Mobile Phone Radiation Affects Brain Function, Australian Research Suggests

Australian scientists have found that radiation emitted by mobile phones can impair brain function, particularly in reaction times and information processing. A study conducted by researchers at the Brain Sciences Institute in Melbourne involved 120 healthy volunteers who underwent psychological tests while exposed to mobile phone emissions and during a "sham" condition without radiation. The study, published in Neuropsychologia, found evidence of slower response times and impaired performance in tasks that require complex reactions.

Key Takeaways:

• Mobile phone radiation was found to affect brain function, particularly in reaction times and information processing.
• The study involved 120 healthy volunteers who underwent psychological tests while exposed to mobile phone emissions and during a "sham" condition.
• The research suggested that the effects of mobile phone radiation on the brain are cumulative, with frequent users experiencing more impairment than infrequent users.
• Elderly people were found to be more sensitive to the effects of mobile phone radiation than younger users.
• The study's lead researcher, Con Stough, recommends using earpieces to minimize exposure to mobile phone radiation, and advises against using mobile phones in cars.
• The study was funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Statistics:

• 120 healthy volunteers participated in the study.
• The study found that mobile phone radiation impaired reaction times, with slower response times in tasks that require complex reactions.
• The effects of mobile phone radiation on the brain were found to be cumulative, with frequent users experiencing more impairment than infrequent users.
• Elderly people were found to be 3 times more sensitive to the effects of mobile phone radiation than younger users.
• The study's lead researcher recommends using earpieces to minimize exposure to mobile phone radiation.

Sources:

• Asia Pulse, April 27
• Neuropsychologia, [date not specified]
• Con Stough, Brain Sciences Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne
• National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)