposure at the cellular and genetic levels. However, some studies have suggested RF effects, and these results require further investigation. As the wireless power transfer technologies are gaining more popularity, it is important that the engineering community participate in the health assessment study with medical and biological research groups. Since the electromagnetic environment due to future wireless power technologies continues to increase, biologists also have to promote the research assessment utilizing advanced technologies in the life sciences. This review paper attempts to provide an insight on the cellular and molecular responses to the RF electromagnetic fields and the understanding of such biological impacts are important for wireless power technology applications.

On B1 inhomogeneity correction of in vivo human brain glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast at 7T

The effects of radio frequency field (B(1)) inhomogeneity on measured in vivo human brain glutamate chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast maps are normally confounded with contributions from chemical exchange saturation transfer, direct saturation and magnetization transfer effects. Consequently, the chemical exchange saturation transfer effect variation with B(1) follows a complicated function and depends on the tissue types as well. In this work, we developed and tested a novel approach for B(1) inhomogeneity correction based on acquiring calibration data at a coarsely sampled B(1) values in conjunction with the measured B(1) maps. With this approach, different calibration curves are derived for gray matter and white matter instead of a simple linear scaling based on local B(1) values. Potential extensions of this approach to study chemical exchange saturation transfer contrast from other metabolites and tissue types are discussed.

Effects of radiofrequency field on the blood-brain barrier: A systematic review from 2005 to 2009

Abstract The published results available in 2005 were insufficient to draw firm conclusions concerning the possible non-thermal effects of radiofrequency fields on the blood-brain barrier (BBB). This critical review deals with 16 articles on this topic published since 2005. The methodological quality of these articles was not equivalent. We therefore analysed the underlying methodologies from both their biological and physical aspects. We conclude that recent studies provide no convincing proof of deleterious effects of RF on the integrity of the BBB, for specific absorption rates (SAR) up to 6 W/kg.