Government researchers have advised the public not to be alarmed by a report that mobile phones cause short-term memory loss and sudden confusion. The Daily Mail carried a front page splash on a study carried out by military scientists at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency which suggested that mobile phone signals disrupt part of the brain which controls memory and learning. But a DERA spokesman, although admitting that the research had taken place, said it was not specifically into the impact of mobile phone signals. The radio waves tested are those that are used by mobile phones, and it is quite exciting because obviously there is an effect, but we do not know whether it is long term or short term.
More research is needed.
Research on rats Research was carried out on rats DERA scientists carried out experiments on rats with money from the Defence Ministry and Department of Health. The research was based on stimulating a slice of rat brain with broadcast radio signals at levels lower than current mobile phone safety limits. When the radio waves were turned on brain activity stopped or slowed down, and when they were truned off brain activity started again. Dr Alan Preece, a consultant clinical scientist carrying out research into the impact of mobile phone signals on human volunteers, said it was too early for alarm. Dr Preece said radio waves did penetrate the human head, but most were absorbed in the skin and skull before reaching the brain.