The role of electromagnetic fields in neuronal health

Modern technologies increasingly rely on wireless communication systems and increase human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). Proposals for new technologies are aimed at high data-rates, improved connectivity and reliability, but the potential impact on human health is often overlooked. There is compelling evidence that EMFs affect cell physiology by altering redox-related processes. As the powerhouse of the cell, mitochondria play a central role in cellular homeostasis and changes in cellular redox state. Imbalanced redox states are proposed as a regulatory element in aging and various neurological disorders. Previous work has shown that oxidised lipids and proteins contribute to poor neuronal health. Based on this evidence, we aim to investigate the hypothesis that mitochondrial health in neurons is affected by EMF, influencing mitochondrial bioenergetics and altering cellular redox states. We will emulate EMFs analogous to those from next generation technologies such as 5G and upcoming 6G wireless networks, in addition to conventional applications such as the EMF from switched mode power supplies where product qualification often reveals high levels of both conducted and radiated EMF. For emulation of 5G networks, continuous wave carriers will be modulated with bandwidths up to 200 MHz, to investigate potential demodulation effects within the cell structure. Within various controlled EMF environments, we will explore the generation of reactive oxygen species in neuronal cells (i), their effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics and overall health (ii), the oxidative damage/modifications to mitochondrial proteins and lipids (iii) and the impact on neuronal excitability derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). By studying the effects of EMF on neurones and mitochondrial bioenergetics, this project will inform safe applications of future wireless communication systems.