Behaviour and reproduction of Drosophila melanogaster exposed to 3.6 GHz radio-frequency electromagnetic fields

Authors: De Boose P, Ribas FO, Bell D, Bouga M, De Borre E, Fröhlich J, Hatjina F, Huss A, Kalapouti A, Katsamenis OL, Blackwell L, Georgiadou P, Mohiud-Din A, Alshamrani E, Lasbleiz C, Stavrinides M, Thanou Z, Tsagkarakis A, Varnava A, Zahner M, Wijnen H, Thielens A

Year: 2025 Dec 1

Category: Environmental Health / Electromagnetic Field Effects

Journal: PLoS One

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336228

URL: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0336228

Abstract

Overview

Insects, including Drosophila melanogaster, are increasingly exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from telecommunication networks. Absorption of these fields by insects could potentially lead to biological effects, varying with the absorption level.

Methods

  • RF dosimetry conducted on adult D. melanogaster using a 3D digital twin created by micro-CT scans.
  • Numerical electromagnetic simulations were used to estimate absorbed power at 3.6 GHz.
  • Assays examined both locomotor activity and fecundity under exposure conditions.

Findings

  • No significant effects were observed on locomotor activity after 5 days of exposure to RF fields (5.4 - 9 V/m, corresponding to 3.56 nW to 9.88 nW absorbed power).
  • Fecundity was not affected by absorption levels of 1.91 mW over 48 hours at 3.6 GHz.

Conclusion

Current study did not detect behavioural or reproductive impacts in adult flies at the tested RF-EMF levels. However, the potential for biological effects may exist at other exposure levels or in different developmental stages.

⚠️ It remains important to note the ongoing need to assess health risks from RF electromagnetic field exposure, especially as new frequencies and higher exposure scenarios are studied.

Drosophila melanogaster radio-frequency electromagnetic fields 3.6 GHz behaviour reproduction RF dosimetry insect exposure
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