Cell Phone Use and Brain Activity
Research studies have shown that cell phone and other wireless phone use have a biological impact on the brain. While there has been no direct evidence that wireless phone use produces increased health risks, researchers have cautioned the public against excessive cell phone use. In a study published in JAMA, cell phone use was linked to increased brain activity. It is believed that exposure to radiofrequency-modulated electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) from cell phone use is connected to increased brain glucose metabolism. In the study, researchers used brain imaging techniques to measure brain glucose metabolism in participants using a cell phone for 50 minutes. The results showed increased glucose metabolism in areas of the brain closest to the antenna when the phone was on. As stated by study researchers, "These results provide evidence that the human brain is sensitive to the effects of RF-EMFs from acute cell phone exposures." It is still unclear however, exactly how RF-EMFs affect brain glucose metabolism. The researchers also note that the results of the study do not indicate whether or not persistent cell phone use may potentially cause brain tumors or any type of cancer.