Board Meeting
At this location, you will be able to finalize your registration, collect your badge (which must be worn at all times to access the conference and related events), and receive your goodie bag.
Studying electric field effects on biological systems, from DC to high AC frequencies, can be confounded by the coexistence charge transfer (CT) reactions. CT redox processes can alter the chemical environment of the biological system being studied. Notable CT reaction effects are: oxygen depletion, pH changes, reactive oxygen species formation, reactive chlorine formation, and electrode corrosion reactions resulting in metal ion release. This tutorial aims to be a practical primer that will overview the common CT reaction types and how to recognize and quantify them. I will cover how CT is affected by frequency/pulse length and by the electrode type. On one hand, I will discuss CT mitigation strategies, on the other hand I will provide some cases where CT can be useful in certain experiments. The notable example is using CT reactions to control oxygen gradients, creating anoxic/hypoxic regions or hyperoxic regions. This concept can be carried further to control reactive oxygen species concentrations. The goal is to provide a better understanding of fundamental electrochemistry in the context of biophysical experiments
Three-dimensional (3D) in vitro cell cultures are the foundation of tissue engineering, enabling the reconstruction of tissues outside the body for research and therapeutic applications. While underutilized in bioelectromagnetism (BioEM) research, 3D cultures offer a more biologically relevant alternative to traditional 2D models and a more ethical, scalable, and cost-effective option than animal testing. The 3D in vitro models provide new opportunities for studying how cells and tissues respond to electric, magnetic, and electromagnetic fields and interact with novel materials sensitive to such fields. This talk will outline practical aspects for generating 3D cultures and detecting the experimental effects, principles of selecting the 3D in vitro models for BioEM purposes, and real-world applications of these platforms. Finally, it will also explore cross-disciplinary integration, highlighting how BioEM can not only benefit from using the 3D cultures but also contribute to advancing extracorporeal tissue reconstruction and preservation, nanotechnology and pharmacological research. These synergies have the potential to improve experimental reproducibility while reducing reliance on animal models, support the transition towards more sustainable research practices, and accelerate the clinical translation of scientific discoveries.
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult multipotent stem cells naturally able to give rise to different cell types of connective tissue, but also to other specialized cell types under certain conditions. MSCs also exhibit interesting secretory activities, or can even come to the rescue of damaged cells in their environment. Therefore, the use of MSCs in regenerative therapies has attracted considerable interest over the last decades. However, MSC populations exhibit high heterogeneity, which adds complexity to their study in vitro as well as in clinical applications. When transplanted into the body, lack of appropriate cell homing, cell death and rapid clearance, or inappropriate differentiation are limiting factors for the efficiency of MSC-based therapeutic applications. Therefore, the characterization of properties specific to MSCs in differentiation compared to their undifferentiated counterpart, which could lead to the development of non-damaging cell separation methods, would benefit both research and clinical applications. Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is a label-free, rapid processing technique that can be used to characterize the electrical and dielectric properties of the cells and to perform cell electromanipulation without causing cell damage. Using a 3DEP system (LABtech, UK), we evaluated the dielectrophoretic behavior of MSCs during their adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation, acquiring DEP spectra (20 frequencies between 10kHz and 40MHz) at each week of differentiation. Very interestingly, we observed a significant decrease in both membrane permittivity and conductivity in both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation pathways, as early as in the first week of differentiation, before the appearance of any morphological changes. Later, the evolution of these parameters was less significant. Some other cell properties affecting the dielectrophoretic behavior evolved throughout the differentiation process. In light of these observations, simulations have shown that DEP in combination with a microfluidic channel can be used to perform cell separation of differentiating cells from the first week of the differentiation process. This approach would have the potential to isolate either pure populations of undifferentiated MSCs or populations of pre-differentiated cells devoid of undifferentiated MSCs.
Low-frequency magnetic fields induce internal electric fields in the body. When these fields are sufficiently strong, they can stimulate nerves, causing muscle contractions or sensory perceptions. Electrostimulation models, which consider the spatial and temporal characteristics of the induced electric field, can be used to determine nerve and muscle excitation thresholds. However, these models require validation with experimental data to optimize their accuracy. These more accurate models can then be used to improve current exposure guidelines. This study combines ten anatomically realistic forearm models and computational modelling with data from an experimental study on magnetic stimulation thresholds from 14 volunteers for a solenoidal coil encircling the forearm (Havel et al. 1997). Havel et al. derived their perception thresholds in terms of the induced electric field from a simplified relationship between forearm circumference and the strength of the applied dB/dt pulse needed to elicit a sensory response. This simplified approach leads to errors in the induced electric fields. We aim to calculate correction coefficients for these simplified estimates by more accurately modelling the induced internal electric fields. We will also use random sampling to account for the uncertainty associated with tissue conductivities, ensuring the results’ robustness.
This study aims to investigate the impact of high-intensity power-frequency magnetic fields (MF) on cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs), particularly in workplace environments with strong electromagnetic fields (EMFs). While theoretical models and numerical studies have assessed interference risks, limited experimental approach exists. In this work, we have developed an experimental setup with MF exposure and a CIED-implanted phantom in a controlled environment. The induced voltage at the device input was measured to evaluate the interference on the CIED under MF exposure. Our findings indicate a linear relationship between induced voltage and MF exposure, with good agreement between theoretical calculations, simulations, and experimental measurements. This study contributes to the risk assessment for CIED users in high-intensity MF environments. Future work will explore more complex configurations to refine and expand the results.
This study investigates the effects of electric fields on red blood cell (RBC) movement in whole blood, focusing on simulating realistic exposure conditions. It is part of a broader effort to elucidate the biological effects of extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields and understand their impact on living systems. In previous work, we demonstrated that electric fields significantly influence RBC migration velocity, with electrophoresis dominating under direct current (DC) fields and dielectrophoresis under alternating current (AC) fields. These findings, however, were obtained using uniform electric fields. To address this limitation, we developed a system with electrodes designed for non-uniform electric field distributions, closer to those encountered in the human body during exposure.
The experimental setup included electrodes arranged in curved and straight configurations relative to the x-axis, enabling detailed investigation of RBC velocity under varying electric field distributions. The theoretical basis for RBC movement was analyzed using equations describing electric field strength and its gradients. Experimental results showed that RBC velocities closely matched theoretical predictions, particularly in cases involving complex field geometries. While minor discrepancy was observed under certain AC exposure conditions, the optimal approximation curves aligned well with theoretical models.
These results suggest that electrophoresis and dielectrophoresis are the primary mechanisms governing RBC movement under DC and AC electric fields, even in whole blood in spatially inhomogeneous fields. By bridging theoretical analysis with experimental validation, this study provides insights into ELF electric fields' biological effects and lays a foundation for biomedical applications.
Inductive wireless power transfer (WPT) systems use magnetic fields to transfer power between a transmitter and a receiver; the receiver is typically integrated into a device with a battery to be charged, e.g., in smartphones or electric vehicles. The highest fields, which are typically generated at the surface or in locations closest to the coils of these devices, decay rapidly as a function of distance from the device, and the rate of decay depends on the construction of the device. Since the sensors of measurement systems have dimensions of millimeters to centimeters, the field at the surface needs to be extrapolated. In this study, the error for assessing the incident field at the surface of devices is determined for different extrapolation methods, and a new extrapolation model is developed and validated. Th new model allows the compliance of WPT devices to be demonstrated with the incident field at the surface with an uncertainty of less than 30%.
In this study, the electromagnetic field (EMF) safety assessment of a dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) system during charging operations of a moving compact electric vehicle (EV) is evaluated. Specifically, different positions of the DWPT coils that account for the in-motion EV are considered for both aligned and misaligned configurations. Compliance with international safety standards has proven that reference levels (RLs) are exceeded in the extreme case of a bystander near the car (about 0.5 m in the sidewalk and 1 m in the crossing walk). In contrast, RLs are never exceeded for a passenger inside the car, at least for the considered scenarios. Future directions are also provided to reduce human exposure and improve EMF safety.
The aim of this work is to assess the impact of face-down, or prone, posture during MR examination on the RF-induced heating of medical implants. As face-down postures during MR examination, used for breast as well as some wrist and elbow imaging scenarios, may lead to different induced electrical field distributions, the resulting RF-induced power deposition may also change dramatically. To quantify the associated uncertainty, the Virtual Population anatomical model Ella was modified to incorporate prone breast tissues and posed with one or both arms raised above the head, with the head positioned close to the bore wall. The induced electrical fields and corresponding Tier 3 power depositions are compared to supine Ella for generic pacemakers, deep brain stimulators (DBS), and cochlear implants. The results show that the anatomical model posture and position associated with face-down MR examination could potentially lead to more than 3 dB differences in the Tier 3 power deposition evaluation for cochlear implants, due primarily to additional capacitive coupling of the head and shoulder region to the RF-coil.
In this research, we investigate potential effects and underlying mechanisms of 5G NR FR1 RF-EMF exposure on dopaminergic neurons during key stages of their development. We study effects of 5G NR FR1 on human induced pluripotent stem cells (hu-iPSC) as they develop into dopaminergic neurons. As poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase 1 (PARP1), an enzyme primarily known for its role in DNA repair, has been implicated in neurodegeneration, we generated PARP1 knockout (KO) iPSCs to further investigate its involvement. Wildtype (WT) and PARP1-KO cells were exposed at 1950 MHz at a SAR of 3.5 W/kg for 33 hours, with 10 minutes ON/OFF cycles or sham-exposed during the induction phase of neuronal development.
First results showed that suppressing PARP1 expression leads to an increase in the dopaminergic neuronal cell population and promotes neuronal maturation. 5G RF-EMF exposure led to promotion of synaptic formation in both WT and PARP1-KO cells, compared to sham-exposed cells. Also, a trend towards fewer astrocytes (glial cells that are important for defense and homeostasis of neurons) was observed in RF-EMF-exposed cells. No significant changes in cell death and activity of glial cells were found.
Our results indicate that PARP1 is involved in neuronal development. Therefore, comparing PARP1-KO and WT cells could help uncover mechanisms underlying the potential effects of 5G RF-EMF during early developmental stages.
The discovery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and their ability to carry cargo such as DNA, RNA, and proteins has revolutionized biomedical research. Their role as mediators of intercellular communication, and their involvement in disease development, along with their abundance in every cell make them an interesting target for studying possible effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) related to neurodegeneration and other diseases.
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hu-iPSC), namely wildtype (WT) and poly(ADP-ribose)-polymerase 1 (PARP1) knock-out (KO) cells, are exposed to fifth generation new radio frequency range 1 (5G NR FR1) during their development into dopaminergic neurons. WT and PARP1-KO cells are exposed for 33 and 48 hours at 1,950 MHz with a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 3.5 W/kg. EVs are isolated from the culture supernatant of both 5G NR FR1-exposed and sham-exposed cells and analyzed for their size and concentration using three widely applied methods: nanoparticle tracking analysis, transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. Further proteomic analysis is planned to investigate differences in their protein cargo. Our findings will provide insights into possible effects of RF EMF on EVs during early neuronal development and may uncover mechanisms relevant to human health.
The implementation of the 5th generation of wireless telecommunication networks is accompanied by an increase in the operational frequency of radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs). Studies have shown that the absorption of RF-EMFs by insects leads to dielectric heating, potentially affecting an insect’s behaviour and survival depending on their intensity. It is also known that the planned higher telecommunication carrier frequencies are absorbed more efficiently in insects. Protective thresholds for exposure to RF-EMFs are currently based on anthropocentric measures and the majority of the available publications focus on vertebrate animals. Due to their size, it is unknown if the current exposure levels are safe for insects. This research project aims to investigate the impact of RF-EMFs on mosquitoes by exposing them to various frequencies and intensities of radiation in a controlled laboratory environment, while assessing quantifiable behavioral changes in order to establishing dose-response curves. We mimicked the exposure of an insect approaching a 5G base station antenna by releasing a single mosquito into a tunnel where, at the opposite side, a bait is placed in front of an antenna. As the mosquito flies towards the bait, a video tracking system records its flight path. Numerical modelling of RF-EMF exposure along the flight path of the mosquito enables calculations of the level of radiation absorbed by the insect, thus establishing RF-EMF dose-response curves for behavioral changes, if present. The results could help establish radiation thresholds that are critical to insects.
The wide and rapid growth of wireless communication technologies, particularly the introduction of WI-FI or 5G networks, raised concerns about their potential impact on living organisms, the environment and health. As 26 GHz radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are more likely to interact with small objects such as insects, understanding the effects RF-EMFs on ecosystems, and health became critical. This study aims to assess the generational effects of chronic exposure to 26 GHz RF-EMFs in a well-controlled condition on insects.
Using D. melanogaster Canton S strain, known for its short life cycle and genetic similarities with higher organisms, we investigated the long-term impacts of 26 GHz RF-EMF exposure across 10 generations by comparing freshly hatched and aged adult. The study performed in blind monitors key health indicators including phenotypical aspect of developmental cycle, locomotor activity, and associated neurobiological issues. To maximize the mechanistic understanding of RF-EMF effects on D. melanogaster, we will explore omics variation, first transcriptomic to identify altered pathways and then metabolomics to further validate previous observation or identify more subtle effects.
This study is part of the exposure to electromagnetic fields and planetary health (ETAIN) project that contributes developing a deeper understanding of the ecological and health-related effects of RF-EMFs. Throughout risk-assessment approach on D. Melanogaster, we will provide valuable insights on 26 GHz RF-EMF chronic exposure on insects which can also be translated into Human health. Thus, paving the road for policymakers and shape regulatory frameworks surrounding wireless technologies using RF-EMFs.
The discussion on the health risk due to RF-EMF exposure has become even more acute with the deployment of 5G mobile communication technologies which operate in the FR1 (below 7 GHz) and FR2 (above 24 GHz) frequency bands. With reference to FR2 band, skin is considered one of the main targets due the low penetration depth of EMF in this frequency range. Here we used HaCaT cells, a human keratinocyte cell model, to investigate the effects of a 5G modulated signal at 26.5 GHz on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) at different time points from the end of exposure. Two exposure approaches have been planned, which we refer to as bulk and real-time measurements. For bulk measurements, we used a well characterized reverberation chamber (RC)-based exposure system, which relies on two RCs (one for RF exposure and the other for sham exposure) hosted inside two standard cell culture incubators. The second approach relies on a customised RF exposure system currently under development, which will allow the screening of real-time effects through live cells confocal microscopy.
For bulk experiments, cell cultures were exposed for three hours at 1 W/kg SAR, and the results suggest an increase in ROS formation and hyperpolarization of the MMP immediately after and 18 h after RF exposure, respectively. Complementary investigations will be carried out to clarify the observed findings. The experiments are carried out in the framework of 5G:SMILE project funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.
During more than four decades, there has been a discussion about whether exposure to extremely low frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) below guideline levels may be associated with an increased risk of childhood leukaemia. Results from epidemiological studies have unusually consistently showed an increased risk. Original data from studies of ELF-MF and childhood leukaemia of sufficient quality have been included in consecutive pooled analyses allowing harmonized exposure definitions and cutpoints, and a similar effort has been done for distance to power lines. There is evidence from these pooling efforts, and from individual studies that cover a long calendar period, suggesting that the association between ELF-MF and childhood leukaemia has declined over time. This decline is unlikely to be explained by changes in study quality. It could be a true causal association that has declined over time, or an association that was biased by confounding from an unknown risk factor for childhood leukaemia which has declined in prevalence over time or is no longer associated with ELF-MF, or simply random variation. Further research would be needed to determine the reason for the decline.
Leukemia is the most prevalent cancer among children worldwide, with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pB-ALL) being the most common subtype. pB-ALL is known for its genetic diversity, featuring various subtypes that involve recurrent and sometimes hereditary genetic alterations. A two-step model suggests that while these genetic alterations may occur before birth, additional secondary genetic events are crucial for the transformation into leukemia. Environmental factors, such as exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF), have been studied for their potential linkage to childhood leukemia, but results from animal studies have been inconclusive due to the limitations of available models.
During the course of the European Commission-funded ARIMMORA project, a new transgenic mouse model, Sca1-ETV6-RUNX1, was developed, which mimics pB-ALL and has been used to study ELF-MF exposure in a pilot study. The German Federal Office for Radiation Protection (BfS) has launched the research program “Radiation Protection in the Process of Power Grid Expansion”, which funds several projects on childhood leukemia. Two of them investigate the impact of ELF-MF exposure on mice using the mouse model from ARIMMORA. In the first study, young mice were exposed and specifically examined for changes in their immune status up to 28 days after birth. The second still ongoing study is investigating whether mice of this model develop leukemia over the course of two years after being exposed to ELF-MF first in utero and then up to 3 months of age. In this talk, those studies will be presented in more detail.
Epidemiological studies have indicated an association between exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) and the development of childhood leukemia. However, further research is necessary because the causal relationship remains unclear. The most common type of childhood leukemia is acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia, which results from the dysregulated differentiation of B-progenitors and their abnormal proliferation. Because acute B-lymphoblastic leukemia does not develop spontaneously in commercially available rodent models, indicating that leukemogenic processes are associated with interspecies differences between humans and rodents, we have been evaluating the effects of MF exposure using human cells. We first performed in vitro experimental studies to elucidate whether ELF-MF exposure could influence leukemogenesis in humans. The results of MF exposure during the differentiation process from human iPS or primary cells suggested that 50 Hz MF exposure at 300 mT may not affect the human differentiation process from mesodermal cells to B-cell lineages. Next, we applied humanized mice that engrafted human hematopoietic stem progenitor cells and imitated human hematopoietic system in the mice to MFs exposure experiments. An animal exposure system that can stably generate uniform 50 Hz MFs of up to 5 mT(rms) has been newly fabricated in our laboratory. Two months of exposure tests have been completed, and we evaluate the effects of 50 Hz MF on the human hematopoietic system in humanized mice. Our continuous efforts should contribute to understanding the possible causal relationship between ELF-MFs and childhood leukemia.
Extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) have been evaluated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s (IARC) Monograph programme on the Identification of Carcinogenic Hazards to Humans in June 2001. The IARC Monographs identify environmental factors that are carcinogenic hazards to humans, with classification as Group 1 carcinogens (“carcinogenic to humans”), Group 2A (“probably carcinogenic to humans”), Group 2B (“possibly carcinogenic to humans”), and Group 3 (“not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans”), based on the strength of evidence. The evaluation of ELF-MF was Group 2 B based on the findings from epidemiological studies of childhood leukaemia (limited evidence from cancer in humans), while there was inadequate evidence from cancer in experimental animals and no relevant support from other mechanistic data. Many other assessments have referred to the IARC classification when updating their literature review, most commissioned by the European Commission (EC), by their “Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR)”, which evaluated electromagnetic fields (EMF) in general in March 2007, again in January 2009, and in March 2015; most recently by their “Scientific Committee on Health, Environmental and Emerging Risks (SCHEER)” adopted in April 2023, and in May 2024 and a risk assessment within the EC-funded ARIMMORA project. All of the published opinions were in agreement with the previous IARC evaluation.
To better understand the assessment of “limited evidence in humans” it is crucial to discuss the strengths and limitations of the respective epidemiological studies, which will be done at the workshop.
This year marks 30 years since the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the International Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) Project. A significant milestone in EMF research was the 2002 International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assessment, which classified extremely low-frequency (ELF) magnetic fields (MF) as "possibly carcinogenic to humans" (Group 2B) due to their association with childhood leukemia. The WHO's Environmental Health Criteria document (EHC322) in 2007 identified the causal nature of this relationship as a critical research priority.
This workshop addresses this priority focused on acute lymphocytic leukemia by examining three key components: epidemiological evidence of carcinogenicity in humans, supporting biological findings from animal and cellular studies, and trying for comprehensive integration of evidence for hazard assessment. The workshop aims to reflect three decades of research findings, evaluate current understanding of the potential causal relationship, and identify future research directions.
International experts will present current research perspectives in four scientific sessions: an epidemiological overview by Prof. Maria Feychting (Karolinska Institute), animal studies from the BfS research program by Dr. Janine Schmidt (BfS), CRIEPI's in vitro research on causality by Dr. Masayuki Takahashi (CRIEPI), and authoritative evaluations by Dr. Joachim Schuz (IARC) and general discussion will be held.
This study explores how transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) influences neural oscillations, which are critical for brain function and can be disrupted in neurological disorders. tACS, a non-invasive neuromodulation technique, applies low-intensity electrical currents to modulate cortical activity. However, the precise effects of stimulation frequency and intensity on neural entrainment remain unclear.
Using a microscale neural model of the cortical column, the study simulates alpha and gamma rhythms to examine how tACS affects different neuron types within a realistic network. The findings indicate that tACS entrains neuron activity through phase locking, but the degree of entrainment varies based on stimulation frequency and neuron type. These insights help refine neuromodulation strategies for treating conditions like epilepsy by improving our understanding of how tACS interacts with neural circuits.
The application of centromedian stimulation (CMS) has been limited by the lack of clarity regarding its mode of action. In this study, we used stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) signals from a patient with focal cortical dysplasia. The suppression of neocortical interictal activity with CMS was frequency-dependent: no effect at 50 Hz, 15s suppression at 100Hz and ~2s suppression at 70 and 150 Hz. We developed a neurophysiologically-plausible thalamocortical model to simulate the recorded thalamic and neocortical SEEGs. The sustained suppression of interictal activity in the neocortex was modelled by incorporating extrasynaptic-inhibition and short-term plasticity mechanisms in the thalamic compartment. The model is based on two assumptions. First, high-frequency CMS strongly activates the inhibitory subpopulations in the thalamus. This causes GABA-spillover that engages postsynaptic and extrasynaptic GABAergic-receptors of the thalamic cells. Their engagement decreases thalamic glutamatergic input to the neocortical pyramidal cells, and subsequently suppresses interictal discharges. Second, during 150Hz CMS, we hypothesize that the activation of presynaptic GABA-B-receptors and an increased rate of GABA reuptake facilitate the reappearance of neocortical interictal activity. The effect of each of the mechanisms implemented was quantified by rigorously comparing simulated and the recorded SEEG signals in terms of their signal morphology and interictal spiking frequency.
Delivering low-intensity electrical currents through scalp electrodes, using transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can modulate the membrane potential of cortical neurons and may potentially restore the balance of excitability in epileptogenic networks. Optimizing the efficacy of tDCS to decrease the frequency of seizures requires a better understanding of tDCS impact on brain dynamics at both local and network levels. The aim of this study is to develop a pipeline integrating finite element method (FEM) modeling of tDCS electric fields and neural mass models, and to evaluate the effects of these weak electric fields on the activity of epileptogenic networks. Bridging field simulations with network-level dynamics offers insights into the mechanisms of tDCS and its potential optimization as a therapeutic tool for epilepsy. Results show changes in network connectivity and a decrease in the activity of the propagation zones post-stimulation.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) shows promise for drug-resistant epilepsy patients, but monitoring treatment efficacy remains challenging. While current monitoring relies on subjective seizure diaries, electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings offer a more objective approach through the detection of interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs). However, automated IED detection faces challenges with varying recording conditions and treatment-induced changes in signal patterns.
We present a novel framework that enhances patient-specific deep learning models with synthetically generated EEG data for automated IED detection. Our approach incorporates personalized simulations of both the patient's epileptic activity and their tDCS treatment response. We expect to show that this synthetic data augmentation improves model resilience to recording variations and maintains consistent performance across treatment sessions. This method should reduce the reliance on expert annotation while providing robust, objective monitoring of tDCS treatment outcomes.
Bioelectromagnetism has proven itself to be useful to manipulate cells and harness them for therapies. My journey with bioelectromagnetism started with developing tumor-treating fields on a microfluidic chip and using it to study how bioelectrical simulations can inhibit cancer proliferation. Intrigued by this phenomenon, I then moved on to using a wireless magnetic system that can be transduced into mechanical stimulation for activating neurons during my PhD. Now, I am leading a research thrust using magneto-mechanical stimulation to enhance fibroblast and stem cell function for wound healing. Through my talk, I hope to encourage the research trainees to explore the use of bio-electro-magneto-mechano stimulations for diverse therapeutic applications.
Introduction: Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF; frequencies 100 kHz to 300 GHz) is ubiquitous. Concerns about potential health effects persist. The World Health Organization identified cancer as a key concern in relation to RF-EMF exposure. This umbrella review synthesises available evidence on the relationship between far-field RF-EMF exposure and neoplastic diseases up to May 2024. Methods: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of human observational studies on RF-EMF and cancer were retrieved from MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, EMF-Portal, and Epistemonikos databases from inception to 15 May 2024. The eligibility criteria followed the PECOS scheme and adhered to the PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using AMSTAR 2. A qualitative synthesis was performed using standardised forms and presented with text and tables. Results: Of the eight systematic reviews synthesised, five reported limited evidence of cancer risk from RF-EMF exposure, two reported increasing risks, and one failed to draw specific conclusions. All systematic reviews exhibited substantial risk of bias. Discussion: Within eligibility period, the scopes of the systematic reviews exhibited poorly focused scopes, inconsistent reporting, and limited primary studies. Methodological shortcomings complicated the synthesis of reliable evidence. These challenges emphasise the need for robust methodologies, standardised protocols, and enhanced data quality to strengthen the reliability of future research. Conclusion: Inconsistent quality, incomplete reporting, and methodological flaws in the systematic reviews hindered reliable conclusions. High-quality systematic reviews are essential for providing a more reliable understanding of the relationship between RF-EMF and cancer.
Adolescents are frequent users of mobile phones, which exposes them to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) during an important stage of their cognitive development.
We aim to investigate the relationship between cognitive performance and mobile phone use, including RF-EMF exposure, in a new cohort to contribute to a better understanding of mobile phone use in adolescents.
HERMES3 is an ongoing prospective cohort (n=292) study with Swiss adolescents (aged 11-15) recruited in 28 schools. Baseline data collection involved 1) six standardized, computerized cognitive tests covering different cognitive domains and 2) a questionnaire about mobile phone use, both completed in school. We used linear mixed models to test for an association of cognitive performance with a) mobile phone screen time and b) voice calling.
Ninety-two percent of participants owned a mobile phone, which they used for 138 (±88) minutes per day on average. Seventy-three percent of participants reported using their mobile phone it for voice calls. In a preliminary analysis, we did not observe a significant association between cognitive performance, screen time, and voice call duration.
Initial results indicate that there is no association between cognitive performance, mobile phone screen time, and voice call duration in the HERMES3 cohort. However, we need a more detailed RF-EMF exposure assessment and longitudinal data to draw conclusions about the relationship between RF-EMF exposure and cognitive performance.
The largest case–control study (Interphone study) investigating glioma risk related to mobile phone use showed a J-shaped relationship with reduced relative risks for moderate use and a 40% increased relative risk among the 10% heaviest regular users, using a categorical risk model based on deciles of lifetime duration of use among ever regular users. We conducted Monte Carlo simulations examining whether the reported estimates are compatible with an assumption of no effect of mobile phone use on glioma risk when the various forms of biases present in the Interphone study are accounted for. Among those, four scenarios of sources of error in self-reported mobile phone use were considered. Input parameters used for simulations were those obtained from Interphone validation studies on reporting accuracy.
We found that the scenario simultaneously modeling systematic and random reporting errors produced a J-shaped relationship perfectly compatible with the observed relationship from the main Interphone study with a simulated spurious increased relative risk among heaviest users (odds ratio = 1.91) compared with never regular users. The main determinant for producing this J shape was higher reporting error variance in cases compared with controls, as observed in the validation studies.
Some uncertainty remains, but the evidence from the present study correcting for observed reporting errors shifts the overall assessment to making it less likely that heavy mobile phone use is causally related to an increased glioma risk.
Introduction: Extremely low-frequency magnetic field (ELF-MF) exposure has been hypothesised to increase the risk of neurodegenerative diseases, but epidemiological evidence remains inconclusive. This study investigates the relationship between long-term ELF-MF exposure and mortality from neurodegenerative diseases in adults living in Switzerland.
Methods: We conducted a nationwide cohort study using the Swiss National Cohort (SNC), covering an 18-year follow-up (2001–2018) and including 3.5 million individuals. ELF-MF exposure was estimated using proximity models based on residential distance to high-voltage power and railway lines. Residential histories were used to account for mobility, and cumulative ELF-MF exposure was calculated in μT-years. Mortality outcomes included Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Associations were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, and environmental factors.
Results: Over follow-up, over 128,000 deaths from neurodegenerative diseases were recorded. Cumulative ELF-MF exposure was low (95th percentile: 0.97 μT-years for power lines, 3.27 μT-years for railway lines). No increase in mortality risk was observed for Alzheimer´s disease, ALS, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis. A slight increase in risk for other dementias was observed with power line exposure (HR: 1.010, 95% CI: 1.002–1.019), though residual confounding cannot be ruled out.
Conclusions: This large-scale comprehensive study found no evidence linking ELF-MF exposure to neurodegenerative disease mortality. The findings align with previous studies, which have not established a consistent link between residential ELF-MF and neurodegenerative outcomes.
The rise in mobile technology use has increased RF-EMF exposure, raising health concerns, especially for younger populations. This study estimates RF-EMF exposure in children and adolescents, focusing on mobile device use and resulting brain exposure. Data from five countries (France, Spain, Netherlands, Poland, and Japan) were collected in the Expo-ENFANTS Project, with preliminary analysis of Spain (N=1,129) and the Netherlands (N=600) covering five age groups (1-2, 3-6, 7-11, 12-13, and 14-16 years). RF-EMF exposure (daily brain dose) was estimated using the ETAIN dose calculator incorporating the specific absorption and duration of smartphone use for each activity. Differences in mobile phone use were found between age groups, with Spanish adolescents reporting higher usage of phone calls and video calls compared to Dutch children. Our preliminary findings characterize RF-EMF exposure from various mobile communication activities, including native phone call or mobile data calls, video calls, streaming, gaming, and headphone use, stratified by age. The activities contributing to the highest RF-EMF brain doses were mobile phone video streaming, with adolescents receiving 136.5 mJ/kg/day and young children (ages 3-6) receiving 127 mJ/kg/day, followed by online gaming for 1-2-year-olds (127 mJ/kg/day), and mobile phone calls for adolescents aged 14-16 (130 mJ/kg/day). The findings highlight RF-EMF exposure among younger children and adolescents, with video streaming and online gaming being major contributors. Further analyses will incorporate brain and whole-body dose exposure, for the rest of the study countries and provide a more detailed understanding of RF-EMF exposure patterns.
The exponential increase of communication devices by younger generations in the past years has made it difficult to identify the patterns and scope of their use. The heightened use combined with concerns about potential health impacts of these devices, highlights the importance of unraveling and identifying how individuals use these devices. The aim of our study is to use latent class analysis to identify potential patterns in communication device use of young people. We used an online panel survey data collected in the GOLIAT EU funded project regarding use and functions of devices of 4,000 individuals ages 16-25 from Spain, Italy, Poland, and Switzerland. We performed a latent class analysis to identify classes of device use. Subsequently, we used multinomial logistic regression to identify differences of class membership based on various characteristics individually: age group, gender, parental education, and country. We identified four device use classes: high usage, low usage, smartphone and laptop preference, and non-smartphone preference. Older age groups were more likely to be high usage users. Males were more likely to be non-smartphone preference and low usage users. Participants with parents from higher education were more likely to be high usage users. Participants from Switzerland were more likely to be non-smartphone preference users, and from Poland smartphone and laptop preference users. Future work includes identifying changes of communication device classes and identifying differences of individual RF-EMF dose estimates based on class assignment.
The dielectric properties of human tissues are important to consider in the context of several biomedical applications, such as electrical stimulation, radio frequency hyperthermia, pulsed electric-field based treatment and for the development of numerical models covering those applications. In this work, we present an experimental study of human pancreases, both healthy and tumour-bearing, in the context of electroporation. They are compared to pig samples, to estimate the relevance of this more accessible model in medical studies. The study is organized into two parts:
Firstly, the dielectric properties of the samples were measured through impedance monitoring in a basic planar two-electrode set-up, in order to bring new data to the literature on this underdescribed organ.
Secondly, the same samples were pierced with two needle electrodes, to conform to a real application of an electroporation protocol. The impedance of the sample was measured again in this particular configuration, before and after the application of a classical ESOPE electroporation protocol. The goal is to find a specific marker for in-situ impedance to follow during a treatment, in order to measure the dynamic of the treatment with the repetition of pulses, trough quick mono-frequency measurements between the pulses. The relative variation of phase has been identified as a potential marker, has it presented a maximum at a frequency compatible with a measure between pulses. The first measurements in between pulses on ex vivo samples present a convergence of this marker, possibly making it a good measurement of the completeness of the treatment.
Biological autoluminescence (BAL) presents a novel, real-time, and non-invasive method for monitoring electroporation in yeast. This study highlights its application in optimizing pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model, BAL dynamics were analyzed during PEF exposure (2–7 kV cm⁻¹), with results validated against traditional methods like impedance measurements and dye-based assays. The findings reveal a strong correlation between BAL intensity and electroporation efficiency, with a significant threshold at 6–7 kV cm⁻¹. Unlike existing methods, BAL offers advantages in sensitivity, ease of integration into continuous systems, and avoidance of toxic dyes or electrode fouling. The study underscores BAL’s potential as a real-time feedback mechanism, enabling optimization of PEF parameters in both industrial and research contexts.
The results presented in "Microsecond Electric Pulses and DC stimulation: A Promising Approach to Targeting Inflammation" come from the evaluation of the electrical stimulation protocol set in RISEUP project on macrophages cells. Here we demostrate that not only DC, but also mcirosecond electric pulses can modulate the immune respone
Recently, increasing interest has been directed toward the use of pulsed electric fields in biomedical applications to promote cell regeneration and differentiation. Central to this is spinal cord injury (SCI) research within the European Project RISEUP, in which an electrified, implantable scaffold-device, able to stimulate stem cells through ultrashort, intense electrical pulses (µsPEFs), is under development for SCI regeneration. The alteration of ionic fluxes across electroporated cell membranes can significantly affect intracellular calcium levels, which play a vital role in the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Additionally, another critical aspect of this research is assessing the potential influence of µsPEFs on the spontaneous neuronal activity of induced neuronal stem cells (iNSCs). To achieve this, this study presents multiphysic and multiscale models of a 2D virtual MSC and a 2D virtual iNSC, designed to predict the biophysical effects on cells following µsPEF exposure.
Gelonin is a ribosome-inactivating protein with high intracellular toxicity but limited cell permeability. Targeted membrane disruption, such as electroporation, enhances its cellular uptake for potential cancer therapy and tissue ablation. We demonstrate a 100- to 1,000-fold increase in gelonin cytotoxicity with pulsed electric fields in T24, U-87, and CT26 cell lines. The effective gelonin concentration for 50% cell killing (EC50) ranged from <1 nM to ~100 nM in electroporated cells, whereas intact cells showed minimal response even at 1,000 nM, reducing survival by only 5–15%.
Longer pulses proved more effective at lowering gelonin EC50 across isoeffective electroporation protocols using 300-ns, 9-µs, and 100-µs pulses. Increasing the electric field strength of eight 100-µs pulses from 0.65 to 1.25 kV/cm further reduced EC50 from 128 nM to 0.72 nM. Conversely, the presence of 100 nM gelonin enabled a more than 20-fold reduction in the number of pulses required for equivalent cytotoxicity. These findings highlight the potential of pulsed electric field-mediated gelonin delivery for tumor and hyperplasia ablation at low concentrations, minimizing systemic toxicity.
Spinal metastases represent 90% of spinal masses detected through imaging, necessitating advancements in treatment. Electroporation, a technique using electric energy to alter cancer cell membrane permeability, enhances chemotherapeutic uptake and promotes tumor control. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of using individual and paired electric fields for tissue ablation in healthy bone and critical structures using novel coaxial bipolar electrodes in an ovine model.
Electroporation was performed on sheep vertebral bodies (L2-L4) with electric field intensities delivering at least 3500 J/kg, sufficient to ablate bone tissue. The study assessed effects on surrounding sensitive structures, including peripheral nerves and the spinal cord. Seven days post-procedure, ablation was evident with both single and paired bipolar electrodes. Histological analysis confirmed bone ablation, with absent osteoblasts, pyknotic osteocytes, and empty lacunae, as well as no bone growth indicated by tetracycline fluorescence.
Histomorphometric analysis revealed significant differences in ablated areas: L2 (single electrode) had a mean ablation area of 99.56 ± 18.00 mm², while L3 and L4 (paired electrodes) had significantly larger areas of 238.97 ± 81.44 mm² (p < 0.0005). Importantly, no neurological deficits were observed in the spinal cord or nerves.
The findings suggest that coaxial bipolar electrodes, applied transpedicularly, provide a safe and minimally invasive method to treat spinal tumors and metastases of varying sizes, effectively protecting critical neural structures. This approach offers promising potential for advancing spinal tumor therapies.
How do cells cooperate toward creating and maintaining complex body structures? How do cells know what to build and when to stop? Endogenous bioelectric signaling functions as a cognitive glue, binding individual cells toward a collective intelligence that navigates anatomical space. Groups of cells solve problems across embryogenesis, regeneration, aging, and cancer suppression, using bioelectrical networks to store setpoint patterns. In this talk, I will explain the mechanisms and algorithms by which bioelectric networks implement the mind of the body. An exciting roadmap for definitive regenerative medicine is made possible by targeting the bioelectric interface to reprogram and collaborate with the agential material of life.
Radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF) are mainly used for telecommunications purposes such as radio and television broadcasting, mobile telephony, and other wireless communications. Concern has been raised regarding possible adverse effects to human health, such as cancer, from RF-EMF exposure, recently from emerging technologies like the 5G mobile network. It is therefore crucial to perform a health risk assessment to support decision-makers and the general public.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has an ongoing project to assess potential health effects of exposure to RF-EMF in the general and working population. The WHO is currently developing a monograph as part of its Environmental Health Criteria (EHC) series which will assess the available evidence on RF EMF and health. The monograph will be informed, among other things, by a set of commissioned systematic reviews related to several priority health outcomes, including cancer investigated in human observational studies.
The current systematic review included 86 cohort and case-control studies investigating RF EMF exposure and various cancers. The meta-analysis yielded no associations between RF EMF exposure from mobile phones, telecommunications antennas or occupational exposure and the various cancers investigated. The certainty in the evidence was variable across the specific RF EMF exposure sources and various cancers investigated.
While narrative reviews can be valuable for providing expert opinions and discussing complex topics, systematic reviews offer a more rigorous, transparent, and comprehensive synthesis of existing evidence, making them preferable for formulating evidence-based decisions in research, and policy-making for topics like the health risk assessment of RF EMF.
Over the last decades, considerable scientific efforts have been made to determine whether exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) below guideline levels may affect cancer risk. The widespread use of handheld mobile phones in the general population, that developed from none to essentially 100% in less than two decades, makes this a potentially very important public health issue. The research field has to a large extent been driven by epidemiological studies, some of which reported increased risks of brain tumours, while others found no associations. Notably, raised risk estimates have been reported in some studies with a case-control design, while the few cohort studies found no increased risks. Case-control studies with retrospectively collected exposure information are subject to several sources of bias which may have influenced their findings, such as differential recall bias and selection bias from non-participation. These biases are especially problematic for case-control studies of brain tumours, as the disease often affects memory, progress rapidly and has a poor prognosis. Cohort studies with prospectively collected exposure information are not affected by differential recall or selection bias but may instead be subject to non-differential exposure misclassification, especially if they lack quantitative exposure data. The COSMOS cohort study was initiated to address these limitations, through prospective collection of exposure information to achieve the same level of detail in exposure data as the case-control studies, but without differential recall bias because all participants are blind to their disease status when the information is collected (brain tumours will occur in the future), and with no selection bias as all participants can be followed in nationwide well-established cancer registers and population registers. This presentation will discuss the theoretical principles of epidemiological case-control and cohort designs and highlight similarities and differences, particularly with regard to exposure misclassification and selection bias, and implications for the interpretation of findings and future prospects.
The increasing number of in vivo investigations combining non- invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques – such as transcranial electric (tES) stimulation – with invasive stimulation (e.g., DBS) or sensing electrodes (e.g., sEEG), requires a proper understanding of the mechanisms of interaction between applied fields and passive/active implants to determine safety. In view of allowing personalized stimulation strategies and inform safety decisions, dedicated safety metrics and efficient computational strategies need to be identified. In this dosimetric study, we systematically analyzed exposure conditions and a range of interaction mechanisms with the aim of establishing worst case exposure conditions (WCE), identifying conservative exposure thresholds and safe electrode placement strategies.
The increasing prevalence of Active Implantable Medical Devices (AIMDs), such as pacemakers, raises concerns regarding their susceptibility to electromagnetic interference (EMI), particularly in occupational environments where exposure could be relatively high. While unipolar pacemaker leads are well-documented as being sensitive to magnetic field, the mechanisms of interaction between pacemaker bipolar leads and electromagnetic fields are less understood. This study aims to develop an analytical model to describe this interaction.
Unlike unipolar leads, bipolar ones are supposed to be more sensitive to electric fields than magnetic fields. The study formulates an analytical model based on a capacitor analogy, where the two terminals are constituted by the two electrodes. From this analytical model, a transfer function, which relates the induced voltage to the incident electric field, was proposed.
To validate the proposed model, numerical simulations were conducted using CST Studio Suite, and experimental measurements were performed in a controlled environment. The results demonstrated a good correlation between the analytical model, numerical simulations, and measurements.
The hypothesis that a lead in bipolar mode is more sensitive to the electric field than to the magnetic field has been confirmed. This research provides a better understanding of the interaction mechanism between electromagnetic field and bipolar lead and could lead to more appropriate standard test methods or to the design of devices that are less sensitive to electromagnetic fields. Furthermore, the model developed here can also be generalised to other types of leads such as neurostimulator, cochlear implant or electrocardiograph ones.
This study explores the design of high-permittivity materials (HPMs) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at three distinct Larmor frequencies. The objective of the work was to assess the influence of heterogeneous head structures, commonly used in numerical simulations, on the design of HPMs when utilizing analytical tools. To achieve this, a brain MRI experiment was simulated, incorporating an HPM helmet surrounding the head and a current-carrying coil for radiofrequency illumination. The investigation employed both an analytical scattering model and numerical simulations using the xFDTD software (Remcom).
The novel theoretical tool introduced in this study is based on Mie scattering formulation but utilizes Hankel functions of the first and second kind to describe the radial dependence of the electromagnetic fields. This innovative approach extends the framework of transmission line theory, enabling a comprehensive analysis of scattering phenomena in terms of impedance and reflection coefficients.
The findings, in terms of magnetic induction fields as a function of helmet permittivity, reveal that the impact of brain tissue heterogeneity on HPM design becomes more pronounced as the RF radiation frequency increases. This effect is attributed to the shorter wavelength at higher frequencies, which interacts more significantly with the varying tissue properties. Despite this, the analytical model proves effective in predicting optimal permittivity values or material thicknesses for specific applications. As such, this tool can be proposed as a valuable aid to support numerical simulations in the design of these materials.
In non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), electric fields are used to stimulate or modulate neuronal activity. To achieve the desired degree of stimulation, a certain level of induced field is required. Contact impedance between the electrodes and skin/tissue layers results in a voltage drop, which reduces the amount of current applied for a given excitation voltage. To address this, the impedance of the head of eight participants was measured, and an analytical model based on electrode geometry was developed. To capture the variance in the measured impedance, the 10th and 90th percentiles of the parameters of the best-fit model were computed to indicate the degree of variation that is to be expected. These results will serve as a guide in determining the required stimulation parameters, potentially enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of NIBS.
The potential biological impact of 5G signals at 700 MHz on cellular processes such as oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis remains an open question. In this study, we investigated the effects of such environmental radiofrequency field (RF) exposure on both primary astrocytes derived from rat brains and human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, focusing on these key cellular pathways and stress-related markers. Specific Absorption Rates (SAR) of 0.08 and 4 W/kg were tested over two exposure durations: 1 hour and 24 hours. After each exposure, analyses were performed either immediately or 24 hours post-exposure to evaluate potential delayed effects.
ROS levels, proliferation rates, and apoptotic markers were measured under all conditions. Analyses for primary astrocytes are complete, showing no significant changes in mitochondrial oxidative stress, cell proliferation, or apoptosis under any of the conditions tested.
Our findings support the conclusion that, under controlled in vitro conditions, exposure to 5G-modulated 700 MHz does not have detectable effects on primary rat astrocytes.
The experiments for SH-SY5Y cells are still ongoing and the results will be presented at the congress.
The deployment of 5G communications technology is raising questions about its potential effects on human health (Belpoggi, 2021), including brain activity. Previous studies on 5G, (Jamal et al. ,2023) at 3.5 GHz, showed no significant effects on the electroencephalogram (EEG). However, the effects of higher 5G frequencies, such as 26 GHz, remain largely unexplored (Belpoggi, 2021).
This study aims to explore the effects of controlled exposure to 5G at 26 GHz on brain electrical activity.
This study was conducted by using an experimental protocol established and validated in our laboratory (Ghosn et al, 2015; Wallace et al, 2022; Wallace, 2023; Jamal, 2023). The study was a randomized, double-blind, crossover and a counterbalanced experimental protocol in the form of two sessions (real and sham exposure).
The subjects, 32 healthy young adults, were exposed to 26 GHz, at 2 V/m, under the ICNIRP (2020) standard, for 26.5 minutes in a shielded chamber.
EEG data were analyzed with power spectral density (PSD) with alpha, beta, delta and theta frequency bands.
We hypothesize that exposure at 26 GHz will have no significant effect on different frequencies bands studied.
This study will provide valuable data on the potential effects of exposure to 5G at 26 GHz on brain activity. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of the potential effects of 5G on human health, particularly on electrical brain activity, and may shed light on whether this new technology poses any health risks.
The 26 GHz band is the first high-band 5G frequency currently deployed in France and other European countries to increase bandwidth and address network saturation issues in situations of dense user concentration. As radiofrequency electromagnetic field sources (RF EMF) expand in coverage and introduce new frequency ranges and signal modulations, concerns arise about potential health effects. Radio waves of higher frequencies have greater bandwidths, carry higher photon energies and are absorbed superficially by the human body, making the skin the primary target of absorption. Here, we are interested in the question of oxidative stress in the skin. Oxidative stress can disrupt redox signaling and lead to biomolecule damage, on a cellular level and has been linked to aging, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer at the organism level.
We have developed three-dimensional, engineered dermal sheets grown through the proliferation of primary human fibroblasts, which secrete their own extracellular matrix, to act as an in vitro skin model. A biological incubator was converted into a RF EMF mode-stirred reverbation chamber, with the installation of an antenna and a metal agitator to homogenize the EMF. Dermal sheets were exposed to 5G-modulated, 26 GHz radio waves with power intensities ranging from 20 to 100 V/m2. We assessed mitochondrial superoxide production, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and plasma membrane permeability using fluorescence microscopy, all of which are implicated in oxidative stress imbalance.
The exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields, coming from mobile communication technologies, have raised societal concerns. Although guidelines have been set by the ICNIRP (such as non-specific heating above 1 °C when exposed to radiofrequency fields), concerns rise about the possible potential health impacts due to the non-thermal effects. With the deployment of 5th generation (5G) communication technologies, which uses higher carrier frequencies, human skin has become the primary biological target. In response to the ongoing debate on the effects of RF-EMF on human cells, we addressed the impact of 5G modulated 3.5 GHz radiofrequency (RF) EMF on oxidative stress in human fibroblast cells using BRET (Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer) probes sensing reactive oxygen species (ROS) either in the cytoplasm or the mitochondria. Fibroblasts cells transiently expressing such BRET probes were exposed to 5G modulated 3.5 GHz at SAR levels of 0.08 and 4 W/kg for 24h. We tested whether 5G exposure could directly trigger an oxidative stress in the exposed cells, synergize with various chemical ROS inducer, or trigger an adaptive response.
In this paper, we propose a big data generation method that considers real-world 5G base station operational scenarios. The proposed method generates a big data that mimics beamforming, base station deployment conditions, and various operational scenarios. Since the generated dataset reflects real-world conditions, it can be used to train recently developed AI-based prediction techniques for 5G base station evaluation. The proposed method consists of two main processes: the generation of radiation patterns and the execution of ray-tracing simulations using the generated radiation patterns. To facilitate big data generation, each process is automated using MATLAB and Python. We will demonstrate the diversity of the generated data using the proposed method in the results section, verifying that it enables the generation of datasets that reflect various real-world 5G operational scenarios.
Since the emergence of 5G technologies, questions remain regarding a possible increase of the electromagnetic fields - EMF, to some extent due to the use of reflections to reach out of sight users.
Thanks to numerical simulations, a comparison between 4G conventional and 5G adaptive antennas is performed. Realistic adaptive beams are first created by using Uniform Planar Array methodology. The resulting EMF are then obtained through ray-tracing calculations.
Our current results show that only one to three reflections must be taken into account when studying EMF, and this regardless of the building material properties and of the antenna types. Beyond four reflections, the contribution to the total EMF is likely to be neglected.
Furthermore, compared to conventional systems, adaptive antennas provide better quality of service and connectivity for out of sight users, while enabling lower EMF emissions in areas without data traffic.
A numerical assessment of the radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure behind a massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO) radio base station (RBS) and to the side of the RBS from the back surface is performed. The model of the antenna array contains 8 × 8 dual-polarized cavity-backed stacked patch elements and it is mounted on a box representing the RBS chassis. The RF EMF exposure is assessed for constant transmission at maximum power of 377.6 W, at frequency of 3.5 GHz, and for different steered beams within the scanning range to find its maximum for distance between the RBS model and phantom shell of 0 cm (touch position). The results of the RF EMF exposure simulations, conducted over a large area behind the mMIMO RBS model, show that the maximum 10-g specific absorption rate (SAR) and whole-body averaged SAR behind and to the side of the RBS are below the corresponding international limit values for general public and occupational exposure. If beam scanning, RBS utilization, and scheduling time, which are reasonably foreseeable, are considered then the time-averaged power will be significantly reduced and therefore also the RF EMF exposure.
This study introduces a Deep Learning (DL) framework for the efficient evaluation of mobile phone antenna performance , addressing the time-consuming nature of traditional full-wave numerical simulations. The DL model, built on convolutional neural networks, uses the Near-field Electromagnetic Field (NEMF) distribution of a mobile phone antenna in free space to predict the Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP), Total Radiated Power (TRP), and Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) across various configurations. By converting antenna features and internal mobile phone components into near-field EMF distributions within a Huygens' box, the model simplifies its input. A dataset of 7000 mobile phone models was used for training and evaluation. The model's accuracy is validated using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test (WSR) for SAR and TRP, and the Feature Selection Validation Method (FSV) for EIRP. E-field distribution can also be super-resolution reconstructed by a specially desinged Generative Adversarial Networks informed with physical knowledge, which enables for deriving dosimetric values at even higher frequencies. The proposed model achieves remarkable computational efficiency, approximately 2000-fold faster than full-wave simulations, and demonstrates generalization capabilities for different antenna types, various frequencies, and antenna positions. This makes it a valuable tool for practical research and development , offering a promising alternative to traditional electromagnetic field simulations. 1/2 part of the work has been published recently in Sensors (10.3390/s24175646)
This study, conducted within the EU GOLIAT project framework, presents the numerical dosimetric assessment of near-field exposure emitted by personal devices across eight frequencies (from 700 MHz to 5800 MHz). The investigation employed four anatomically detailed virtual human models representing diverse age groups and anatomical characteristics. Using FDTD methodology, we analyzed PIFA/IFA antennas mounted on a commercial mock-up phone in multiple configurations, considering both vertical and horizontal polarizations and different locations of the mock-up phone near the phantom (device near the ear, in front of the eyes, and at the belly level), for a total of 176 use cases of wireless device for each anatomical model. Whole body average SAR was evaluated for all the tested configurations for an input power inducing a SAR10g of 1W/kg in the corresponding flat phantom. Preliminary results show a significant frequency-dependent absorption patterns, with sub-1 GHz frequencies exhibiting markedly higher exposure levels compared to higher frequency bands. The study provides crucial insights into human exposure patterns in realistic communication scenarios
Transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) is a non-invasive brain stimulation technique widely used in neuroscience to investigate and improve cognitive abilities. Inhibition, a cognitive function that allows stopping an ongoing action, and associated with beta-band (13-30 Hz) oscillations in the right inferior frontal gyrus, could be enhanced via tACS when stimulation frequency matches subject’s endogenous beta frequency. A growing body of evidence supports the importance of considering the electroencephalography (EEG) aperiodic (“1/f”) activity when studying brain electrical activity, as it can bias neural oscillations’ estimations. Since aperiodic activity has been associated with cognition, perception, or development, we aim to investigate if it can be modulated by tACS. Here, we will test the effect of subject-specific beta-tACS on aperiodic activity in healthy subjects. We will record high-resolution EEG (HR-EEG) from 35 healthy controls (HCs) both in resting-state and during an inhibition task pre- and post- stimulation. As the study is ongoing, only the preliminary results from the first 8 HCs are presented, organized into experimental groups labeled as ‘0’ or ‘1’ corresponding either to real or sham stimulation without knowledge of their specific conditions. An apparent decrease in both aperiodic parameters after stimulation in the experimental group ‘0’, while only a change in offset appeared in the experimental condition ‘1’. Although the existing literature suggests that aperiodic activity could be modulated by tACS, the absence of statistical analysis currently prevents any interpretation. Full data acquisition and analysis are expected by June 2025, with complete results presented at BioEM2025.
This study examines Aδ- and C-fiber activation thresholds using intraepidermal electrical stimulation (IES) and computational modeling. Anodal stimulation activated Aδ-fibers with single pulses, while C-fibers required multiple pulses. Cathodal stimulation failed to activate C-fibers, indicating a higher perception threshold. Computational modeling validated experimental results, refining stimulation protocols for selective small-fiber activation. The findings contribute to neuropathic pain diagnostics and international neural stimulation guidelines.
Targeted non-invasive deep brain electrostimulation, aimed at activating deep neural structures without stimulation at the surface, relies on the interference of electric fields from two or more sources. Temporal interference (TI) stimulation employs frequency-shifted sine waves which overlap into an amplitude-modulated sine wave at the deep target. It is assumed that “pure” (unmodulated) high-frequency sine waves will not excite neurons but the modulated ones will, despite a (much) weaker electric field distantly from the electrodes. However, we found that unmodulated high-frequency sine waves are no less potent at exciting neurons than amplitude-modulated ones. Dissociated hippocampal neurons stimulated by unmodulated 2- and 20-kHz sine waves fired action potentials (APs) at a rate proportional to the electric field strength. After reaching the physiological rate limit of 60-90 Hz, APs coalesced into a sustained depolarization that blocked excitation. Adding 20-Hz modulation to emulate TI did not reduce excitation thresholds, but aligned APs with sine wave “beats” and prevented the excitation block. We used strobe photography to analyze membrane charging and relaxation kinetics with nanoscale resolution and proposed an excitation mechanism independent of sine wave rectification. Our results suggest that off-target effects of TI stimulation are unavoidable, although the excitation patterns near electrodes may differ from those at the deep target.
Introduction: Enhanced glutamatergic transmission leading to motor neuron death is considered the major pathogenetic mechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Motor cortex excitability can be suppressed by transcranial static magnetic stimulation (tSMS), thus tSMS can be evaluated as a potential treatment for ALS. Our aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of tSMS in ALS.
Methods: In this trial, we randomly assigned ALS patients to receive daily tSMS or placebo stimulation for 6 months. For each participant we calculated mean disease monthly progression rate (MPR) using the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSRFS-R). The primary outcome was the difference in MPR before and after the beginning of treatment. Secondary outcomes were safety, tolerability, and compliance. A long-term follow-up of 18 months was performed in all patients who completed the six-month treatment considering a composite endpoint event (tracheostomy or death).
Results: 40 participants were randomly assigned to real (n=21) or placebo stimulation (n=19). The MPR did not show statistically significant differences between the two arms during the pre-treatment and treatment period. The treatment was feasible and safe, with high compliance. At the end of the long-term follow-up of 18 months, patients of real group had a statistically significant higher tracheostomy-free survival compared with patients of placebo group.
Conclusions: tSMS did not modify disease progression during the 6 months of treatment. However, long-term follow-up revealed a substantial increase in tracheostomy free survival in patients treated with real stimulation supporting the evaluation of tSMS in larger and more prolonged studies.
Electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) influences balance by applying weak electrical currents to the scalp. While EVS is conventionally delivered via electrodes placed over the mastoid processes, recent findings show that stimulation using various other electrode montages also induces postural sway. This study aimed to explore which electric field component contributes to the response and compare the vestibular electric field values to human exposure limits established in international guidelines and standards, which currently do not consider vestibular effects.
Counterbalanced sham-controlled double-blind experiments were performed in eight participants standing on a force plate. Alternating currents at 4.6 Hz or 4.8 Hz were applied to four electrode montages, featuring electrodes over the forehead, motor cortex, and cerebellum. All four montages produced a significantly increased body sway compared to sham at the stimulation frequency, with the electric field in the vestibular system correlating with the sway magnitude. Further modelling identified the lateral electric field component as the best predictor of lateral oscillating postural sway.
The in situ electric field magnitudes were at most 100-220 mV/m, depending on the electrode montage, while the lateral component was much weaker, ranging from 40-80 mV/m. These field strengths were well below the occupational exposure limits set by international bodies. The EVS-induced postural sway is subtle and not easily perceived, and it is unclear whether it should be treated as adverse or as an effect that should be avoided. Therefore, the implications of vestibular effects on the human exposure guidelines and standards remain uncertain.
Transcranial static magnetic field stimulation (tSMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulatory technique with potential applications in glioblastoma (GB) management, particularly in mitigating tumour-induced neuronal hyperexcitability. However, the effects of tSMS-like static magnetic fields (SMF) on GB cells remain poorly understood. This study systematically investigated the biological responses of human GB cell lines (U87, p53 wild-type; U251, p53 mutant) exposed to moderate SMF (113.93 ± 6.595 mT and 12.567 ± 0.747 mT) for 3, 24, and 48 hours.
SMF exposure did not promote GB cell proliferation or induce apoptosis but suppressed mitochondrial activity in U87 cells at all time points, suggesting a potential role in metabolic regulation. Minimal cytotoxic effects were observed, with a slight increase in dead cells at 48 hours in U87 and U251 at higher SMF levels. No significant oxidative stress was detected in U87 cells, while U251 cells exhibited a transient increase in cytoplasmic oxidative stress. Morphological analysis revealed cell-type-dependent structural adaptations, with U87 cells showing progressive nuclear and cytoskeletal remodelling, while U251 cells exhibited only early (3-hour) responses. Chromatin structure was also affected, with U87 cells displaying variability in chromatin compaction and U251 cells showing increased condensation.
These findings suggest that tSMS-like SMF may influence GB metabolism, nuclear organisation, and cytoskeletal structure without promoting tumour growth, supporting its potential safety in clinical applications. Further research is needed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects and evaluate the translational relevance of tSMS in GB treatment.
Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB) is a key biomarker for immunotherapy response but is costly and time-consuming to assess via sequencing. This study explores ultra-high frequency dielectrophoresis (UHF-DEP) as a rapid, label-free alternative by analyzing the electromagnetic signature (EMS) of cancer cells.
Using a lab-on-a-chip biosensor, UHF-DEP crossover frequencies (CFs) were measured in eight solid tumor cell lines. EMS values correlated with TMB, distinguishing between high (≥10 Mut/Mb) and low TMB cell lines.
These findings suggest UHF-DEP could provide a rapid TMB estimation method, improving patient stratification for immunotherapy. Further studies are needed to validate EMS as a clinical biomarker and assess its complementarity with sequencing.
Quality of water resources is a major global challenge and water pollution is a daily topic. Certain pollutants can kill bacteria and destroy cell walls depending on their concentration, leading to the release of cytoplasm cell ions to the medium by diffusion. Hence, studying the conductivity and permittivity of a bacterial solution is used to investigate bacterial behaviour with respect to the presence of a pollutant that can then be detected.
As a first step towards this pollutant biosensing method, we propose a study of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) in the 40 Hz - 20 MHz range for heat-killed and alive solutions of Escherichia coli at different concentrations. EIS is done with a planar electrode sensor. Within this experiment parameters, our copper-tin alloy electrodes have no impact on bacterial viability.
Two different data analysis methods are investigated. Firstly, we propose to study impedance magnitude data from EIS to discriminate alive from heat-killed bacteria at a given concentration. Secondly, we use Distribution of Relaxation Times (DRT) analysis on EIS data, which is equally useful for discriminating between different concentrations.
The use of single-bacteria simulations as a building brick provided a semi analytical model consistent with the measured electrical behaviour a bacteria population. Finally, the biosensor prototype was applied to detect the effect of anti-helminthic and antibiotic.
Bacterial transformation is the internalization of exogenous DNA and integration into the recipient genome via homologous recombination, which can result in bacteria acquiring possible new genetic traits. The laboratory standards for bacterial transformation requires chemically competent cells and despite the reported high efficiencies, chemical and heat shock transformation methods have limited success in wild-type and pathogenic bacterial strains. As an alternative, electroporation is commonly used as it allows for the uptake of large amounts of genetic material, e.g., plasmids, and bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs in the range of 150−350 kb). Nevertheless, electroporation can lead to cell death, primarily when the electric fields cause permanent membrane permeabilization. Here, we report a novel method of genetic transformation of bacterial cells mediated by high-frequency microwave radiation. Escherichia coli JM109 was exposed to a frequency of 18 GHz at a power density between 5.6 and 30 kW m−2 for 180 s, using a specialised microwave processing apparatus that limited the temperature rise to below 40 °C. Plasmid DNA, pGLO (5.4 kb), was successfully transformed into E. coli cells as evidenced by the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) using confocal scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Approximately 90.7% of the treated viable E. coli cells exhibited uptake of the pGLO plasmid. The interaction of plasmid DNA with bacteria leading to transformation was further confirmed using cryogenic transmission electron microscopy.
This paper proposes an analytical method based on electrokinetic measurements ( experimentally measured dielectrophoresis crossover frequencies and predicted extremum electrorotation speed frequency) allowing to extract intracellular dielectric properties i.e., permittivity and conductivity to characterize cancerous stem cells of a colorectal cell line .
The rapid proliferation of mobile devices has heightened public concerns regarding human exposure to radio-frequency radiation, particularly from uplink transmissions. This study focuses on characterizing UL exposure specifically during voice call applications, comparing different configurations, providing a comparison between native mobile voice calls and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) calls via WhatsApp. The research is based on the measurement data of the EXPLORA and SEAWAVE projects in Paris, which also provides an insight into the effect of bandlock on the averaged transmitted (TX) power. By investigating the difference in TX power, our findings reveal significant variations in uplink exposure levels of mobile phone voice calls. These results provide valuable insights into the differences between native and VoIP-based voice calls. Furthermore, this study enhances our understanding of real-world exposure dynamics, lays the groundwork for future research aimed at optimizing wireless network configurations to minimize UL exposure while maintaining high-quality voice communication services.
In order to clarify the radio frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF) exposure level related to human protection in the real environment, the NICT has conducted measurements in Japan using various measurement methods since 2019. As one of our research activities, we had measured the RF-EMF levels from the mobile phone base station in 2019 at the same places as the past measurements in 2006 and compared. It was confirmed that the RF-EMF exposure levels from mobile phone base stations are about three times higher than those of the past measurements taken about 10 years before in both urban and suburban areas; however, those were sufficiently low against the Japanese radio radiation protection guidelines with approximately 1/1000 or less. On the other hand, these measurements were done before the start of commercial services of the 5th Generation mobile phone system (5G). In this study, RF-EMF levels were measured at the same place to analyse time trend considering impact of the 5G service.
This paper exposes the measurement method presently used in Wallonia to evaluate the maximum exposure generated by active antennas. The roll-out of active antennas is well underway, so for official bodies in charge of controlling the respect of the mandatory exposure limit it was urgent to have an assessment method. After having tried different solutions, we have finally opted for a method based on spectrum measurement during forced traffic directed to the measuring equipment. The integration over frequency of the whole bandwidth used is corrected afterwards to take into account the noisy and irregular nature of the spectrum. The correction consists in adding a safety margin.
This study assesses the exposure to 5G radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF EMF) across four European countries. Spot measurements were conducted indoor and outdoor, encompassing urban and rural environments. In total, 146 measurements were performed in 2023, divided over Belgium (47), Switzerland (38), Hungary (30) and Poland (31). At 34.9% of all measurement locations a 5G connection to 3.6 GHz was established. The average cumulative incident power density (Savg) and maximum cumulative incident power density (Smax) were determined, for both “background” exposure (no 5G user equipment; No UE) and worst-case exposure (maximum downlink with 5G user equipment; Max DL). For the No UE scenario, the highest Smax was 17.6 mW/m2, while for the Max DL, the highest Smax was 23.3 mW/m2. Both values are well within the ICNIRP guidelines. The highest Smax,5G measured over all countries and scenarios was 10.4 mW/m2, which is 3.2% of the frequency specific ICNIRP guidelines. The power density measured in rural areas was significantly lower than in urban areas (-4.8 dB to -10.4 dB).
In clinical applications endoscopy techniques are widely used to observe the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract organs. Despite the gastroscopy is one of the most used diagnostic tool to examinate numerous GI pathologies, it’s still an invasive and no patient friendly procedure, requiring full anesthesia and painkillers administration after the examination. In the last decades, the possibility to perform endoscopic analysis without using the wired endoscope has emerged, thanks to the introduction of Wireless Capsule Endoscopy (WCE). The possibility of integrating additional diagnostic and therapeutic modalities can potentially enhance WCE technology. In the framework of PING project (funded by Lazio region, Italy), this work presents a numerical study on the feasibility of electrodes integration within the capsule, to measure enteric neuronal activity (neural sensing), to deepen its role in functional gastrointestinal disorders.
A first computational investigation of electric field distributions generated by magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) is presented in this work in the context of neural tissue modulation. Our study employed a dual-modeling approach to analyze both individual particle behavior and collective effects at tissue level in 2D plane and 3D volume of nerve tissues. Results demonstrate that MENPs at 0.1% w/v concentration generate electric fields reaching therapeutic thresholds for neuromodulation, with 3D distribution achieving 20.66% tissue coverage above 10 V/m compared to 4.12% in 2D arrangement. The study reveals that 3D MENP distributions provide better field coverage while maintaining the advantages of wireless, targeted stimulation with sub-millimeter precision.
Traditionally, integrated electronic systems are designed for stable, long-lasting operations spanning decades; however, durable, permanent form factors are not always desirable for transient electronic medicine applications. Bioresorbable electronics systems represent a fundamentally different type of emerging technology designed to have specific lifetimes. During use or upon the application of external stimuli, these electronic systems safely disintegrate into the surrounding environment, either wholly or partially, in a controlled and programmed manner. This unique vanishing capability, made possible by various categories of resorbable conductors, semiconductors, insulator materials, and mechanical designs, is highly desirable for applications in bioelectronic medicine and eco-friendly electronics requiring dynamic mechanical compliance paired with high-performance electronic functionality.
Here, we introduce a compact, bioresorbable electronic system (BIC) designed to function within clinically relevant time frames (up to 1 month) under physiological magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) conditions. The system completely dissolves through natural biosorption mechanisms, eliminating the need for surgical removal. Modeling strategies (1) quantify shifts in resonance frequency caused by diffusion-driven dielectric changes in the surrounding environment and (2) evaluate local enhancements in the signal-to-noise ratio resulting from the coupling between the implant and magnetic resonance coils to track biological processes in biological tissue. Experimental validation involves implanting the devices to enhance imaging of phantoms and a human cadaver arm following surgical intervention. Imaging demonstrations in a nerve phantom and a human cadaver suggest that this technology holds significant potential for post-surgical monitoring and evaluating recovery processes through bio electromagnetics by tracking healing and repair mechanisms in biological tissues.
Smart insoles with integrated 2.45 GHz wireless communication are emerging as a promising technology for gait analysis, injury prevention, and health monitoring. However, the state-of-the-art antennas currently used in the market of smart insoles are usually conventional, and not fine-tuned for this specific application. This is further aggravated by the non-deterministic nature of the wave propagation medium, depolarization issues, mechanical robustness, and so on. This requires transmitting at elevated power levels to ensure a reliable communication link, which leads to increased exposure of the used. One of the approaches to reduce user exposure is to design specifically tuned and impedance-robust antennas. From the impedance robustness perspective, the proximity of the ground has to be taken into account. Moreover, the insole-integrated antenna has to remain flexible and robust to mechanical stress, especially for high-performance athletic applications. Several fundamental antenna types can satisfy these criteria, namely a patch, a loop, a PIFA, and a dipole. In this context, the interaction between these antenna types and the human body must be studied to address concerns regarding the absorption of electromagnetic waves. This study investigates the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of a dipole, patch, loop, and PIFA antennas tuned to 2.4-GHz BLE (Bluetooth Low-Energy) bands, embedded in smart insoles that take into account foot anatomy, shoe materials, and soil. Using numerical simulations, we analyze the SAR distribution within the foot tissue and evaluate compliance with international safety standards. The results provide key insights for safe wireless smart insole design.
Wireless implantable bioelectronics in healthcare and biomedical research rely on radiofrequency technology for wireless body area networks. However, biological tissues surrounding implants induce substantial losses to radiofrequency links. To address this challenge, analytical modeling of implantable antennas based on simplified body models is an effective approach to investigate loss mechanisms and optimize antenna designs. In this study, two models are demonstrated: the spherical body model, representing diverse body dimensions, and the planar body model, representing large-scale hosts. Numerical cases validate the utility of analytical models in assessing radiation patterns and link efficiency, providing benchmarks for the design of implantable antennas.
In this paper, a novel application of deep learning is proposed, to predict and optimize key parameters in cardiac Pulsed-Field Ablation (PFA) treatments. Building on our extensive experience and on a large set of experimental data, we leveraged artificial neuronal networks to accurately predict the ablated area, optimize electrode configurations, and tune various heterogeneous parameters, including signal characteristics. Tests performed on experimental data available in the literature demonstrate that deep learning algorithms can effectively predict PFA treatment parameters using both single-target and multi-target networks with comparable performance. The overall accuracy of the predictions confirms the potential of this approach for optimizing PFA treatments. The promising results underscore the power of deep learning in leveraging extensive PFA clinical data and guiding future applications. This approach indeed represents a significant advancement toward developing patient-specific PFA protocols.
The introduction of new communication technologies may alter the ambient RF-EMF exposure, highlighting the need for in-depth temporal ambient RF-EMF characterisation. Thus, this study aims to characterise the temporal RF-EMF evolution in Switzerland using microenvironmental and long-term measurements during the rollout out of 5G. The data collection was done with ExpoM-RF4 from Fields at Work GmbH, which records the electric field strength in V/m from 80 MHz to 6 GHz. Microenvironmental measurements were conducted from July 2021 to May 2022 (baseline) and from July 2023 to May 2024 (follow-up) with the same researcher carrying ExpoM-RF4 in the same 150 outdoor areas, 91 public spaces, and 101 public transport journeys. Long-term measurements were conducted continuously with five ExpoM-RF4 placed on rooftops or at the windowsills to assess the daily and monthly RF-EMF variations. RF-EMF levels increased from 0.16 V/m to 0.17 V/m in outdoor areas and from 0.20 V/m to 0.24 V/m in public transport between 2021/22 and 2023/24. The continuous measurements indicated that RF-EMF levels were highest in the evening (21-22 pm), reflecting the increased demand of wireless data traffic before going to sleep. Monitoring the ambient EMF levels remains necessary to keep track of the exposure changes along with the introduction of new communication technologies and to provide information to the population about their ambient EMF exposure.
This study investigated how population density affects personal far-field radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF-EMF, 88 MHz - 6 GHz) exposure in environments. We present results from 8 micro-environments in Gold Coast, Australia, that are part of a larger international measurement program. The RF-EMF exposures were measured using an ExpoM-RF4™ carried in a waist bag while undertaking a 20-minute walk along pre-defined paths in each of the micro-environments. The 8 micro-environments included here were grouped into low-and high-density areas and the exposure sources were classified as: mobile downlink (DL), mobile uplink (UL) and total. Quantile regression analysis was undertaken to evaluate the effect of population density on total RF-EMF exposure levels across its distribution. Correlation analysis evaluated the relationship between mobile DL and mobile UL (far-field) exposures. High density areas had significantly higher exposure (total and mobile DL) levels compared to low density areas. The differences between the median RF-EMF exposures (in V/m) measured in the high-density area compared to the low-density area were 0.25 (total), 0.26 (mobile DL) and 0.03 (mobile UL). Mobile DL and mobile UL exposures showed a strong positive correlation (Spearman's correlation r = 0.88, p<0.0001). Population density was observed to affect the total RF-EMF exposure levels in public micro-environments. The total exposure in high density areas increased with the increase in quantile number. The magnitude of increase was generally much higher in the higher quantiles than the lower quantiles. These findings indicate that population density could be used to characterize far-field RF-EMF exposures in various public micro-environments.
Applying Software Defined Radios (SDRs) for measuring exposure to Radio Frequency (RF) Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) requires calibrated sensors and antennas. A complicating factor is the influence of the person wearing the measurement device on the recorded exposure, as well as the sensor’s orientation relative to the EMF source. SDRs are not designed as power meters; they are typically used to decode RF EMF in various radio protocols. What matters is that the received signal is distinguishable from noise. However, when an SDR is repurposed as an EMF power measurement device, it is essential to determine the exact received power levels. This requires accurate calibration of the device, not only in a controlled environment but also under the same conditions as used in the field. A human body in close proximity to the sensor influences the measured field strength, even though the actual exposure to body tissue remains unchanged. The aim of this work is to implement a calibration routine for SDRs, enabling them to be used in environmental exposure studies as body sensors. To assess the stability of the SDR, various measurements were conducted, comparing the output from a Vector Network Analyzer to the values recorded by the SDR. Additionally, to account for the influence of the human body, SDRs were tested in an anechoic chamber under a known field while being carried by a person. Using the calibration factors obtained, it becomes possible to convert the SDR’s output into accurate physical EMF power measurements.
The deployment of 5G has raised public concerns regarding potential health and environmental effects, prompting further research into RF-EMF exposure. This study presents the findings of a six-month measurement campaign conducted in Belgium using two RF-EMF sensors. One sensor was placed in a rural bedroom, while the other was installed in an office building in an industrial campus near a city. The results indicate a distinct daily pattern, with lower E-field levels observed at night and higher levels during the day across all measured frequencies, where a more profound difference of 24.08 dB in the city office. Additionally, exposure levels were consistently lower on weekends compared to weekdays, reflecting variations in human activity and network usage. The exposure was lower during the weekend compared to weekdays for the village bedroom and the city office respectively. These findings contribute to a better understanding of environmental RF-EMF exposure and its dependence on location and temporal factors.
Differences in RF-EMF exposure from realistic smartphone usage scenarios becomes more important with the deployment of fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks. Previous studies only investigated legacy technologies or they were limited to measurement results in one country. This study assesses differences in average transmit power of a smartphone between voice calls, WhatsApp voice calls, WhatsApp video calls, and uplink file transfers across Belgium, Switzerland, and France. Measurements at two fixed locations in each of the 115 outdoor microenvironments (MEs), comprising both urban and rural locations, were conducted by a trained researcher with a smartphone that was held at the ear for voice calls and in front of the face for video calls. The exposure from voice calls was found to be the lowest, consistently in each country, with median values of 0.0 dBm (Belgium), -4.3 dBm (France), and -1.7 dBm (Switzerland). This is the first study, comparing uplink transmit powers during different usage scenarios, that involves multiple European countries and includes non-standalone 5G.
A new compact device, which allows measurements in multiple narrow bandwidths over the entire spectrum from 78 MHz to 6 GHz. This device has characteristics of a spectrum analyzer and integrates fractal antennas for its operation. The device has been calibrated and validated against a spectrum analyzer for far-field measurements. A strong correlation between the two devices with confidence higher than 95% was obtained; indicating that the device could be considered as an important tool for electromagnetic field studies.
The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a highly complex network comprising various components, including motor and sensory nerves. Whereas central nervous stimulation threshods for magnetic field (MF) exposure at powerline frequencies (50/60 Hz) are well established, PNS stimulation thresholds remain uncertain. Current estimations ranging from 2.3 to 6.15 V/m for in situ electric fields (EF). These values are derived from computational models and extrapolations, underscoring the need for experimental validation in humans to refine safety standards and guidelines. This ongoing study aims to determine PNS stimulation thresholds at powerline frequencies and assess associated neurophysiological effects using electroencephalography (EEG). We have developed a randomized, double-blind, controlled protocol involving healthy participants exposed to a powerline-frequency MF at the leg level (50 or 60 Hz) and a positive control using transcutaneous pulsed magnetic stimulation. Participants report sensations and rate perception intensity across 11 exposure levels via button-press. Simultaneously, EEG recordings capture brain activity to analyze somatosensory and motor responses. Preliminary data confirm the feasibility of the protocol, with perception thresholds successfully identified along with specific alpha-band frequency modulations. Initial results indicate a perception threshold of 45.9 T/s, with considerable inter-individual variability. These findings will contribute to a better understanding of human PNS thresholds and the neurophysiological effects of low-frequency MF exposure.
The human vestibular system, like the visual system, relies on ribbon synapses and graded potentials, making it potentially sensitive to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) and induced electric fields (E-fields). While magnetophosphenes—visual sensations triggered by ELF-MF—are well-documented, direct effects on vestibular function remain inconclusive. Recent studies suggest vestibular-specific E-field stimulation can modulate postural sway beyond traditionally recognized frequency ranges. Here, we replicated the findings of Nissi et al. (2024), demonstrating that sinusoidal E-field stimulation influences balance control up to 10 Hz. Using a controlled experimental design, we apply binaural bipolar electrical vestibular stimulation (EVS) at frequencies up to 10 Hz in young, healthy participants (N = 15). Postural sway was quantified via center-of-pressure (COP) analysis on a force platform, with spectrogram analyses confirming synchronized vestibular-induced oscillations. Crucially, we found that sway responses were craniocentric, aligning with vestibular physiology: participants sway in the frontal plane when facing forward, with a reversal of modulation when the head is turned 90°. These findings extend the known frequency response of the vestibular system and reinforce its sensitivity to weak E-fields. Given prior evidence of vestibular myogenic responses within ELF ranges, our results highlight the need to investigate potential vestibular effects at powerline frequencies (50–60 Hz). This work has important implications for understanding ELF-MF exposure effects, refining international safety guidelines, and advancing vestibular stimulation techniques for research and clinical applications.
Magnetophosphenes are visual sensations perceived as flashes of light when exposed to a time varying magnetic field. Their perception threshold serves as a key parameter in defining human exposure limits. While previous studies have primarily relied on subjective button-press reporting, electroencephalography (EEG) offers an objective approach to investigating neural correlates of magnetophosphene perception. However, traditional spectral analysis methods often fail to detect subtle dynamic changes in EEG signals. In this study, we applied Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA) to assess nonlinear dynamics in EEG signals recorded from 20 healthy participants exposed to 50 Hz sinusoidal magnetic fields (50 mT). Participants were equipped with a 64-channel MRI-compatible EEG cap, and magnetophosphene perception was recorded via button-press responses. Spectral analysis (Welch’s method) was conducted to examine power variations in alpha and beta bands, while RQA extracted nonlinear features such as Recurrence Rate (RR) and Determinism (DET). The results are still being analyzed, but we expect no significant differences in spectral power between perception (50 mT) and no perception (0 mT) conditions. However, we anticipate that RQA will reveal increased signal regularity during magnetic field exposure, evidenced by a rise in DET. These findings would suggest that RQA is more sensitive than frequency-based methods for detecting subtle EEG structural changes associated with magnetophosphene perception. This study underscores the relevance of nonlinear EEG analysis techniques in bioelectromagnetics research and the potential of RQA in studying neural responses to electromagnetic fields.
This paper investigates the applications of a solid silicone-carbon-based phantom for nearfield antenna characterization at millimeter-wave (mmW) frequencies. Unlike conventional phantoms designed to mimic permittivity, this phantom is optimized to replicate the skin’s reflectivity. Numerical simulations are performed to compare the phantom’s response to a homogeneous skin model, focusing on S11, radiation efficiency, total efficiency, and radiation patterns across different distances from a patch antenna operating at 60 GHz. Results show that, while higher errors are observed in the reactive nearfield due to strong field coupling, the phantom provides an accurate representation of near-body EM interactions, with deviations decreasing in the radiating nearfield and beyond. These findings suggest the phantom’s applicability for nearfield antenna testing, particularly in wearable scenarios, where its flexibility allows for testing on curved surfaces and dynamic body conditions.
This paper presents a Reference Skin Model (RSM) suggested as a target reference for the specification of body phantoms used for Absorbed Power Density (APD) evaluation and user exposure compliance testing of 5G/6G wireless devices operating in FR2/FR3 bands. The conclusions and recommendations regarding the RSM and the target performance characteristics of the phantoms are derived from a systematic analysis of the human skin reflectance as a function of the skin and near-surface tissue structure in 6-100GHz range. The study is conducted for three body sites (head, torso, forearm) representative of 5G/6G use-case scenarios involving handheld and wearable wireless devices, like smartphones, tablets, connected wearables, and AR/VR gadgets.
In this study, we developed a non-reflecting absorbing structure (film) for fast OTA and reference levels measurements above 6 GHz. Infrared (IR) imaging is used enabling non-perturbing, fast, and broadband 2D measurement with sub-mm resolution, in the far as well as in the near field. The absorbing film is designed to minimize perturbance of the antenna under test, which enables measurements in conditions similar to free-space. The thermal properties of the film are optimized to enhance the SNR thus enabling measurements of low-power wireless devices. The method was experimentally validated for different antenna types demonstrating excellent agreement with numerical simulations.
With the rollout of 5G in frequency range 2 (FR2) mm-wave in the 26.5 to 30 GHz range in various countries as well as a raft of EU projects addressing health risks of 5G FR2 there is a requirement to enhance the knowledge base on skin reflection properties. In 2021 an extensive study was published by Christ et al, however, the lowest measurement frequency was 40 GHz, this is above the highest mm-wave 5G frequencies currently in use. This study fills in the gap presenting reflection measurements from 14 to 42 GHz. The knowledge is of importance in the conversion from incident power density to absorbed power density and in many measurement applications and phantoms for over the air performance measurement. In addition to reflection measurements optical coherence tomography was performed on the same skin areas to allow accurate geometric skin models to be generated for use in the accompanying simulations enabling extraction of skin layer dielectric properties.
The 5th generation cellular mobile networks uses precoding techniques to focus electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by base stations at the user equipment (UE). In this work, this type of exposure, denoted as auto-induced downlink exposure, is studied. The exposure scenario consists of a UE positioned next to the skin. The working frequency is 26 GHz and the UE can have a parallel or orthogonal polarization to the skin. The model that is used is a multi-layered model, since the exposure is limited to the outer tissues at the working frequency. The EMFs are determined analytically and the focusing is achieved using MRT precoding. The field enhancement at and around the UE depends on the focusing distance and UE polarization. Focusing to a UE polarized parallel to the skin is not efficient up to a distance of 3 mm in comparison to an orthogonally polarized one. Interestingly, for larger separation distances, the best focusing is found for a UE polarized parallel to the skin. The exposure is quantified in terms of the peak spatial absorbed power density. For all considered distances, a lower exposure is found for a parallel polarization in comparison to orthogonal polarization. A periodic behaviour as a function of focusing distance is found for the absorbed power density and the power density at the UE.
This paper presents calibration and validation methods for a novel electric (E-) field-sensing approach in the near field of sub-THz sources (100–300 GHz). The D-band (110 – 170 GHz) was proposed for use in 6G communication systems. Radiofrequency detector diodes in traditional near-field probes cannot operate effectively beyond 110 GHz. This necessitates the development of new sensing approaches, as well as new calibration and validation methods. The sensing approach employs plasmonic modulators. A calibration procedure with standard gain horns establishes a traceable voltage-to-E-field relationship in the sensor system. Sources based on existing standards have been developed to extend their coverage to D-band system validation. The suitability of this approach for near-field E-field system calibration and validation in the sub-terahertz range was demonstrated by comparison with a commercially available system at 110 GHz.
With the rapid advancement of technology, the escalating levels of environmental electromagnetic radiation have emerged as a significant health concern. Research has demonstrated that exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMF) can potentiate the toxicity of cadmium (Cd), a heavy metal pollutant, although the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, human choriocarcinoma cells (JAR) were exposed to ELF-MF (3.0 mT, 50 Hz) and Cd (2.5 µM), both individually and in combination. The results indicated that exposure to 50 Hz MF alone significantly promoted cell viability in human placental choriocarcinoma cell (JAR) not exposed to Cd, whereas it had no significant effect on cells exposed to Cd. Furthermore, proteomic analysis revealed a greater number of differentially expressed proteins induced by 50 Hz MF exposure in JAR cells with Cd co-exposure compared to those without Cd co-exposure. Specifically, co-exposure was associated with enhanced effects on protein transport, electron transfer, stress response proteins, DNA damage repair, growth factors, and DNA repair/synthesis pathways. In conclusion, co-exposure to Cd alters the impact of 50 Hz MF on the cell viability of human placental choriocarcinoma cells, potentially through mechanisms involving these cellular processes.
Epidemiological studies have found an association between occupational exposure to low frequency magnetic fields and the occurrence motor neuron disease and Alzheimer's disease, but not Parkinson's disease, while the evidence for multiple sclerosis is insufficient. Animal models studying neurodegenerative disease may provide more evidence on causation and the underlying mechanisms. A systematic search and review was conducted of peer-reviewed research articles involving animal experiments on the effects of low frequency magnetic field exposure on behavioural and neuroanatomical outcomes relevant for neurodegenerative diseases in humans. Experimental studies in naive animals do not support a causal relationship between low frequency magnetic field exposure and the induction of neuropathology relevant for Alzheimer's disease. For motor neuron disease, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease the number of studies is too limited to draw conclusions. In existing animal models for neurodegenerative disease, the balance of evidence supports a therapeutic (beneficial) effect of low frequency magnetic field treatment on behavioural and neuroanatomical abnormalities relevant for dementia, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease and no effect on disease progression in existing models relevant for motor neuron disease.
The involvement of magnetic fields in basic cellular processes has been studied for years. Intensity has long been the central parameter in hypotheses of interaction between cells and magnetic fields, however, biological systems are not linear and an increase in intensity does not always increase the occurrence of cellular effects. The main objective of this article is to obtain a specific combination of parameters (frequency, intensity, time) to reduce the viability and proliferation of various tumor cell lines. In addition, the “dose effect” theory is tested to determine whether an increase in intensity increases the cellular effects found. Different tumor (CT2A, B16F10, SKBR3, MDA-MB-231, PC12) and non-tumor (astrocytes, C8-D1A) cell lines are exposed to a magnetic field variable in time (acute: 3-24 hours; chronic: 96-120 hours) and intensity (10-1000 µT) using a frequency of 50 Hz and a square waveform. The results fit a biological window model in which the viability and proliferation of cells decrease statistically significantly in a window of values centered dependent on the type of cell used. Specific values of time and magnetic field intensity are found at which viability and proliferation decrease considerably. The cellular behavior does not comply with the so-called “dose effect” and exposures to higher intensities do not necessarily lead to a greater occurrence of the effects on the cellular processes studied. These results are important in a possible therapeutic application of magnetic fields for different pathologies such as cancer or neurodegenerative diseases taking advantage of the so-called “therapeutic window”.
The potential health hazards of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure have been a subject of concern for decades. However, the effects remain highly controversial, and the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In our study, we found that co-exposure to 1800 MHz RF-EMF and chromium (Cr) exhibits a synergistic effect on inducing DNA damage in mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Specifically, RF-EMF significantly enhances DNA damage in cells treated with Cr, whereas no significant DNA damage was observed when cells were exposed to RF-EMF alone. These findings provide evidence that environmental pollutants, when encountered together, may increase the risk of genetic instability. The study highlights the need for further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying this interaction and the potential long-term health risks.
Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder with unmet therapeutic needs, prompts exploration of electromagnetic interventions [1-2]. We have studied the cell proliferation in mouse brain slices under a long hour RF exposure in an engineered wideband system (0.7-3 GHz) inside an incubator. The brain slices of Wild-type B6129 mice were exposed to pulsed microwaves (6% duty cycle) over a duration of 24 hours at 918 MHz with an averaged SAR of 0.3 W/Kg and at 1800 MHz with a range of averaged SAR values: 0.91W/Kg, 1.38W/Kg, 1.524W/Kg respectively, followed by 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay to label proliferating cells.
Quantitative analyses revealed a striking frequency-SAR dependency of cortical cell proliferation. Edu assay showed no cell proliferation in control group, whereas RF radiation at 918 MHz (average SAR: 0.3 W/Kg) induced robust proliferation (13 Edu+ cells/mm², p<0.01). At 1800 MHz, the lower averaged SAR (0.91 W/Kg) yielded minimal cell proliferation effect (1 Edu+ cell/mm²), while the higher averaged SAR values of 1.38W/Kg and 1.524 W/Kg progressively increased cell proliferation (5 and 15 Edu+ cells/mm², respectively), suggesting a dose-dependent trend despite lacking statistical significance (p＞0.05).
These results indicate that an averaged SAR of 0.3 W/Kg at 918 MHz is a potent cortical cell proliferative stimulus, while a much higher averaged SAR of 1.524 W/Kg at 1800 MHz is required to achieve a similar cortical cell proliferation level. This study has established pulsed microwaves as a feasible modality for cortical regeneration with frequency and SAR dependency.
Electroporation is widely used in medicine to increase cell membrane permeability, enabling delivery of therapeutic molecules and nonthermal tissue ablation. While molecular dynamics simulations (MD) have revealed that electroporation can be associated with formation of pores in both lipid domains and voltage-gated ion channels (VGICs), the relative likelihood of these events in actual cell plasma membranes remains unclear. This gap exists because MD simulations consider only small membrane patches under conditions that do not reflect the complex dynamics of transmembrane voltage during cellular electroporation, where initial pores cause membrane discharge that limits subsequent pore formation. To address this, we conducted atomistic MD simulations comparing poration rates between simple POPC bilayers, bilayers containing NaV1.5, CaV1.1, or CaV1.3 channels, and a complex lipid bilayer designed to represent highly poratable cell plasma membrane domains. Our results show that the tested VGICs are more susceptible to poration than POPC bilayers, forming complex pores stabilized by both lipid head-groups and amino-acid residues in their voltage-sensor domains. This enhanced susceptibility is particularly significant for medical applications targeting excitable tissues, as these channels are crucial for cardiac and skeletal muscle function. The formation of complex pores leads to unfolding of voltage-sensor domains, providing a molecular mechanism for the experimentally observed reduction in voltage-dependent ionic currents following pulse treatment. These findings advance our understanding of cellular electroporation mechanisms and have important implications for optimizing electroporation protocols in medical applications.
Electric fields are routinely used to facilitate therapeutical crossing of the cell membranes by drugs, DNA and other biomolecules. As a multibillion-dollar business, electroporation rests surprisingly on thin fundamental knowledge. Current modelling of why the electric field can puncture holes in the membrane has been accepted for half-a-century without having been put to stringent experimental tests. We have recently unveiled an extensive set of new data on the occurrence of pores in lipid membranes under an electric field. The results show not only that existing pore formation models cannot account for the experimental observations but point also to the likely reasons why pores form.
Biological systems have evolved in the presence of geological electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and to generate and use physiological EMFs to meet their most vital needs. It follows that EMFs can be used to modulate biological functions and are therefore worth investigating for therapeutic purposes. Therapeutic EMFs may aim to reproduce specific cues of physiological EMFs whose properties and functions have already been elucidated. Alternatively, EMFs that differ in their properties from physiological EMFs may nevertheless induce cellular responses that can be exploited with therapeutic aims. For example, electropermeabilization of cells following the application of EMFs is commonly used to vectorize agents ranging in size from small ions (e.g., Ca2+) to large molecules (e.g., DNA), or also to induce cell death. Electropermeabilization is traditionally induced by pulsed electric fields (PEFs), but other types of EMFs can also induce it. While focusing solely on the interactions of PEFs with cell membranes, differences in the ongoing physicochemical events and in the final biological outcomes can be related to the PEFs properties (pulse duration, electric field amplitude, pulses number, monopolarity or bipolarity). It follows that some PEFs are more suitable for certain applications. In the context of the application of subnanosecond duration PEFs (sub-nsPEFs) to the Escherichia coli model, we observed two types of induced cell permeabilization that showed different characteristics when studied at the molecular level, analyzed with microscopy or flow cytometry, or evaluated for long-term effects with survival/functional assay, which we hypothesize to be due to different mechanisms.
Electroporation is a well-established technique that induces transient pores in the cell membrane by applying intense electric fields. However, biological membranes are not solely composed of lipids but also include embedded proteins, whose role in pore formation is still under investigation. This study explores the impact of high-intensity electric fields on the TRPV4 ion channel using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the aim to investigate the involvement of transmembrane protein in electroporation process. A key aspect of this investigation is the analysis of the dipole moment of water molecules, differentiating between interfacial water near the membrane surface and channel-confined water within TRPV4. Results show that interfacial water molecules exhibit no significant dipole alignment changes, suggesting strong interactions with lipid head groups. In contrast, water molecules inside the channel show increased dipole alignment with stronger E-fields, indicating a direct influence of the E-field on their orientation. These findings suggest that while interfacial water remains unaffected, channel-confined water responds directly to the electric field, highlighting its potential role in electroporation-driven membrane permeabilization.
Electric fields are ubiquitous in nature and their magnitudes in condensed-matter systems are of the typical order of 1 to 3 V/A. The interplay of these intrinsic electric fields in matter with externally-applied ones is a topic of much industrial and academic interest, especially at the nanoscale and in the broad arena of biological systems. In the current contribution, we explore, using water, proteins and biological channels as examples, how both experiment and molecular simulation can be used to see how applied fields at least one or two orders of magnitude lower can influence and manipulate the system response of these biophysical systems to achieve desired outcomes of biological and medical interest.
Pulsed electric fields (PEFs) are increasingly recognized for their ability to modulate protein structure and function, offering applications in biomedicine, food technology, and nanotechnology. Proteins, as electrically charged biomolecules, are highly responsive to PEFs, which can induce structural changes such as rotation, unfolding, and modifications to secondary structures. Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies have shown that intense PEFs in the megavolt per meter (MV/m) range realign protein dipoles, destabilize conformations, and expose hydrophobic residues, leading to aggregation. These effects have been observed in proteins like ubiquitin and ovalbumin through methods such as circular dichroism and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Beyond structural changes, PEFs influence functional properties, including enzymatic activity and protein self-assembly. Studies have demonstrated altered activity in enzymes like α-amylase and pectinase, as well as reversible and irreversible effects on tubulin and amyloid fibril assemblies. These findings highlight the potential of PEFs for targeted therapeutic interventions, enzyme regulation in food processing, and control over biomolecular assembly in nanotechnology.
Despite these advancements, further research is needed to explore the effects of PEFs on membrane proteins and refine the mechanistic understanding of protein-field interactions. The ability of PEFs to induce precise and non-thermal modifications makes them a promising tool for advancing science and technology across disciplines.
The occupational health and safety framework identifies workers with an active implantable medical device (AIMD), such as a pacemaker (PM) or an implantable defibrillator (ICD), as a particularly sensitive risk group that must be protected against the dangers caused by electromagnetic field (EMF). This study evaluates the potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) posed by two emerging technologies, 5G systems and wireless power transfer (WPT) chargers, using the risk assessment procedure outlined in the EN 50527-2-1 standard. In vitro experiments were conducted using a human-shaped phantom and explanted ICDs to replicate worst-case exposure scenarios. For 5G systems, both continuous wave and pulse-modulated signals in uplink and downlink configurations were tested across key frequency bands (736 MHz and 3680 MHz). Results indicate no EMI events, confirming that 5G technology is unlikely to interfere with AIMD function. For WPT systems, a Helmholtz coil was used to generate uniform magnetic fields at 85 kHz. EMI events were observed only at magnetic field intensities exceeding 50 μT, with high-voltage therapies triggered exclusively at 100 μT. Modulated signals were more disruptive than continuous ones, highlighting the susceptibility of AIMDs to certain modulation schemes. The findings suggest that existing safety precautions for AIMD users, such as maintaining a 15 cm distance from 5G sources, remain effective. For WPT systems, the voluntary 15 μT limit recommended by standards like SAE J2954 provides a sufficient safety margin for AIMD users in realistic scenarios. These results support the continued safe adoption of 5G and WPT technologies in occupational and public environments.
The increasing use of electromagnetic (EM) technologies requires to ensure regulatory compliance thorough assessments of human exposure. In military contexts, personnel frequently operate near EM sources, such as vehicular communication antennas, yet detailed exposure evaluations remain scarce. This study examines EM exposure from military vehicular antennas across a wide frequency range (HF, VHF, UHF), power levels, and operator positions. Computational models simulated realistic conditions, including personnel wearing protective equipment and adopting postures partially outside armored vehicles. The analysis revealed significant variability in exposure levels based on antenna type, frequency, power, and positioning. While all levels met ICNIRP Basic Restrictions (BR), some exceeded Reference Levels (RL). These results emphasize the need for improved rapid assessment methods or detailed case-by-case analyses to ensure personnel safety.
In Australia the ICNIRP limits are used to protect workers from excessive EMF exposure. Epidemiological studies conducted in Australia to date have not found consistent evidence of a causal association between occupational EMF exposure and long-term health effects such as cancer. A key concern across all previous studies is the quality of the EMF exposure assessment. A measurement program in high EMF exposure occupations and further epidemiological studies investigating cancer with improved exposure assessment methods are currently being conducted
Background: Assessing occupational exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) in epidemiological studies is challenging due to spatial and temporal variability. An RF-EMF job-exposure matrix (JEM) was developed using self-reported occupational histories from the INTEROCC study and historical spot measurements from literature. To assess validity and precision of the JEM’s estimates, a measurement campaign of personal full-shift RF-EMF was conducted in Spain and France. Methods: Personal full-shift RF-EMF exposures were measured using 10 Narda RadMan 2XT devices on workers who volunteered to maintain diaries to document their occupational sources of RF-exposures. Personal measurement data collected were compared to the INTEROCC RF-JEM estimates in the same occupation using weighted kappa (kw) coefficients and Spearman rank correlations of exposure level and prevalence of exposure across 22 jobs with 5 or more measured workers. Results: Exposure of 333 workers was measured within 46 ISCO88 occupations. Over 99% of the measurements were below 1% of the 1998 ICNIRP occupational standards. However, 50.2% and 77.2% of workers recorded at least one instance of electric and/or magnetic field above this limit. Analyses revealed poor agreement between INTEROCC RF-JEM estimates and personal full-shift measurements (kw < 0.1). The RF-JEM overestimated exposure level by more than 194% on average. Discussion: The INTEROCC RF-JEM seems to consistently overestimate full-shift exposure to RF-EMF, possibly reflecting changes over time in workplace conditions and exposures. Conclusion: Collection of more shift-long RF-measurements is needed to refine the RF-JEM for current-day exposures. Until further validation, its use should be complemented with contemporary measurement data.
Characterising the health and safety hazards caused by exposure to a low frequency electromagnetic field (LF-EMF) in the work environment is a research priority (based mainly on the epidemiological 2B/IARC classification for the carcinogenic impact of long-term exposure, or managing electromagnetic hazards in compliance with relevant safety requirements). The aim was to test the applicability of the parameterisation of short-and long-term dynamics of workers’ exposure, using the results of time monitoring of the RMS (root-mean-square) value of a worker’s exposure to LF-EMF when evaluating safety and health hazards, or the applicability of reducing exposure. The parameters characterising the exposure of worker moving in the B-field exposed environment were analysed in well-controlled laboratory conditions and in the real work environment. The way of the worker moved near the source of continuous LF-EMF and the organisation of the worker’s activities there significantly modified the frequency composition of EMF exposure experienced by worker, when compared to EMF emitted from the source, without a significant modification of the descriptive statistics of the RMS value of the B-field recorded by a body-worn exposimeter. However, the parameters of short- and long-term exposure variability (dynamics) analysed using the Poincaré representation are sensitive to the analysed circumstances of the worker’s activity. It was confirmed that using parameters of short- and long-term dynamics of workers’ LF-EMF exposure, monitored by body-worn B-field RMS value data loggers, may significantly improve the relevance of the parameterisation of EMF hazards in real environments, as well as evaluations of the quality of work organisation.
Introduction
Occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) is almost ubiquitous nowadays in industrialized countries. Specific work-related risks may involve the exposed workers and accordingly an adequate health surveillance (HS) program is required, especially for the so-called "workers at particular risk".
Methods
In EU, the HS of workers exposed to EMF is mandatory based on the Directive 2013/35/EU. Considering the available indications and a survey among Occupational Physicians (OPs), we identified the main criteria to be considered for an appropriate HS, as well as for the identifications of the "workers at particular risk" for EMF exposure, as defined by the Directive.
Results
The EU Directive specifically addresses the prevention of direct biophysical effects, excluding long-term effects as scientific evidence of a causal relationship is considered inadequate, and indirect effects of EMF exposure. These latter effects include interference and the risk can be relevant in case of presence of workers with Active Implanted Medical Devices (AIMD) and/or with Active Wearable Medical Devices (AWMD), even in conditions of exposure levels below the recognized limits to protect the general public. Accordingly, the medical examinations within the HS program should carefully look for the presence of AIMD and AWMD: the most frequent devices resulted the cardiac pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators for AIMD, while drugs/hormones infusion pumps and hearing aids for AWMD.
Conclusions
Particular risks as the conditions of workers with AIMD or AWMD have to be carefully considered and assessed for the HS programs of subjects with occupational EMF exposure.
Battery-free wireless neuroelectronic interfaces are emerging as a transformative technology in bioelectronic medicine, enabling long-term, minimally invasive solutions for neural stimulation, monitoring, and therapeutic applications. Conventional battery-powered implants face significant limitations, including bulky form factors, surgical replacement needs, and constrained longevity. Wireless power transfer (WPT) offers a promising alternative; however, its efficiency and safety remain key challenges, particularly for deep-body implants. The strong attenuation, reflection, and scattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves in biological tissues limit power delivery efficiency, while compliance with exposure regulations imposes additional constraints on transmission power levels.
Our research focuses on a novel bio-adaptive WPT approach that leverages wavefront shaping, conformal phased arrays, impedance-matching structures, and ultra-miniaturized implantable receivers to optimize energy transfer while minimizing user EM exposure. Numerical simulations and experimental validations in tissue phantoms and ex vivo models demonstrate significant improvements over conventional single-antenna WPT methods, achieving orders-of-magnitude enhancements in power transfer efficiency and safety compliance. The proposed adaptive control mechanisms dynamically regulate power transmission based on implant positioning, reducing tissue heating and improving energy localization. Our findings establish the foundation for the next generation of safe, efficient, and autonomous battery-free neuroelectronic interfaces, with applications in brain-computer interfaces, neural stimulation, and bioelectronic medicine.
Over the past two decades, radar technology has gained attention as an effective tool for remote monitoring, offering significant advantages over cameras. Radars do not depend on external lighting and provide enhanced privacy, while also being capable of measuring distances, speeds, and micromovements. These benefits make radar systems valuable for long-term, wireless short-range applications. In medical applications, radar technology is used for 2D localization and vital sign monitoring detecting conditions like arrhythmias, sleep apnea, and identifying emergencies like heart attacks and falls. Radar systems can track heart and respiratory rates regardless the radar orientation with respect to the chest and can provide the contextual monitoring of multiple targets. These systems are also being used in electronic travel aids (ETAs) for visually impaired individuals, helping them navigate their environment by detecting obstacles. While current ETAs are effective, they remain cumbersome, prompting innovations like integrating radar into wearable devices such as smart canes or clothes. Although challenges remain, such as system complexity and the need for miniaturization, radar technology shows immense potential for revolutionizing healthcare monitoring and daily life assistance.
Based on reported dielectric property measurements of melanoma, we developed a tissue mimicking phantom composed of easy-to-obtain ingredients. The phantom’s purpose is to serve as a system validation phantom for radiofrequency devices that aid early detection of skin cancer. This abstract reports a developed phantom and a Cole-Cole-model of the phantom’s dielectric properties in the frequency range of 2 – 18 GHz. The developed phantom shows good agreement with reported melanoma properties.
Non-invasive techniques for characterizing biological materials are essential for advancing biomedical research. Among these, microwave dielectric spectroscopy (MDS) has emerged as a powerful method for non-invasive, non-destructive, cost-effective and label-free analysis. By measuring the interaction of microwave frequencies with biological structures, MDS provides insights into hydration, cellular density, and metabolic activity without damaging the sample. While MDS has been successfully applied to 2D biological systems, its adaptation for assessment of 3D samples remains largely unexplored. A few years ago, our team initiated efforts to bridge this gap, and this paper presents our progress while exploring the application of MDS to 3D biological objects, including cancerous hepatic spheroids.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an innovative therapeutic technique for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. Its interaction with the brain tissue is still not fully understood. Numerical dosimetry can provide insights, however there is no consensus on the preferred observable to be evaluated.
This study proposes a novel observable for TMS numerical dosimetry: the effective electric field (Eeff). This quantity is the E-field component parallel to the local orientation of cortical and white matter axons. Through an experimental proof of concept, it is shown how Eeff better correlates with TMS induced muscle response, compared to traditionally observed quantities. This study is the first to extract Eeff in both white and grey matter and by demonstrating the correlation between Eeff and muscle response to TMS, it introduces a novel observable for future TMS dosimetric studies, potentially enhancing its precision.
This work presents an interactive approach to designing wireless networks with electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure awareness using augmented reality (AR) and digital twin technologies. The system enables real-time visualization and optimization of base station deployments while considering EMF exposure constraints. Utilizing photogrammetry for geometry estimation and the Ray-Tracing method for wireless propagation prediction, the system captures, augments and simulates realistic propagation environments, then calculates EMF exposure levels. The AR interface allows network planners to visualize predicted EMF levels and exposure hotspots directly overlaid on the physical environment. The digital twin maintains a synchronized virtual model of the network deployment, enabling rapid assessment of different design scenarios. This technical demonstration showcases how modern visualization and simulation technologies can be combined to design EMF-aware wireless network deployments. This will be especially relevant for 6G massive antenna array systems, where spatial focusing of radio signals creates complex exposure patterns.
In recent years, increasing attention has been directed towards the possible biological effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF), particularly regarding their interaction with molecular and cellular components. Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, specifically TRPM8, have emerged as key candidates due to their roles in thermosensation and cellular signaling and a potential involvement of RF-EMFs in modulating TRPM8 activity has been observed. However, direct structural observations require sophisticated and costly methodologies. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations represent a cutting-edge computational approach, providing deep insights into biomolecular conformational changes under external stimuli, thus complementing experimental studies and reducing the need for costly laboratory techniques.
This study employs MD simulations to investigate the interaction of a 26 GHz RF-EMF with the TRPM8 ion channel in a lipid bilayer with an electric filed intensity of 5×107 V/m. A rigorous multi-step approach ensured accurate molecular modeling and simulation. Comparative analyses under RF exposure and control conditions revealed that while TRPM8 remains structurally stable, RF-EMF induces specific modifications in the activation gate region, suggesting a potential modulatory effect on ion channel function. Although subtle, these changes warrant further investigation to understand the biological implications of RF exposure, especially in the context of 5G technology.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs) have gained widespread therapeutic use, yet their underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Historically attributed to electric field effects, recent studies propose a magnetic basis grounded in the Radical Pair Mechanism (RPM). This framework explains how low-intensity magnetic fields influence radical pair spin dynamics via Zeeman and hyperfine interactions, modulating biochemical reaction rates and outcomes.
Here, we present a computational investigation that combines generic PEMF test signals with RPM models of varying complexity. Our results reveal how distinct chemical yields depend sensitively on the PEMF signal’s orientation, waveform, and amplitude relative to the static background magnetic field. Notably, the characteristic "on-off" waveform of PEMF signals—analogous to "bang-bang" control in optimal control theory—emerges as a potentially optimal strategy to influence radical pair dynamics. This approach optimally minimizes or maximizes the singlet quantum yield, providing a mechanistic link between PEMF waveforms and their observed biological effects.
By integrating optimal control techniques with quantum spin dynamics, our study bridges theoretical insights with practical applications. This dual focus on physical-biomechanical and biochemical mechanisms underscores the interplay between PEMF waveforms and the RPM, suggesting new avenues for tailoring electromagnetic therapies. The findings lay the groundwork for further exploration of PEMFs as diagnostic and therapeutic tools, offering a unified perspective on their biological relevance.
Electron Transfer Flavoprotein (ETF) has been identified as a potential biochemical magnetoreceptor, modulating Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) through a radical pair mechanism influenced by magnetic fields. This study integrates biophysical optimization frameworks from Part I with computational modeling to investigate ETF’s structural and functional responses to magnetic fields, particularly focusing on its β185 site. Using Marcus theory, electron transfer rates were calculated, correlating them with ROS modulation across both wild-type and mutant ETF structures, such as G267R. These calculations highlight the role of hyperfine interactions, Zeeman splitting, and triplet-singlet interconversion in facilitating ROS dynamics.
Molecular dynamics simulations identified key oxygen binding sites within ETF, linking specific structural features to ROS production. The β185 site was particularly responsive, with the G267R mutation showing hyperactive ROS generation due to altered electrostatic interactions. Optimized pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) resembling bang-bang control were applied to evaluate their impact on radical pair recombination and ROS modulation, revealing that tailored magnetic fields can significantly influence ETF activity.
This research provides a roadmap for leveraging magnetic field effects in oxidative stress management and metabolic disorders. The findings bridge theoretical constructs from Part I with biochemical specificity, illustrating how magnetic optimization frameworks can inform therapeutic strategies. By demonstrating the synergy between intrinsic protein dynamics and external magnetic fields, this study advances our understanding of ROS modulation and its potential applications in bioelectronic innovations and oxidative stress-related therapies.
Background: Wireless communication devices are an integral part of daily life, leading to unknown radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure levels. Dose models quantify RF-EMF exposure from different sources by adding up absorbed energy in different exposure scenarios, but uncertainties persist regarding the input data. The GOLIAT project introduces a novel approach to estimate RF-EMF dose, incorporating uncertainty across multiple exposure scenarios, including 5G technology.
Methods: The GOLIAT dose model quantifies daily absorbed RF-EMF dose using normalized specific absorption rate (SAR) values, output power of near-field devices, and far-field exposure data for various exposure scenarios measured in the GOLIAT project or found in literature. A Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) method quantifies the uncertainty by generating probability distributions for the input data in each scenario. An example scenario, native mobile phone call, was evaluated for somebody calling 8-minutes per day with mobile phone at the ear.
Results: The estimated brain dose results in a median dose of 94.42 mJ/kg/day (IQR: 37.37–233.54) and a mean dose of 177.20 mJ/kg/day (95% CI: 7.47–799.77), aligning with previous dose models.
Conclusion: Considering uncertainties in RF-EMF dose modelling illustrates the relevance of various parameters for this calculation and the limitation of simple exposure proxies for epidemiological research. The ability of the GOLIAT dose model of quantifying uncertainty across diverse exposure scenarios makes it a novel tool for evaluating potential health implications of RF-EMF exposure and its reliability.
IEEE Std. C95.1-2345™-2014 is the NATO-facing voluntary consensus EMF exposure standard published by the International Committee on Electromagnetic Safety (ICES) under the auspices of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Association. This standard is undergoing its decennial revision. Military workplaces can present EMF conditions that are not found in civil environments. Military operational effectiveness is obtained by delicately balancing many risk types. This necessitates special consideration of EMF safety protocols for situations that could exceed ordinary public and occupational limits. This paper addresses the challenges faced by the ICES committee to renew safety limits for real-world military exposure environments.
Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) are widely used, but some individuals remain anxious about their impacts. This study analyzed factors influencing changes in anxiety about wireless communication devices, using survey data from 1,940 Japanese participants collected before and after an online information intervention in 2023. Participants were grouped by initial anxiety levels (low or high) and changes in anxiety (decrease, no change, or increase).
For low-anxiety individuals, heightened concerns about RF-EMF exposure led to both increases and decreases in anxiety post-intervention. Higher knowledge levels reduced anxiety and exposure concerns and having children under 15 increased anxiety among high-anxiety individuals, while higher dependence on wireless devices reduced it.
The findings emphasize tailored communication strategies addressing individual knowledge, exposure concerns, and personal circumstances to alleviate RF-EMF-related anxiety.
The presentation will review the key principles of RF exposure assessment method for base stations specified in IEC 62232 international standard, and provide examples of implementation case studies detailed in IEC TR 62669. These methods, developed over the past 25 years, serve three complementary purposes.
Firstly, this consists of assessing the base station compliance distances in free space. This is generally performed for product type approval purposes. Secondly, RF exposure is assessed when the base station is installed on its operational site. All relevant sources and the potential impact of the nearby environment are included at this stage. It is also important to consider that the base station’s actual emissions are continuously varying in time and space due to traffic load and beamforming. The “actual maximum approach” describes how to proceed with the base station installation compliance assessment and how to leverage actual power or EIRP monitoring and control features during operation. Finally, in-situ measurement methods are provided, including the methods used to extrapolate the maximum exposure levels. All applicable measurement and calculation techniques are described in dedicated annexes.
Over the past few years, RF-EMF exposure assessment near telecom base stations has rapidly advanced from traditional one-time spot measurements and average exposure estimates to long-term monitoring using distributed sensor networks, user-centric measurement campaigns with on-body and on-device sensors, and computational modeling that integrates heterogeneous data sources. Whereas legacy networks broadcast signals sector-wide, 5G’s user-focused beamforming requires exposure assessments to account for dynamic resource utilization and spatiotemporal signal variations. Innovative tools now enable detailed, real-world characterization of both environmental (far-field) and auto-induced (near-field) exposures. Looking ahead, the field is moving toward dense, fast-sampling sensor deployments, seamless integration of measurement and infrastructure data, and advanced modeling techniques to provide high-resolution spatiotemporal exposure profiles. These developments support both public risk communication and scientific research, with ongoing efforts to harmonize methodologies across Europe and to address emerging challenges such as the ever-growing number of wireless devices, the introduction of new frequency bands, and the potential effects on non-human organisms.”