Sarah C. Link, James Grellier, Leanne Martin, Marie Eggeling-Böcker, Ferdinand Abacioglu, Carolin Schulz, Nina Vaupotič, Mathew P. White, Christoph Boehmert
{"title":"A Ten-Country Study on Public Perceptions of 5G EMF Emissions: Who Feels Exposed, and Why?","authors":"Sarah C. Link, James Grellier, Leanne Martin, Marie Eggeling-Böcker, Ferdinand Abacioglu, Carolin Schulz, Nina Vaupotič, Mathew P. White, Christoph Boehmert","doi":"10.1002/bem.70058","DOIUrl":"10.1002/bem.70058","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Formal risk assessment considers characteristics such as proximity, dose, and vulnerability. However, public risk perception may also be influenced by other—possibly less relevant—factors such as visibility and novelty. The introduction of 5G and its associated infrastructure and radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) may therefore change perceptions of RF-EMF from mobile communications in general. To explore this, we conducted an online survey in 10 European countries (<i>n</i> = 10,358) using a picture-based approach. Respondents perceived daily RF-EMF exposures as moderate but expected them to increase with 5G. A mobile phone at the ear was generally associated with higher perceived exposure than multiple base stations. Overall, distance to the RF-EMF source most strongly influenced perceived exposure, followed by the number of sources. 5G reception was linked to higher exposure perception than 4G or Wi-Fi reception. These patterns were consistent across most countries. We conclude that when assessing RF-EMF exposure, people rely on heuristics (e.g., more sources imply more exposure) that often guide them correctly. Understanding when and why people feel particularly exposed can help develop more effective communication about true levels of exposure and risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":8956,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectromagnetics","volume":"47 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/bem.70058","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148161425","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Wen-Ying Zhou, Ming-Fei Luo, Pan-Pan Wang, Yu-Xin Li, Mai Lu
{"title":"Gender Differentiation Based Mobile Terminal Electromagnetic Exposure Safety Analysis and Corresponding Antenna Miniaturized-Based Protective Measures","authors":"Wen-Ying Zhou, Ming-Fei Luo, Pan-Pan Wang, Yu-Xin Li, Mai Lu","doi":"10.1002/bem.70055","DOIUrl":"10.1002/bem.70055","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The rapid development of 5 G technology raises concerns about near-field electromagnetic exposure from mobile terminals, especially its potential risks to reproductive and vital organs. However, gender-based differences in tissue dielectric properties and their impact on exposure are often overlooked. This study has two main objectives: to analyze the influence of gender differences on near-field electromagnetic exposure, with a particular focus on key tissues, by calculating gender-specific dielectric properties of different organ tissues; and to propose antenna miniaturization as an active electromagnetic protective measure for reducing specific absorption rate (SAR). This study employs finite element modeling to construct male and female human models, incorporating reproductive systems and key organs, to evaluate SAR before and after the miniaturization of a MIMO mobile terminal antenna at 2.6 GHz and 3.5 GHz. The results show that SAR values in male tissues, particularly in reproductive organs, are significantly higher than in female counterparts. Antenna miniaturization effectively reduces peak SAR by over 30% in multiple tissues, demonstrating its role as an active electromagnetic protective measure. This work highlights gender differences in electromagnetic exposure and confirms the feasibility of antenna miniaturization for improving mobile terminal safety design.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8956,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectromagnetics","volume":"47 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148013311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
James E. Parker, Roberto A. Rodriguez, Clarissa D. Vázquez-Colón, Randolph Stone, Joseph W. Butterworth, Jeffrey N. Whitmore, Jason A. Payne, William B. Voorhees
{"title":"Thermal Damage to the Skin From 5.6 GHz Microwave Exposures in Swine","authors":"James E. Parker, Roberto A. Rodriguez, Clarissa D. Vázquez-Colón, Randolph Stone, Joseph W. Butterworth, Jeffrey N. Whitmore, Jason A. Payne, William B. Voorhees","doi":"10.1002/bem.70053","DOIUrl":"10.1002/bem.70053","url":null,"abstract":"<p>A study of burn thresholds from superficially penetrating radio-frequency (RF) energy at 5.6 GHz for swine skin was conducted. The study estimated the thresholds for superficial, partial-thickness, and full-thickness burn severities after 20 s of exposure at power densities of 4–8 W/cm<sup>2</sup>. Biopsies were collected from each burn site at 1, 24, 72, and 168 h post exposure. Each sample was assessed by a burn pathologist against 20 histological factors to characterize the damage resulting from these RF overexposures. There were significant differences in the burn thresholds at the different severities compared to previous thresholds found at 8.2 and 95 GHz. A one-dimensional, layered digital phantom that utilized realistic values for dielectric and thermal properties was consistent with the observed damage trends and empirical dosimetry values. The results of the heating and cooling response of the animal model, and histology scores of each exposure are provided to establish damage thresholds and support development of simulation tools to predict parameters associated with RF hazards.</p>","PeriodicalId":8956,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectromagnetics","volume":"47 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13181838/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147962072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Masayuki Takahashi, Izumi Nishimura, Toshihiko Toda
{"title":"Evaluation of the Effects of 50 Hz Magnetic Field Exposure on the Human Hematopoietic System in Humanized Mice","authors":"Masayuki Takahashi, Izumi Nishimura, Toshihiko Toda","doi":"10.1002/bem.70054","DOIUrl":"10.1002/bem.70054","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Accumulating evidence from experimental animal studies is essential for clarifying the causal relationship between exposure to power-frequency magnetic fields (MFs) and childhood leukemia. In this study, we developed a 50 Hz MF exposure system for experimental animals. To ensure uniform whole-body exposure of multiple animals placed at the center of the coil, we fabricated a Merritt-type coil. The maximum MF output inside the coil was 5 mT(rms), and spatial variation remained within ±2.5% of the target intensity. The system enabled stable exposure of experimental animals to uniform 50 Hz MFs while eliminating equipment-related artifacts. We then conducted exposure experiments using humanized mice, in which a human-like hematopoietic system was established by transplanting human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), to a 50 Hz, 5 mT(rms) MF for 2 months. After exposure, the chimerism rates of human leukocytes in hematopoietic organs of the MF-exposed group were comparable to those in the control group. Furthermore, exposure to the 50 Hz MF did not affect early differentiation of human B cells in the bone marrow of humanized mice. These findings support our previous in vitro results and validate the use of humanized mice for evaluating the effects of power-frequency MFs on human hematopoiesis. This system is expected to evaluate the effects of 50 Hz MFs not only on normal human hematopoiesis in humanized mice but also under abnormal conditions such as preleukemic state induced by transplanting genetically modified HSPCs.</p>","PeriodicalId":8956,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectromagnetics","volume":"47 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-05-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13173396/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147926095","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Why Low-Frequency EMF Safety Would Benefit From Peak-Based Limits Instead of RMS Values","authors":"Florian Soyka, Carsten Alteköster","doi":"10.1002/bem.70051","DOIUrl":"10.1002/bem.70051","url":null,"abstract":"<p>Current low-frequency EMF exposure limits are based on RMS values. However, the hazard at low frequencies, neural and muscular stimulation is driven by instantaneous peak values. Because action potentials follow an all-or-nothing threshold, even a single suprathreshold cycle can trigger excitation, whereas long-term RMS averages can be arbitrarily reduced by inserting pauses into signals. Pulsed or bursty fields—such as those emitted by certain deactivators used in electronic article surveillance—may comply with RMS-based limits despite containing peaks capable of exceeding physiological thresholds. Reformulating both basic restrictions and reference levels in terms of peak values would align exposure limits with neurophysiological mechanisms and provide clearer guidance for ensuring safety. As ICNIRP revises its 2010 low-frequency guidelines, this is an opportune moment to adopt peak-based limits and better protect workers and the general public.</p>","PeriodicalId":8956,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectromagnetics","volume":"47 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13020177/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147509502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Guofeng Cheng, Hongxin Zhao, Xinmiao Ji, Lei Zhang, Lei Zhu, Bo Wu, Zehua Li, Yanwen Fang, Zhongcai Liao, Min Wei, Junfeng Wang, Xin Zhang, Biao Yu
{"title":"Enhanced Effects of Static Magnetic Field Combined With FGF21SS in Diabetic Mice","authors":"Guofeng Cheng, Hongxin Zhao, Xinmiao Ji, Lei Zhang, Lei Zhu, Bo Wu, Zehua Li, Yanwen Fang, Zhongcai Liao, Min Wei, Junfeng Wang, Xin Zhang, Biao Yu","doi":"10.1002/bem.70048","DOIUrl":"10.1002/bem.70048","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>The increasing diabetic population, as well as the prevalence of high-fat diet-induced pre-diabetic conditions, have made it imperative to develop more effective and safe long-term prevention and treatment strategies. In recent years, both the physical method static magnetic field (SMF), and the endogenous hormone fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) have shown promising treatment efficacy in type 2 diabetic animals. In this study, we further examined the effects of SMFs and FGF21<sup>SS</sup> (a thermal-stable FGF21 analog) on the other two types of diabetes, pre-diabetes and type 1 diabetes (T1D) in mice. Our results show that continuous SMF exposure alone can reduce hyperglycemia by 28.5% (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in T1D mice and 12.5% (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in pre-diabetic mice. Moreover, SMF can significantly enhance the anti-diabetic effects of FGF21<sup>SS</sup>, and the fasting blood glucose reduction was increased from 29.3% in FGF21<sup>SS</sup> groups to 50.3% in the combinational groups for T1D mice (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and from 9.7% in FGF21<sup>SS</sup> groups to 19.2% in the combinational groups for pre-diabetic mice (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Tissue examination shows that the combination of SMF and FGF21SS can effectively reduce oxidative stress in the mouse liver and pancreatic islets, as well as lipid deposition in the liver, which contributes to alleviating diabetes. Therefore, our study presents an effective and safe strategy that can be potentially applied in diabetes management in the future.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8956,"journal":{"name":"Bioelectromagnetics","volume":"47 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.2,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147289194","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"生物学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}