Sperm - not so mobile

Friday 18 February 2005

A preliminary study at the University of Newcastle has identified that radio waves of a similar frequency to those associated with mobile phones can damage sperm DNA in mice.

Professor John Aitken and Associate Professor Bruce King from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology conducted the preliminary study exposing mice to electromagnetic radiation at a frequency similar to what most people receive from their mobile phones.

Initial results found that there was more DNA damage in the exposed sperm than in sperm from the control groups.

Professor Aitken stresses, "Clearly further research needs to be done before we are able to establish an impact of mobile phone use on sperm quality. These are very preliminary findings that will have to be substantiated in additional, more detailed, studies."

The study will be published in the International Journal of Andrology.

For media interviews contact Professor John Aitken on (02) 4921 2082.

Media Release prepared by Philippa Ladds (02) 4921 6856