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5 postsDosimetric Electromagnetic Safety of People With Implants: A Neglected Population?
This dosimetric study evaluated whether existing EM safety guidelines protect individuals with conductive implants by assessing implant-related local field enhancements. Across 10 kHz to 1 GHz, the authors report large increases in psSAR10mg and local electric fields near implants, particularly below 100 MHz. In human anatomical models with implants exposed to an 85 kHz wireless power transfer coil and a 450 MHz dipole, the study reports guideline exceedances and elevated psSAR10mg, while the modeled temperature rise at 450 MHz remained under 0.4 K after six minutes. The authors conclude current guidelines are insufficient for people with implants and propose regulatory changes.
Numerical analysis of the thermal effects on adult with brain pacemaker implantation exposed to WIFI antennas
This numerical study modeled RF exposure from WiFi/5G-type antennas near a 3D brain model with implanted brain pacemakers relevant to Parkinson’s disease. SAR and temperature increases were reported to remain below ICNIRP 2020 limits across modeled conditions, with maxima at a 90° antenna-to-brain angle. Despite compliance with SAR/temperature limits, the authors report modeled thermal strain and tissue displacement that could affect postoperative efficacy, leading them to recommend caution and increased distance from phones.
Impact of magnetic fields from tablets, laptops, smartphones, and household/leisure magnets on cardiac implantable electronic devices
This study tested magnetic fields from tablets, laptops, smartphones, and household/leisure magnets against 13 cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) models to assess magnet mode activation. It reports that these consumer devices can trigger magnet mode when in close proximity, with median activation distances of 5–6.5 mm for phones/tablets/laptops and mainly contact-level activation for household/leisure magnets. None of the tested devices activated magnet mode at distances of 20 mm or more, and the authors emphasize patient awareness of proximity-related risk.
Electromagnetic wireless remote control of mammalian transgene expression
This animal proof-of-concept study describes an engineered nanoparticle–cell interface (EMPOWER) enabling wireless regulation of transgene expression using a 1-kHz magnetic field. Chitosan-coated multiferroic nanoparticles reportedly generate intracellular ROS that activates KEAP1/NRF2 biosensors connected to ROS-responsive promoters. In a mouse model of type 1 diabetes, implanted engineered cells expressing an EMPOWER-controlled insulin system reportedly normalized blood glucose in response to a weak magnetic field.
Effect of electromagnetic field radiation on transcriptomic profile and DNA methylation level in pig conceptuses during the peri-implantation period
This in vitro study exposed pig conceptuses (days 15–16 of pregnancy) to 50 Hz ELF-EMF for 2 hours and assessed transcriptomic and DNA methylation changes. The authors report altered expression of 21 protein-coding transcripts and an approximately 16-fold increase in genomic DNA methylation, with promoter methylation changes in several named genes. They conclude ELF-EMF interacts with gene expression and DNA methylation processes during early development and call for further safety research.