Radio-frequency exposure of the yellow fever mosquito (A. aegypti) from 2 to 240 GHz

Authors: De Borre E, Joseph W, Aminzadeh R, Müller P, Boone MN, Josipovic I, et al.

Year: 2021

Category: Computational Biology

Journal: PLoS Computational Biology

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009460

URL: https://journals.plos.org/ploscompbiol/article?id=10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009460

Abstract

Overview

The study investigates the effects of radio-frequency (RF) electromagnetic fields (EMF), particularly relevant to the upcoming 5G technologies, on the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes are essential to study due to their role as vectors for diseases like yellow and dengue fever.

Findings

  • The research used Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) simulations to analyze RF exposure effects between 2 and 240 GHz.
  • Significant findings include an increase in power absorption with frequency, peaking between 90 and 240 GHz. Absorption is highest where the wavelength matches the mosquito size.
  • This might suggest potential impacts on their physiology and behavior which could enhance their ability to colonize new areas, previously unfavorable due to temperature constraints.

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the considerable absorption of RF power by Aedes aegypti and raises concerns about potential dielectric heating effects due to high-frequency RF from next-generation wireless networks. Higher body temperatures from such exposure may influence the geographical spread and ecological behavior of this disease-carrying species.

5G radio frequency electromagnetic fields mosquito dielectric heating RF power absorption environmental impact
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