Cell Phone Radiation Harmful for Memory

Study involving nearly 700 adolescents in Switzerland found that memory performance of specific brain regions exposed to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields during mobile phone use may be adversely affected.

Cell phone radiation harmful for memory. Image credit: Tim Parkinson/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

The rapid evolution of information and communication technologies (ICT) goes along with an increase in exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in our daily life.

The research conducted by scientists at the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) looked at the relationship between exposure to RF-EMF from wireless communication devices and memory performance in adolescents.

The study follows up a report published in the scientific journal Environment International in 2015 with twice the sample size and more recent information on the absorption of RF-EMF in adolescent brains during different types of wireless communication device use.

These are the world's first epidemiological studies to estimate cumulative RF-EMF brain dose in adolescents.

The study found that cumulative RF-EMF brain exposure from mobile phone use over one year may have a negative effect on the development of figural memory performance in adolescents, confirming prior results published in 2015.

Figural memory is mainly located in the right brain hemisphere and association with RF-EMF was more pronounced in adolescents using the mobile phone on the right side of the head. This may suggest that indeed RF-EMF absorbed by the brain is responsible for the observed associations.

Other aspects of wireless communication use, such as sending text messages, playing games or browsing the Internet cause only marginal RF-EMF exposure to the brain and were not associated with the development of memory performance.

It is not yet clear how RF-EMF could potentially affect brain processes or how relevant the findings are in the long-term.

Potential risks to the brain can be minimised by using headphones or the loud speaker while calling, in particular when network quality is low and the mobile phone is functioning at maximum power. (Tasnim News Agency)

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Protein Consumption Linked to Longevity

A high-protein diet during middle age was associated with higher mortality in a new study. In adults over 65, however, a high-protein diet was linked to lower mortality. A team led by Dr. Valter Longo at the University of Southern California set out to explore the link between dietary protein and mortality.

Researchers discover neural code that predicts behavior

Scientists have found that neurons in the superior colliculus, an ancient midbrain structure found in all vertebrates, are key players in allowing us to detect visual objects and events.

Brain stimulation limits calories consumed in adults with obesity

A National Institutes of Health study found that non-invasive brain stimulation decreased calorie consumption and increased weight loss in adults who are obese.

Study Challenges Long-Standing Concept in Cancer Metabolism

Scientists have discovered that lactate provides a fuel for growing tumors, challenging a nearly century-old observation known as the Warburg effect.

Injectable nanoparticles deliver cancer therapy in mice

Researchers designed and tested a system that delivered nanometer-sized particles of a cancer drug to tumors in mice, improving survival.

A biological mechanism for schizophrenia

Scientists identified the mechanism behind genetic variations that were linked to schizophrenia in previous genomic studies.