Take human skin cells, expose them to electromagnetic waves at crazy strengths, far beyond what any 5G antenna could ever emit, and then analyze every single molecule of their DNA to see what happens. That's exactly what scientists at Constructor University in Germany did, tired of the endless speculation about the effects of 5G.
A study published this week in PNAS Nexus finally offers concrete answers to one of the most persistent conspiracy theories of recent years, the one that sees 5G networks as a hidden threat to our organism.
An experiment taken to the extreme
In a sealed laboratory in the German city of Bremen, the molecular biologist Vivian Meyer and his team created extreme conditions to dispel (or confirm) fears about electromagnetic waves. The researchers exposed two types of human skin cells (keratinocytes and fibroblasts) to electromagnetic fields at 27 and 40,5 GHz. These are significantly higher frequencies than those currently used by most 5G networks, and They penetrate just 1 millimeter into the skin.
To make the test truly meaningful, Power has been increased up to 10 times beyond the recommended safety limits for the public. The cells were monitored during two exposure windows: a short 2-hour “bombardment” and a prolonged 48-hour immersion. If there were any effects of 5G millimeter waves on the body, researchers would find cellular damage, mutations, or at least alterations in gene activity.
Well, none of that happened.
The deep look into the genome
The methodology used by the researchers was particularly sophisticated. They used whole-genome RNA sequencing to measure changes in gene activity and DNA methylation tests to check for epigenetic modifications (chemical changes that can influence gene activity without altering the genetic code itself).
Despite these exhaustive tests, neither method revealed consistent patterns that could be traced back to 5G exposure. Even the few genes that showed slight changes in activity “most likely could not be confirmed” through further validation checks.
“There was no indication that gene expression or DNA methylation was altered,” the authors wrote. Only positive controls (cells exposed to ultraviolet light) showed the expected changes, such as spikes in inflammation-related genes or heat stress signals.
Effects of 5G, the heat issue and methodological rigor
A key aspect of this study was the compensation for temperature variations during exposure. This is a critical point, because electromagnetic fields are notoriously intense can heat tissues, and several previous studies reporting effects of radio waves have not adequately accounted for this factor.
Indeed, many of the previous studies that fueled public fears had significant methodological flaws: no temperature controls, poor blinding (researchers already knew which samples were exposed), or opaque statistics.
In this study, however, the experimental design was double-blind.. Temperature was monitored with fiber optic probes. Exposure chambers were designed to ensure that even small variations in heat would not confuse the results.
Can we stop worrying?
The idea that wireless signals can harm us is not new. Public concerns date back to the early days of radio and radar. In recent decades, similar fears have attached themselves to power lines, cell towers, and now 5G.
In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization has classified radiofrequency electromagnetic fields as “possibly carcinogenic”, a category that also includes pickled vegetables and talcum powder. That classification, however, was based on limited evidence, and mostly from lower-frequency exposures.
Since then, large studies (including those by the U.S. National Toxicology Program) have sought signs of damage from cell phones. This new study adds a powerful counterpoint, especially given its focus on the higher frequency bands being deployed for next-generation networks. It will put any suspicions to rest. Or will it?
Effects of 5G: Are we 100% sure?
Despite the methodological rigor, this study has some weaknesses that deserve attention. First of all, the experiment focused on only two types of skin cells and for relatively short exposure periods (maximum 48 hours). The cumulative effects of long-term exposures (years or decades) cannot be assessed in this type of laboratory experiment.
Additionally, while the study carefully examined genetic and epigenetic changes, other possible biological effects of 5G (such as impacts on cell membrane permeability or mitochondrial function) have not been explored extensively. Some independent researchers argue that non-thermal effects of millimeter waves could manifest themselves in ways that current protocols are not designed to detect.
It should also be considered that, although this study uses higher frequencies than those currently implemented for 5G, the real electromagnetic ecosystem we live in is much more complex, with multiple sources of radiation that can interact in unpredictable ways. The millimeter waves of 5G, for example, can also be used for other applications, such as energy harvesting.
The final word on security
Ultimately, despite the still partial nature of the work, the researchers hope that this study will help to quell the fire of misinformation.
“The quantum energies of 5G frequencies are too low to have any photochemical or ionizing effects,” they wrote. In other words, they can’t break the bonds in your DNA. They penetrate just beyond the skin.
As highlighted by several environmental protection agencies, including ARPAT, 5G millimeter waves are reflected or absorbed only superficially at skin level, without penetrating inside the body.
Science, for now, speaks clearly: 5G is no more dangerous than previous wireless technologies, and most likely does not pose a threat to our biological health. And tomorrow? He who lives will see.
