WiFi Related Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields Promote Transposable Element Dysregulation and Genomic Instability in Drosophila melanogaster

Authors: Cappucci U, Casale AM, Proietti M, Marinelli F, Giuliani L, Piacentini L

Year: 2022 Dec 13

Category: Genetics

Journal: Cells

DOI: 10.3390/cells11244036

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9776602/

Abstract

Overview

Exposure to artificial radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs), especially those produced by WiFi devices, has increased dramatically, raising both scientific and social concerns about their effects on health. Currently, safety regulations for RF-EMFs focus only on their thermal effects, neglecting potential non-thermal health risks that may occur from prolonged exposure.

Findings

  • Investigation of non-thermal biological effects of low-level, indoor RF-EMF exposure from WiFi technology using Drosophila melanogaster.
  • Flies subjected to 2.4 GHz radiofrequency in a homogeneously controlled environment showed significant effects:
    • Extensive heterochromatin decondensation and loss of epigenetic silencing of transposable elements in germline and neural tissues.
    • Induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, genomic instability, and behavioral abnormalities.
    • Potential to synergize with genetic factors (RasV12) to enhance tumor progression and invasion.

Conclusion

This study presents critical evidence that WiFi-related RF-EMFs could have harmful genotoxic effects, underscoring the need for further research into the biological impacts of WiFi radiation on various organisms.

EMF radiofrequency genomic instability Drosophila melanogaster WiFi radiation genotoxic effects tumor progression
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