Scientists discover connection between mobile phones and brain cells

A new research has found that cell phone use stimulates activity in brain cells. In the study, using a cellular phone increased the metabolism of cells in the brain of test subjects. Scientists confirmed that electromagnetic radiation from cellular phones has an impact on brain cells, but not if the effects are harmful.

First time cellular phone brain study

The Journal of the American Medical Association published a research Tuesday. It was the first ever to examine how the radiation from cell phones that is electromagnetic affects brain cells. The study focused on how cell phone use impacts normal brain cell function, known as glucose metabolism. The rate of glucose metabolism in brain cells was increased more than scientists were hoping with cellular phone exposure. Brain activity is a result of cells using glucose to create energy. Brain cells normally produce glucose as needed. It is unknown if it is bad or not, however it was found in the study that glucose metabolism amounts are increased artificially with a cell phone. Further research needs to be done though.

How cellular phones affect the brain

With all the phone calls going on, cell phone radiation has concerned medical experts. They have worried about what it is doing. Previous test results have been inconclusive. Nothing has been discovered before. Probably the most famous cell phone radiation studies have been reported to establish a connection with brain cancer. However, the research has been unable to prove the brain cancer in mobile phone users was actually brought on by cellular phone radiation. DNA mutations or other mutations that end up causing cancer and dementia are things that scientists have tried to link mobile phone radiation to though. The impact of cellular phones on children’s brains has been a particular concern because kids have thinner skulls, the radiation penetrates deeper and their brain cells metabolize glucose faster.

Always choose speakerphone as a suggestion

In a statement responding to the cellular phone brain cell study, the Wireless Association said scientific evidence proves that cell phones, used within limits established by the Federal Communications Commission, don’t pose a public health risk. Authors of the research suggested that until more is known about the effects of cellular phone radiation on brain cells, individuals should use the speaker phone function or a Bluetooth earpiece as often as possible.

Citations

CNN

cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/22/cell.phone.brain.activity/

Web MD

webmd.com/brain/news/20110222/cell-phones-affect-brain-but-does-it-matter?page=2

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704071304576160652541652440.html