Mobile Phone Exposure Research Articles

Effect of Electromagnetic-Radiofrequency Devices on Male Infertility at Urban Private Infertility Clinics in East Java

Background: As technology becomes increasingly integrated into urban lifestyles, the use of mobile phones, laptops/computers, and WiFi has surged, reshaping habits and routines. However, this reliance on devices raises concerns about potential health impacts, including male infertility rates. This study explores how lifestyle factors, particularly mobile phone usage and exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and radio frequencies (RF), influence male infertility. Methods: Conducted in Surabaya, Indonesia, this study analyzed sperm analysis data from 260 husbands attending private infertility clinics. Data spanning 2018 to 2023 were collected, with interviews conducted to assess EMR-RF exposure. Statistical analysis using the Mann-Whitney test evaluated differences in sperm analysis results between groups exposed to EMR-RF and controls. Results: A notable prevalence of EMR-RF exposure was observed among men aged 31-40, particularly those working indoors. Significant associations were found between EMR-RF exposure and sperm analysis results, with key factors such as mobile phone usage duration, storage practices, and WiFi exposure showing statistically significant correlations (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study highlights the impact of EMR-RF exposure on male fertility, particularly concerning mobile phone use and WiFi exposure. These findings underscore the importance of further research and potential interventions to mitigate the health risks associated with EMR-RF exposure in urban populations.

The Impacts of Varied Durations of 1800 MHz Mobile Phone Exposure on Oxidative Stress in the Brain and Adrenal Glands of Male Wistar Rats

The Impacts of Varied Durations of 1800 MHz Mobile Phone Exposure on Oxidative Stress in the Brain and Adrenal Glands of Male Wistar Rats

A Histological Study on the Effect of Different Methods of Mobile Phone Exposure on the Hippocampus in Adult Male Albino Rat

Abstract Introduction Using mobile phones has dramatically increased in the last few years. Mobile phones are carried mainly near the head during talking. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted from cell phones may exert detrimental effects on human organs especially hippocampus which is an important organ concerned with memory and cognitive function. Aim To study the effect of different methods of mobile phone EMF exposure on the structure of hippocampus in adult male rats. Materials and Methods 28 adult male albino Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups: Group I (Control): were left without any interference. Group II (silent non-vibrating): exposed to continuous 900-1800 megahertz cell phone- emitted EMF for 60 minutes/day, for four weeks. Mobile phones were kept in silent, non-vibrating mode. Group III (silent vibrating): exposed to EMF as in group II, but with mobile phones kept in vibrating mode. Group IV (ringing non- vibrating): exposed to EMF as in group II, but with ringtone turned on and adjusted at 80 decibels. After four weeks of exposure, hippocampi were harvested form all rats. They were subjected to hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue, Caspase-3, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunohistochemical stain as well as transmission electron microscopic examination. Morphometric and statistical studies were also done. Results pyramidal cells in CA3 area of Group IV (ringing non-vibrating) showed condensed chromatin clumps, distorted mitochondria, and clumped neurofilaments. A significant decrease in the mean thickness of the pyramidal cell layer of the CA3 area was noticed compared to other groups. While a significant increase in the mean number of degenerated pyramidal cells, number of caspase-3 positive cells as well as number of astrocytes was noticed in CA3 area of group IV compared to other groups. A significant increase in the mean optical density of caspase-3 and GFAP was also noticed in CA3 of group IV compared to other groups. Conclusions Exposure to EMF caused significant changes in the structure of hippocampus especially CA3 area. There was no significant difference between silent and vibrating mode. The worst changes were detected in ringing mode.

Mobile phone conversation during nighttime driving: Effects on driving behavior

Objectives This study aims to investigate the impact of mobile phone use (specifically, conversation), considering various use modes, on driving behavior at night. Mobile phone use is a source of driver distraction and has been associated with increased accident risk. Driving at night also entails higher accident risk and severity compared to daytime driving. Several studies have investigated the impact of mobile phone use on driving behavior; however, only a few have explored the differences between the different use modes. Most present studies involved daytime driving, although mobile phone use at night is equally if not more prevalent. Method A driving simulator experiment was designed in which 55 participants drove under nighttime simulator conditions, in different road environments (urban and rural) and under different types of distraction: no distraction, handheld, wired earphone, and speaker mode. The drives were performed during late afternoon and evening hours to resemble nighttime conditions both in the simulator and in the actual environment. Participants also completed a questionnaire for collection of different types of data. Results Results highlight the effect of mobile phone use on driving behavior, through specific indicators. Mobile phone use resulted in reduced 85th percentile driving speed and 85th percentile acceleration and increased reaction time and lateral deviation. However, safer stopping distance was observed in rural roads. Parameters relative to mobile phone use familiarity and exposure were found to mitigate mobile phone use effects. Conclusions Mobile phones affect driving behavior at night in a similar manner to that noted in several different studies considering daytime driving. The hands-free regulation should be revisited, because driver distraction also occurred under this particular use mode. Further research is required considering mobile phone use familiarity and exposure and effects of mobile phone use, because the latter is reduced with an increase in the former. Stopping distance, an understudied but more immediate surrogate measure of road safety, was increased with mobile phone use, mainly as a result of the risk compensation behavior that drivers adopt, indicating that more research is required in this field.

Effects of Head-Only Exposure to 900 MHz GSM Electromagnetic Fields in Rats: Changes in Neuronal Activity as Revealed by c-Fos Imaging without Concomitant Cognitive Impairments.

Over the last two decades, animal models have been used to evaluate the physiological and cognitive effects of mobile phone exposure. Here, we used a head-only exposure system in rats to determine whether exposure to 900 MHz GSM electromagnetic fields (EMFs) induces regional changes in neuronal activation as revealed by c-Fos imaging. In a first study, rats were exposed for 2 h to brain average specific absorption rates (BASARs) ranging from 0.5 to 6 W/kg. Changes in neuronal activation were found to be dose-dependent, with significant increases in c-Fos expression occurring at BASAR of 1 W/kg in prelimbic, infralimbic, frontal, and cingulate cortices. In a second study, rats were submitted to either a spatial working memory (WM) task in a radial maze or a spatial reference memory (RM) task in an open field arena. Exposures (45 min) were conducted before each daily training session (BASARs of 1 and 3.5 W/kg). Control groups included sham-exposed and control cage animals. In both tasks, behavioral performance evolved similarly in the four groups over testing days. However, c-Fos staining was significantly reduced in cortical areas (prelimbic, infralimbic, frontal, cingulate, and visual cortices) and in the hippocampus of animals engaged in the WM task (BASARs of 1 and 3.5 W/kg). In the RM task, EMF exposure-induced decreases were limited to temporal and visual cortices (BASAR of 1 W/kg). These results demonstrate that both acute and subchronic exposures to 900 MHz EMFs can produce region-specific changes in brain activity patterns, which are, however, insufficient to induce detectable cognitive deficits in the behavioral paradigms used here.

The effects of radiofrequency exposure on adverse female reproductive outcomes: A systematic review of human observational studies with dose–response meta-analysis

BackgroundTo inform radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure guidelines the World Health Organization (WHO) is bringing together evidence on RF-EMF in relation to health outcomes prioritised for evaluation by experts in this field. Given this, a network of topic experts and methodologists have conducted a series of systematic reviews collecting, assessing, and synthesising data of relevance to these guidelines. Here we present a systematic review of the effect of RF-EMF exposure on adverse pregnancy outcomes in human observational studies which follows the WHO handbook for guideline development and the COSTER conduct guidelines. MethodsWe conducted a broad, sensitive search for potentially relevant records within the following bibliographic databases: MEDLINE; Embase; and the EMF Portal. Grey literature searches were also conducted through relevant databases (including OpenGrey), organisational websites and via consultation of RF-EMF experts. We included quantitative human observational studies on the effect of RF-EMF exposure in adults’ preconception or pregnant women on pre-term birth, small for gestational age (SGA; associated with intrauterine growth restriction), miscarriage, stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW) and congenital anomalies. In blinded duplicate, titles and abstracts then full texts were screened against eligibility criteria. A third reviewer gave input when consensus was not reached. Citation chaining of included studies was completed. Two reviewers’ data extracted and assessed included studies for risk of bias using the Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT) tool. Random effects meta-analyses of the highest versus the lowest exposures and dose–response meta-analysis were conducted as appropriate and plausible. Two reviewers assessed the certainty in each body of evidence using the OHAT GRADE tool. ResultsWe identified 18 studies in this review; eight were general public studies (with the general public as the population of interest) and 10 were occupational studies (with the population of interest specific workers/workforces).General public studies.From pairwise meta-analyses of general public studies, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF from mobile phone exposure on preterm birth risk (relative risk (RR) 1.14, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.97–1.34, 95% prediction interval (PI): 0.83–1.57; 4 studies), LBW (RR 1.14, 95% CI: 0.96–1.36, 95% PI: 0.84–1.57; 4 studies) or SGA (RR 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02–1.24, 95% PI: 0.99–1.28; 2 studies) due to very low-certainty evidence. It was not feasible to meta-analyse studies reporting on the effect of RF-EMF from mobile phone exposure on congenital anomalies or miscarriage risk. The reported effects from the studies assessing these outcomes varied and the studies were at some risk of bias. No studies of the general public assessed the impact of RF-EMF exposure on stillbirth.Occupational studies.In occupational studies, based on dose–response meta-analyses, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF amongst female physiotherapists using shortwave diathermy on miscarriage due to very low-certainty evidence (OR 1.02 95% CI 0.94–1.1; 2 studies). Amongst offspring of female physiotherapists using shortwave diathermy, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF on the risk of congenital malformations due to very low-certainty evidence (OR 1.4, 95% CI 0.85 to 2.32; 2 studies). From pairwise meta-analyses, the evidence is very uncertain about the effects of RF-EMF on the risk of miscarriage (RR 1.06, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.18; very low-certainty evidence), pre-term births (RR 1.19, 95% CI 0.32 to 4.37; 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence), and low birth weight (RR 2.90, 95% CI: 0.69 to 12.23; 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Results for stillbirth and SGA could not be pooled in meta-analyses. The results from the studies reporting these outcomes were inconsistent and the studies were at some risk of bias. DiscussionMost of the evidence identified in this review was from general public studies assessing localised RF-EMF exposure from mobile phone use on female reproductive outcomes. In occupational settings, each study was of heterogenous whole-body RF-EMF exposure from radar, short or microwave diathermy, surveillance and welding equipment and its effect on female reproductive outcomes. Overall, the body of evidence is very uncertain about the effect of RF-EMF exposure on female reproductive outcomes.Further prospective studies conducted with greater rigour (particularly improved accuracy of exposure measurement and using appropriate statistical methods) are required to identify any potential effects of RF-EMF exposure on female reproductive outcomes of interest.

Regression calibration of self-reported mobile phone use to optimize quantitative risk estimation in the COSMOS study.

The Cohort Study of Mobile Phone Use and Health (COSMOS) has repeatedly collected self-reported and operator-recorded data on mobile phone use. Assessing health effects using self-reported information is prone to measurement error, but operator data were available prospectively for only part of the study population and did not cover past mobile phone use. To optimize the available data and reduce bias, we evaluated different statistical approaches for constructing mobile phone exposure histories within COSMOS. We evaluated and compared the performance of 4 regression calibration (RC) methods (simple, direct, inverse, and generalized additive model for location, shape, and scale), complete-case analysis, and multiple imputation in a simulation study with a binary health outcome. We used self-reported and operator-recorded mobile phone call data collected at baseline (2007-2012) from participants in Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Parameter estimates obtained using simple, direct, and inverse RC methods were associated with less bias and lower mean squared error than those obtained with complete-case analysis or multiple imputation. We showed that RC methods resulted in more accurate estimation of the relationship between mobile phone use and health outcomes by combining self-reported data with objective operator-recorded data available for a subset of participants.

Increased mobile phone use in high school students as a social problem under the dimension of addiction

Nowadays, mobile phone usage is increasing, especially among children and adolescents. Mobile phones can offer a multitude of advantages, such as instant communication, entertainment, and information. Of course, the frequency regarding mobile phone usage and exposure poses risks, such as mobile phone addiction. Adolescents now have their own mobile phone and use it most of the time without limitations, with the risk of becoming addicted. The purpose of this research is to examine the increased mobile phone use among high school students, which may lead to addiction, as a social problem related to the lack of social interactions. The research method of the survey is quantitative. The sample of the quantitative method consists of 110 adolescents attending high school, each one equipped with a personal mobile phone. Several conclusions were drawn about mobile phone addiction and its association with social factor and the networks of adolescents. Data showed that parental educational level and average family income positively influenced the likelihood of adolescent mobile phone addiction. In contrast, no association was observed in terms of gender with adolescents' mobile phone addiction. It was observed that parental networks and peer networks had a negative effect on adolescents' mobile phone addiction. The research findings point middle family income and parents with a higher education degree are factors associated with adolescent mobile phone addiction. Additionally organizational networks, peer networks and parental networks are associated with adolescents' mobile phone addiction. Our research presents some limitations but paves the way for future research for the findings to become enhanced.

Investigation of genetic stress parameters in brain tissues of rats exposed to 1.8 GHz cell phone radiofrequency electromagnetic field

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) may induce various cellular processes, including replication, apoptosis, cell-cycle progression. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are the primary mechanism that mediates the cellular stress response to extracellular stimuli and regulates transcriptional activity. It has been shown that mobile phone exposure can stimulate the Hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway. In this study, twenty-seven mature female Wistar albino rats were exposed to 1.8 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) 2h/day for 8 weeks (SAR: 0.06 W/kg). Hsp27 and p38MAPK gene expressions were investigated in rat brains. Rats were divided into groups sham-exposed, cage control, and 1.8 GHz RF-EMF exposed. Hsp27 and p38MAPK gene expression levels were investigated from the brain. p38MAPK expression was found to be upregulated in RF-EMF exposed group (p=0.018) Hsp27 expressions were not altered (p=0.897). In conclusion, long-term exposure to 1.8 GHz cell phone radiation can activate the Hsp27/p38MAPK stress pathway. It may cause several cellular disorders and can affect brain function.

Association between self-reported mobile phone use and the semen quality of young men

To investigate the association between mobile phone exposure and semen parameters. A nationwide cross-sectional study. Andrology laboratories in close proximity to 6 army recruitment centers. In total, 2886 men from the general Swiss population, 18-22 years old, were recruited between 2005 and 2018 during military conscription. Participants delivered a semen sample and completed a questionnaire on health and lifestyle, including the number of hours they spent using their mobile phones and where they placed them when not in use. Using logistic and multiple linear regression models, adjusted odds ratios and β coefficients were determined, respectively. The association between mobile phone exposure and semen parameters such as volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count (TSC), motility, and morphology was then evaluated. A total of 2759 men answered the question concerning their mobile phone use, and 2764 gave details on the position of their mobile phone when not in use. In the adjusted linear model, a higher frequency of mobile phone use (>20 times per day) was associated with a lower sperm concentration (adjusted β: -0.152; 95% confidence interval: -0.316; 0.011) and a lower TSC (adjusted β: -0.271; 95% confidence interval: -0.515; -0.027). In the adjusted logistic regression model, this translates to a 30% and 21% increased risk for sperm concentration and TSC to be below the World Health Organization reference values for fertile men, respectively. This inverse association was found to be more pronounced in the first study period (2005-2007) and gradually decreased with time (2008-2011 and 2012-2018). No consistent associations were observed between mobile phone use and sperm motility or sperm morphology. Keeping a mobile phone in the pants pocket was not found to be associated with lower semen parameters. This large population-based study suggests that higher mobile phone use is associated with lower sperm concentration and TSC. The observed time trend of decreasing association is in line with the transition to new technologies and the corresponding decrease in mobile phone output power. Prospective studies with improved exposure assessment are needed to confirm whether the observed associations are causal.

4G based SAR analysis for anatomically based human head model using mobile phone antenna

Mobile phone handsets utilized by individuals of all ages been heavily grows popular as a wireless communication device. Every mobile phone produces electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies (RF). The specific absorption rate is used to calculate how much of this energy is absorbed by the human skull. Standard guidelines state that sold phones must fall below a specified SAR. This paper aims to evaluate the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) and E-field strength for mobile phone radiation exposure on a head model who is 40 years old and a 5-year-old child. The human skull is represented in this model as a six-layered sphere made up of the brain, CSF, dura, bone, fat, and skin. Various layers of the head's SAR distribution have been measured as an impact of radiation from mobile phones exposure using the 1800 MHz frequency. Earlier research were used to consider the dielectric properties of tissue layers. The human head and mobile phone antenna is modelled in this research using ANSYS HFSS. A hand-held mobile phone's dipole antenna type is considered for RF exposure. It is seen how EM absorption in various tissue layers for both adults as well as child head. SAR comparisons between the adult and child head reveal that the child head absorbs greater power due to the distinctive layerwise head shape, conductivity, permittivity, and permeability of the two head models. Excess EM absorption may have negative physiologic implications for human health specifically impact on child physical and mental health.

Assessing the effect of selenium on cyclin D1 level and nuclear factor kappa b activity in NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells at 2100 MHz electromagnetic field exposure

ABSTRACT Although there are numerous studies on the health impacts of electromagnetic field (EMF) of mobile phone operation frequency 2100 MHz, the published works present contradicting results. Long-term exposure to mobile phone frequencies has unclear health hazards. Therefore, it is important to investigate the molecular mechanism of possible biological effects in mobile phone exposure and to determine the corresponding biological markers. Towards this end, this study was designed to assess the effect of 200 nM selenium (Se) on cell viability% [trypan blue], cell cycle biomarker [cyclin D1] and the transcription factor [nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB)] in NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells when exposed to 2100 MHz mobile phone frequency. When 2100 MHz EMF was exposed to NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells, the cell viability% was reduced, whereas cyclin D1 level and NF-kB activity increased. Also we show that Se supplementation decreases the effects of 2100 MHz EMF on these parameters. Although future studies will be required to investigate the biological effects of EMF emitted by mobile phones, the results obtained here provide an insight into the molecular mechanisms and specifically underlying selenium’s protective effect against 2100 MHz EMF exposure.

Mobile phones and children: exposure and pattern of usage of mobile phones among children - a descriptive cross-sectional study

Background: Mobile phone as an invention of the modern world has managed to penetrate not only the most distant parts of the world but also various age groups in a person’s life. There is a need to evaluate the children’ interactions with these modern devices as they might have a significant effect on their behavior, sleep patterns, and psychological addiction. Objectives of the research were: to study the socio demographic characteristics of children using mobile phones, to determine the average time duration of exposure to mobile phones, and to determine the age of initial exposure to mobile phones. Methods: It was a descriptive cross sectional observational study. The study was conducted at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital. All the children between the age group of 0-12 years visiting the pediatric outpatient department fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. Results: Of the 248 children enrolled in the study mobile phone exposure was found in 143 (57.66%) boys and 105 (42.34%) girls. 67.74% of the parents agreed that the mobile phones were being used by their children just for fun without any intended or specific use. 26% of the times it was used to engage the children when the parents were busy. 30.24% of the kids had a screen time of less than 30 minutes on a daily basis. 23.39% of the children were used to the screen for more than 2 hours in a day, on a cumulative basis. It was noted that more than 50% of children were exposed to mobile phones within 1 year of age. The earliest age of exposure to mobile phone was 2 months of age. Conclusions: Regardless of the socioeconomic status the accessibility and the owning of the mobile phones is same across the socioeconomic strata. The need of the hour is to raise awareness among the parents regarding the excessive use of mobile phones among children and their possible adverse impacts on physical and psychosocial health.

Immunomodulatory role of non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation in human leukemia monocytic cell line

In daily life, people are usually exposed to radiofrequency radiations (RFR). The effects of RFR on human physiology have been a major source of controversy since the WHO declared that these radiations are a type of environmental energy that interacts with the physiological functioning of the human body. The immune system provides internal protection and promotes long-term health and survival. However, the relevant research on the innate immune system and radiofrequency radiation is scant. In this connection, we hypothesized that innate immune responses would be influenced by exposure to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones in a cell-specific and time-dependent manner. To test this hypothesis, human leukemia monocytic cell lines were exposed to 2318 MHz (MHz) RFR emitted by mobile phones at a power density of 0.224 W/m2 in a controlled manner for various time durations (15, 30, 45, 60, 90, and 120 min). Systematic studies on cell viability, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide (SO), pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and phagocytic assays were performed after the irradiation. The duration of exposure seems to have a substantial influence on the RFR-induced effects. It was noticed that after 30 min of exposure, the RFR dramatically enhanced the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1α level as well as reactive species such as NO and SO generation as compared to the control. In contrast, the RFR dramatically reduced the phagocytic activity of monocytes during 60 min of treatment when compared to the control. Interestingly, the irradiated cells restored their normal functioning until the final 120-min of exposure. Furthermore, mobile phone exposure had no influence on cell viability or TNF-α level. The results showed that RFR exhibits a time-dependent immune-modulatory role in the human leukemia monocytic cell line. Nevertheless, more research is needed to further determine the long-term effects and precise mechanism of action of RFR.

Attenuation properties of health protection accessories during mobile phone exposure on the human head phantom

Wydawnictwo SIGMA-NOT wydaje czasopisma fachowe informujące swoich czytelników o najnowszych osiągnięciach naukowych i nowoczesnych rozwiązaniach technicznych w Polsce i na świecie, popularyzuje problemy techniczne oraz poszerza wiedzę i kulturę techniczną.

Protective Effect of Qi-Shield on the Regeneration of Cultured Connective Tissue Fibroblasts after Mobile Phone Radiation – A Study Using Continuous Monitoring by Video Micrography

Background: Mobile phones are high performance devices that consume a lot of energy and also generate heat in form of microwaves. This heat is mainly created by the high frequency electromagnetic fields that transmit voice or data in mobile communications. Moreover, mobile phones also possess non-thermal radiation which has been shown to induce oxidative stress and molecular and cellular damage. Material and methods: In this study not only the dynamic process of cellular damage following oxidative stress from the radiation of an actively transmitting mobile phone was investigated, but also a device named Qi-Shield, which claims to protect from the adverse effects of a mobile phone & WLAN radiation at realistic conditions. The regeneration process of cultured connective tissue cells (cell line L-929) which results in the closure of an artificial cell-free area by cell proliferation and migration, was used for continuous video micrography evaluation for more than 60 hours. Three different experimental approaches were conducted: (1) Regeneration of untreated control cells; (2) Regeneration of unprotected cells after 4 hours of mobile phone radiation; (3) Regeneration of Qi-Shield protected cells after 4 hours of mobile phone radiation. For definite time points during the regeneration process the residual cell-free area was examined by a specialized software with artificial intelligence. Four independent experiments over a period of four weeks were conducted. Results and conclusions: A quite consistent cell reaction for the three different experimental approaches was observed in all experiments. The unexposed control cells showed a nearly linear reduction of the cell-free area with a time point of closure at 50 hours. The unprotected cells after mobile phone exposure also showed a roughly linear reduction of the cell-free area, but its magnitude was significantly lower and did not result in any closure of the cell-free area. The cells protected by Qi-Shield behaved very close to the unexposed cells, although a closure of the cell-free area within 60 hours of regeneration was only observed in two of four experiments. When calculating a relation between the values at 50 hours of regeneration by setting the value for the reduction of unexposed control cells as 100 %, a reduction value of 22 % was obtained for the unprotected cells, but 82.7 % for the Qi-Shield protected cells. Therefore, Qi-Shield was able to protect cells from the adverse effects of mobile phone & WLAN radiation by more than 82 %. The results clearly demonstrate the different dynamic reactions of connective tissue cells after mobile phone radiation and the successful use of Qi-Shield to reduce adverse cellular effects. Keywords: Mobile phone radiation; Oxidative stress; Fibroblast; L-929; Cell regeneration; Cell culture

In Vivo Functional Ultrasound (fUS) Real-Time Imaging and Dosimetry of Mice Brain Under Radiofrequency Exposure.

This study aims to analyze in real-time the potential modifications induced by low-level continuous-wave and Global System for Mobile Communications radiofrequency (RF) exposure at 1.8 GHz on brain activation in anesthetized mice. A specific in vivo experimental setup consisting of a dipole antenna for the local exposure of the brain was fully characterized. A unique neuroimaging technique based on a functional ultrasound (fUS) probe was used to observe the areas of mice brain activation simultaneously to the RF exposure with unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution (~100 μm, 1 ms) following manual whisker stimulation using a brush. Numerical and experimental dosimetry was carried out to characterize the exposure and to guarantee the validity of the biological results. Our results show that the fUS probe can be efficiently used during in vivo exposure without interference with the dipole. In addition, we conclude that exposure to brain-averaged specific absorption rate levels of 2 and 6 W/kg does not introduce significant changes in the time course of the evoked fUS response in the left barrel field cortex. The proposed technique represents a valuable instrument for providing new insights into the possible effects induced on brain activation under RF exposure. For the first time, brain activity under mobile phone exposure was evaluated in vivo with fUS imaging, paving the way for more realistic exposure configurations, i.e.awake mice and new signals such as the 5 G networks. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Are smartphones and tablets influencing the quality of sleep? An Italian answer


 Background: Electronic media use may affect sleep health. The present study aimed to estimate the association between technological devices usage, especially mobile phone, during the evening/night and self-reported sleep disorders. 
 Methods: The survey was conducted between June and September 2016. Anonymous self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the Italian general population and investigated demographic data, presence of sleep disorders and the use of electronic devices. 
 Results: The analysis was based on 597 questionnaires. Mobile phone exposure has been associated with increased difficulty falling to sleep (p= 0.018). 
 The use of mobile phones at bedtime was significantly related to self-reported sleep disturbance (p <0.001). 
 Using mobile phone more than 60 minutes before going to sleep, the use of these devices in bed, surfing internet remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. 
 Conclusion: Our results suggest that the use of a mobile phone before going to sleep is associated with reporting sleep disturbances. Public health prevention strategies could comprise promotion of optimum sleep habits and information regarding the effects of an intensive electronic devices use on the sleep status.

Wireless phone use in childhood and adolescence and neuroepithelial brain tumours: Results from the international MOBI-Kids study.

In recent decades, the possibility that use of mobile communicating devices, particularly wireless (mobile and cordless) phones, may increase brain tumour risk, has been a concern, particularly given the considerable increase in their use by young people. MOBI-Kids, a 14-country (Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain) case-control study, was conducted to evaluate whether wireless phone use (and particularly resulting exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF)) increases risk of brain tumours in young people. Between 2010 and 2015, the study recruited 899 people with brain tumours aged 10 to 24years old and 1,910 controls (operated for appendicitis) matched to the cases on date of diagnosis, study region and age. Participation rates were 72% for cases and 54% for controls. The mean ages of cases and controls were 16.5 and 16.6years, respectively; 57% were males. The vast majority of study participants were wireless phones users, even in the youngest age group, and the study included substantial numbers of long-term (over 10years) users: 22% overall, 51% in the 20-24-year-olds. Most tumours were of the neuroepithelial type (NBT; n=671), mainly glioma. The odds ratios (OR) of NBT appeared to decrease with increasing time since start of use of wireless phones, cumulative number of calls and cumulative call time, particularly in the 15-19years old age group. A decreasing trend in ORs was also observed with increasing estimated cumulative RF specific energy and ELF induced current density at the location of the tumour. Further analyses suggest that the large number of ORs below 1 in this study is unlikely to represent an unknown causal preventive effect of mobile phone exposure: they can be at least partially explained by differential recall by proxies and prodromal symptoms affecting phone use before diagnosis of the cases. We cannot rule out, however, residual confounding from sources we did not measure. Overall, our study provides no evidence of a causal association between wireless phone use and brain tumours in young people. However, the sources of bias summarised above prevent us from ruling out a small increased risk.

Boundary Crossing for Education Continuity: Exploring WhatsApp’s Potential in Botswana During and Beyond the Pandemic

Based on a conceptualization of WhatsApp as a boundary object that permits educational institutions to cross over from in-school teaching to out-of-school teaching, this study investigated the viability of WhatsApp as a mobile learning (m-Learning) technology tool for the continuity of teaching and learning in Botswana during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilizing a narrative review of the literature, we found that WhatsApp’s viability is supported by Botswana’s high mobile phone penetration rate, the extensive coverage of the country’s mobile broadband network, reduced domestic internet prices and research findings of WhatsApp’s technological, educational and academic advantages elsewhere. However, teachers require training to develop relevant technological and pedagogical competences. WhatsApp’s viability also requires inclusive access for all children including those from rural poor families and living with disabilities, and the protection of children learning online from mobile phone dependency and exposure to potentially harmful content and abuse.