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

PLoS One · 2025 · No effect · Low evidence

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No effectLow evidencePaper 2492

After 5 days of RF-EMF exposure at 3.6 GHz (5.4–9 V/m; estimated absorbed power 3.56–9.88 nW), no significant effects were observed on locomotor activity. Fecundity was not affected under exposure conditions described as absorption levels of 1.91 mW over 48 h…

Study snapshot

PublicationPLoS One · 2025

Study typeanimal

Reported directionNo effect

Evidence ratingLow

Abstract

Category: Environmental Health / Electromagnetic Field Effects Tags: Drosophila melanogaster, radio-frequency electromagnetic fields, 3.6 GHz, behaviour, reproduction, RF dosimetry, insect exposure DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336228 URL: journals.plos.org 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.

Machine Enhanced Logic

AI evidence extraction

Structured fields below were generated from the paper’s abstract and metadata to make the evidence easier to inspect. Automated extraction may be incomplete or incorrect; verify important details against the original paper.

Study typeanimal

Effect directionno_effect

PopulationAdult Drosophila melanogaster

Sample sizeNot supplied

ExposureRF · 3600 MHz · 5 days (locomotor activity); 48 hours (fecundity)

Evidence strengthLowConfidence: 78% · Peer reviewed: yes

Main findings

Outcomes measured

locomotor activity
fecundity
absorbed power (dosimetry estimate)

Limitations

Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata
Exposure metrics include field strength and absorbed power, but SAR is not reported in provided abstract/metadata
Findings limited to adult flies and the specific tested exposure levels/durations

View raw extracted JSON

{
  "study_type": "animal",
  "exposure": {
    "band": "RF",
    "source": "telecommunication networks",
    "frequency_mhz": 3600,
    "sar_wkg": null,
    "duration": "5 days (locomotor activity); 48 hours (fecundity)"
  },
  "population": "Adult Drosophila melanogaster",
  "sample_size": null,
  "outcomes": [
    "locomotor activity",
    "fecundity",
    "absorbed power (dosimetry estimate)"
  ],
  "main_findings": "After 5 days of RF-EMF exposure at 3.6 GHz (5.4–9 V/m; estimated absorbed power 3.56–9.88 nW), no significant effects were observed on locomotor activity. Fecundity was not affected under exposure conditions described as absorption levels of 1.91 mW over 48 hours at 3.6 GHz.",
  "effect_direction": "no_effect",
  "limitations": [
    "Sample size not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
    "Exposure metrics include field strength and absorbed power, but SAR is not reported in provided abstract/metadata",
    "Findings limited to adult flies and the specific tested exposure levels/durations"
  ],
  "evidence_strength": "low",
  "confidence": 0.78,
  "peer_reviewed_likely": "yes",
  "keywords": [
    "Drosophila melanogaster",
    "radio-frequency electromagnetic fields",
    "RF-EMF",
    "3.6 GHz",
    "behaviour",
    "locomotor activity",
    "reproduction",
    "fecundity",
    "dosimetry",
    "micro-CT",
    "numerical electromagnetic simulations"
  ],
  "suggested_hubs": [
    {
      "slug": "5g-policy",
      "weight": 0.55,
      "reason": "Exposure frequency is 3.6 GHz, commonly used in 5G/telecommunications contexts."
    }
  ]
}

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AI-extracted fields are generated from the abstract and metadata and may be incomplete or incorrect. This material is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.

Identifiers and source

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0336228
PubMed: Not supplied

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