Bioelectromagnetics Research within an Australian Context: The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR)

Abstract

Mobile phone subscriptions continue to increase across the world, with the electromagnetic fields (EMF) emitted by these devices, as well as by related technologies such as Wi-Fi and smart meters, now ubiquitous. This increase in use and consequent exposure to mobile communication (MC)-related EMF has led to concern about possible health effects that could arise from this exposure. Although much research has been conducted since the introduction of these technologies, uncertainty about the impact on health remains. The Australian Centre for Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR) is a National Health and Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence that is undertaking research addressing the most important aspects of the MC-EMF health debate, with a strong focus on mechanisms, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and exposure dosimetry. This research takes as its starting point the current scientific status quo, but also addresses the adequacy of the evidence for the status quo. Risk communication research complements the above, and aims to ensure that whatever is found, it is communicated effectively and appropriately. This paper provides a summary of this ACEBR research (both completed and ongoing), and discusses the rationale for conducting it in light of the prevailing science.

Health-Related Electromagnetic Field Assessment in the Proximity of High Voltage Power Equipment

“…However, in most cases, such as in laboratories and offices where only low current devices are used, the declaration of conformity with the CE marking is sufficient. Of course, this principle is not applied in the case of HV equipment [10]. The EMF Directive stipulates "exposure limits values" (ELV, corresponding to the internal quantity, equivalent to ICNIRP's "basic restriction") and "action levels" (the external imposed field, equivalent to ICNIRP's "reference level").…”

The Enigma of Amyloid Forming Proteins: Insights From Molecular Simulations

“…We have been contributing to research in this area through our previous modelling of insulin exposure to various electric fields [52][53][54][55] and more recently, through our involvement into the Australian Center of Electromagnetic Bioeffects Research (ACEBR). [56] High-level fields of specific frequency can excite certain vibrational modes of proteins and other biomolecules, causing structural changes that can lead to misfolding and ultimately, aggregation of proteins into insoluble amyloid fibrils. [52][53][54]57,58] On the other hand, experimental studies have suggested that EMFs may be used as a therapeutic tool for the breakdown of fibrils implicated in Alzheimer's disease.…”

“…All-atom computer model of an amyloid peptide in solution under the influence of varying strength electromagnetic fields (EMF). [48,56] (a) ApoC-II peptide adopting an elongated conformation due to the peptide dipole alignment along the electric field direction at fields higher than 0.04 V nm À1 . (b) ApoC-II peptide adopts native-like conformation while exposed to fields , 0.04 V nm À1 in strength.…”

“…Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2016 Loughran et al [56] peptide. [75] Similarly to our monomeric peptide study, the calculated free energy of dissociation showed that the apoC-II (60-70) dimer weakly bound to C60 nanoparticles but strongly interacted with elongated carbon nanotubes and graphene.…”

Mobile phones: carcinogenic and other potential risks

“…Accordingly, there are no prima facie reasons to expect more damage from RF-EMF than from infrared radiation, which is ubiquitous and harmless up to the thermal damage. As mentioned above, the only proven interaction mechanism within the frequencies and magnitudes relevant to mobile telecommunications is a thermal effect [2,3,44]. On the contrary to ionizing radiation, humans are protected from hyperthermia by the thermoreception.…”