Mice
Do cell phones cause brain cancer? Is there a relationship between Alzheimer’s Disease and cell phone radiation? Can men become sterile by keeping a mobile phone in their pockets? Will a woman’s hair fall out if she uses a bluetooth headset connected to her cell?
I’m becoming concerned that the media–newspapers, magazines, radio, television, the Internet and mobile–are going bonkers about reporting health information and “scientific studies” concerning the effects of cell phone radiation on human health.
Brain cancer is the main research focus. Whether cell phone use is associated with it remains open, although the latest studies indicate no direct cause and effect.
Before everyone carried a cell phone, studies about electromagnetic radiation were limited to employees of telecommunications companies and military workers exposed to radar. Now that mobile is “in,” every journalist feels compelled to write his or her quota of stories about mobile phones and technology, especially about “wireless health.”
Alzheimer’s
The latest study from researchers at the University of South Florida, published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, concludes that electromagnetic radiation may prevent and even reverse Alzheimer’s disease–at least in mice, if not humans.
The researchers assembled 96 non-voluntary mice, put them in cages around an antenna emitting electromagnetic radiation and subjected the poor creatures to a daily dose of RF for one hour a day over nine months. Clearly this is something you wouldn’t do to your worst enemy. Alas, they’re plenty of mice around.
The team of neurologists and other medical researchers were amazed to discover that EM exposure actually improved memory and reduced the plaques associated with Alzheimer’s.
The press release issued by USF caused a flurry of reportage by dozens of newspapers and online publications summarizing the findings. Some of the juicier ones:
- The Kansas City Star: “Hope for Those with Alzheimer’s and Those Who Fear That Future.” The reporter’s first sentence: “I need to use my cell phone more frequently and get all of my relatives and friends to do the same.” Sure, and maybe sticking your head in a microwave oven might improve your golf score too.
- CBC in Canada: “Cell Phone Radiation Helps Demented Mice: Study.” Thank goodness the editor inserted the colon after mice. Otherwise, teachers might start pointing RF antennas at their students, hoping it increases their memory and scholastic performance.
- The Inquirer: “Mobiles Might Prevent Alzheimer’s Disease.” Nick Farrell, the writer, thought he’d have some fun on this one, writing “Apparently if you are a mouse and spend a lot of time on your mobile you are less likely to get the illness. [The study] also found that mice suffering from Alzheimer’s seemed to get a bit better the more calls they made.” AT&T customers may want to donate their rollover minutes to the University of South Florida.
- Business Week: “Could Your Cell Phone Shield You from Alzheimer’s?” “Cell phone addicts of the world, listen up: Electromagnetic waves emanating from these ubiquitous gadgets may prevent or even reverse Alzheimer’s disease, researchers say.”
- National Geographic: “Cell Phone Use May Fight Alzheimer’s, Mouse Study says.” I’m sure everyone is thrilled to know that mice are now writing up their own health studies, relieving researchers of that drudgery.
- The National Post: “Cellphones may dial up Alzheimer’s cure.” It’s clear why newspapers are going under. Their writers and editors are still using rotary phones.
- AHN (All Headline News): “Cellphone Radiation Shows Promise In Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment In Mice.” I believe the researchers were trying to find a solution for humans with the disease but apparently not.
- The Calcutta Telegraph: “Mobile Link to Memory.” A catchy article title from our friends in India.
- TMCnet: “Cell Phones Do a Body (& Mind) Good” with an accompanying photo of a Cell Phone User with a gallon of milk. Cute. TMC might want to reduce the number of ads and copy in their website. That by itself might reduce numerous illnesses, including eye strain.
- momento24: “Research discovered that mobile phone’s magnetic waves can stop alzheimer.” I don’t know who “alzheimer” is but it’s nice to know he can be stopped with magnetic waves. (The publication may also want to change its name to “momento2010.”)
- Gizmodo.com: “Cellphones Can Help Ward off Alzheimer’s – if you’re a Rodent.” Ah, those folks at Gizmodo–medical pundits, they are.
- The Press Association: “Alzheimer’s ‘eased by phone waves.’” I’m assuming this is an addendum to the study based on my popular blog post: “Used 3G iPhones on eBay: “I Found it in the River.’“
Well, I could go on, but I think you get the message. While they’re conflicting reports about the health risks of cell phones, I’d put it at the bottom of my list of things to worry about, such as bridges falling on me, the economy collapsing and Arnold Schwarzenegger running for President.
With all the rather gruesome things happening in the world, a cell phone study showing positive outcomes for those with Alzheimer’s is of greater interest, despite journalists jumping off cliffs like lemmings.
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