From the abstract: This paper deals with the neurological effect of electromagnetic fields radiated from MPs (mobile phones), by studies on heart rate variability (HRV) of 14 male volunteers. The parameters used in this study for quantifying the effect on HRV are scaling exponent and sample entropy. The result indicates an increase in both the parameters when MP is kept close to the chest and a decrease when kept close to the head. MP has caused changes in HRV indices and the change varied with its position, but the changes cannot be considered significant as the p values are high.

Bibliography: Ahamed et al., Comput Biol Med. 2008 May 16; [Epub ahead of print], Abstract

From the abstract: These comments which are invalid in part have to be set right. Although some of his minor points are correct the objected inconsistencies are largely based on the author′s incomplete and superficial consideration of published data in the field. Moreover, the statistical points being made cannot cast doubts on the validity of the experimental data reported by Schwarz et al. and may not change the principal conclusion of in vitro genotoxic action of UMTS signals.

Bibliography: Hugo W. Rüdiger, International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, published online May 15, 2008, Abstract

From the abstract: Mobile phone records of 212 cases and 296 controls were collected from network operators in three INTERPHONE countries over an average of 2 years, and compared with mobile phone use reported at interview. The ratio of reported to recorded phone use was analysed as measure of agreement. Mean ratios were virtually the same for cases and controls: both underestimated number of calls by a factor of 0.81 and overestimated call duration by a factor of 1.4. For cases, but not controls, ratios increased with increasing time before the interview; however, these trends were based on few subjects with long-term data. Ratios increased by level of use. Random recall errors were large. In conclusion, there was little evidence for differential recall errors overall or in recent time periods. However, apparent overestimation by cases in more distant time periods could cause positive bias in estimates of disease risk associated with mobile phone use.

Bibliography: Vrijheid et al., Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2008 May 21. [Epub ahead of print], Abstract

This paper deals with the variability of body models used in numerical dosimetry studies. Six adult anthropomorphic voxel models have been collected and used to build 5-, 8- and 12-year-old children using a morphing method respecting anatomical parameters. Results show that for adults, compliance with reference levels ensures compliance with basic restrictions, but concerning children models involved in this study, the whole-body-averaged SAR goes over the fundamental safety limits up to 40%.

Bibliography: Conil et al., Phys. Med. Biol. 53 (2008) 1511–1525, Full Text
See also the weblog of EMFacts on this topic at: http://www.emfacts.com

In this publication Michael Kundi (Institute of Environmental Health in Vienna/Austria) claims that the Japanese case–control study of acoustic neuroma and mobile phone use by Takebayashi et al (Occup Environ Med 2006; 63:802–7) although thoroughly conducted and analysed still has some important limitations. Naohito Yamaguchi replies in a brief comment on his interpretation.

Bibliography: Occup Environ Med. 2008 Jun;65(6):428; author reply 428, Abstract

The authors of a paper claiming a link between mobile phone use and child behaviour warn that the results were unexpected and should be interpreted with caution, the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA) said on Monday, May 19. AMTA Chief Executive Officer, Chris Althaus, said mobile phone emission levels were very low and the study’s authors caution that the findings need replication because factors other than mobile phone use could have produced the results. http://www.amta.org.au

Meanwhile national and international newspapers picked out the study by Divan et al.: "Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Cell Phone Use and Behavioral Problems in Children" (Study abstract at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) as a central theme. For example see: http://www.independent.co.uk

Researchers succeeded for the first time in transmitting data with up to 100 Megabit per second (Mbit/s) with visible light. The researchers want to make possible the wireless data transport with light beneath the established WLAN technology. This must be seen before the background of an ever increasing need for band width and flexibility of gigabit home networks that will be requested for internet services in the future. The researchers of Corporate Technology in Munich succeeded in the transport of data in the free space from a distance of more than one meter with high-performance white light LEDs.

At page 65 of the current version, the Swedish Radiation Protection Authority makes a comment to the accusation, it had overlooked an important study in the chapter on the health risks of electromagnetic fields: "Questions have been received why the Fifth Annual Report from SSI’s Independent Expert Group on Electromagnetic Fields does not mention the paper by Lahkola et al. (Lahkola et al., Int. J. Cancer 2007). The Expert Group would like to comment that the paper was discussed by the group and was part of the basis for the conclusions. However, it was by mistake overlooked when preparing the report. The Expert Group regrets this accidental omission." http://www.ssi.se

In a press release of the Austrian Research Center (ARS), Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Georg Neubauer has given his opinion on the results of the ATHEM study financed by AUVA (Allgemeine Unfall Versicherungs-Anstalt/General Accident Insurance). In this press release he stresses that the experiments have been carried out with the utmost care and that in addition the study records have been reviewed by external international experts. ARC as well as the Scientific Radio Council (Wissenschaftlicher Beirat Funk, WBF) were of the opinion that the effects found within the context of the ATHEM study represent an interesting and very important contribution to research.

In the field of mobile radio and health, it was realized that according to our current knowledge we will not have to expect a health risk if respecting the existing limits. Because of unclear scientific findings there were, nevertheless, in some areas further research need, for ex. epidemiological studies on possible long-term effects with children and adults, pure research on mechanisms and models as well as dosimetric examinations on energy ingestion in the human body. Ing. Dr. Georg Neubauer of ARC, therefore, is of the opinion "that with reference to the introduction and use of new technologies basically a careful handling of these technologies is useful".

Interphone researcher Professor Bruce Armstrong of the University of Sydney School of Public Health has expressed concern over the tumor risks associated with the long-term use of mobile phones. "I think the evidence that is accumulating is pointing towards an effect of mobile phones on tumors," told in the Australian current affairs show "TodayTonight". Armstrong is leading the Australian component of the Interphone project. http://www.emfacts.com.

The TodayTonight story, “Health Fears over Mobile Phones” is available for viewing on their web site under “Featured Videos” on the right hand side. http://au.todaytonight.yahoo.com

In this brochure methods and benefits of the scientific approach to increase the knowledge in EMF health research are presented.

http://www.mmfai.org

The French Afsset (Agence française de sécurité sanitaire de l’environnement et du travail) has launched an appeal to researchers to submit applications for a working group on the updating of scientific know-how on radiofrequency. This task should be coordinated by an Afsset working group on behalf of the Ministry of the Environment and the Health Ministry. Researchers interested can find more detailed information on the advertisement and the required competences. The applications have to be send online at latest on June 20, 2008.

http://www.afsse.fr

The current newsletter of Bioelectromagnetics Society informs for example about the programme of the forthcoming annual meeting in San Diego and looks back at the first scientific workshop on the Swiss National Research Programme NRP 57 having taken place in Zurich on January 11.

Download at: www.bioelectromagnetics.org