Researchers have recently reported that holding a cell phone to the ear for an extended period of time increases activity in regions of the brain closest to the antenna.
Specifically, glucose metabolism in the orbitofrontal cortex and temporal pole increased significantly when the phone was turned on and muted, compared with when it was off. Glucose metabolism is a marker for brain activity.
While researchers conceded that the clinical significance of these findings is unknown in terms of long-term harmful consequences from prolonged cell phone use, the research does provide evidence that the human brain is sensitive to the effects of electromagnetic radiation from cell phones.
As one specialist explained, "[T]he important question is whether this acute effect [i.e., increased glucose metabolism] is associated with events that may be damaging to the brain or predispose to the development of future problems such as cancer…"
Read more about this cell phone research on MedPage Today.
Click here to access an abstract of the research.
