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

Given that insect populations and biodiversity are already under considerable pressure, it is crucial to investigate factors that could further exacerbate their decline. Previous studies have examined the effects of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) on Drosophila fruit flies. The Panagopoulos group at the University of Athens, for example, conducted a series of studies on the fertility of fruit flies exposed to low, non-thermal RF-EMF levels between 0.1 and 6 GHz. Other studies have examined the impact of RF-EMF exposure on the ovaries of female Drosophila within the same frequency range. (These earlier studies used devices that emit pulsed EMF, primarily 1G, 2G, or DECT; editor’s note.) The study presented here was conducted by a European research team that examined adult Drosophila fruit flies using RF dosimetry and tests of locomotor activity, circadian rhythm, and fertility at 3.6 GHz. This study quantifies the absorbed power levels in this species for the first time using numerical simulations.

Computer models of Drosophila were created using microCT scans. These models were used to estimate the actual energy absorbed by tissue. To expose the fruit flies, a directional antenna emitting a pure, not pulsed 3.6 GHz frequency (similar to 5G NR, but without the variable pulses of a real 5G signal) was used. The antenna was connected to a signal generator and positioned 25 cm from the fruit flies. During behavioral experiments, the fruit flies were exposed to 3.6 GHz RF-EMF and their activity and circadian rhythms were studied. The flies were exposed for 5 days, 12 hours per day. In fertility experiments, reproductive performance was tested under continuous exposure to 3.6 GHz. Ten male and ten female fruit flies were placed in six test tubes and exposed for 48 hours. Absorbed power levels were estimated using simulations and in situ electric field measurements.

This study used a digital 3D model to estimate the absorption of RF-EMFs by adult fruit flies. Maximum absorption occurred at approximately 90 GHz, with 1 V/m equaling 6 nW. No effects on locomotor activity were observed at absorbed power levels between 3.56 and 9.88 nW (an electric field of approximately 5.5 to 9 V/m). In addition, no effects on fertility were observed at 1.91 mW over a 48-hour period.

A digital 3D model of Drosophila allows for more precise dosimetry of radiofrequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMFs) when studying their biological effects. Calculations of absorbed power reveal fluctuations based on frequency, polarization, and distance. In behavioral and fertility experiments in which fruit flies were exposed to 3.6 GHz RF-EMFs, no significant changes in locomotor activity, circadian rhythm, or reproduction were observed. These results suggest that exposure to this level of RF-EMFs does not cause biological effects. However, it was hypothesized that there was no significant heating. The model allows accurate simulation of RF-EMF exposure. Next, the researchers plan to test higher frequencies and immature stages (larvae or pupae).

Editor’s note:

From a methodological standpoint, this is a well-conducted study representing significant progress in this field. Using 3D modeling to calculate either absorption hotspots or general absorption efficiency, depending on the RF-EMF frequency, enhances our understanding of the subject. The international collaboration is also encouraging. While the study found slight differences between the exposed and control groups in some cases, post hoc tests revealed that these differences were not significant, classifying them as "no effect," which is methodologically acceptable. However, compare this with Cappucci (2022), who found clear signs of harm and used a real Wi-Fi signal at 2.4 GHz [1]. The study's only notable shortcoming is that it used a pure 3.6 GHz frequency from a signal generator rather than a real 5G signal from a "5G small cell," next-generation NodeB, or 5G device. Many previous studies cited by De Boose et al., especially those by the Margaritis and Panagopoulos group in Athens, used real 1G, 2G, or DECT devices and found clear signs of reproductive damage. In several studies, Panagopoulos used real signals from devices, as well as Helmholtz coils and signal generators, in the same experimental setup. The real signals were significantly more harmful on multiple occasions [2]. The exact mechanism has not yet been identified, but Panagopoulos and Yakimenko have described a potential mechanism that has been independently confirmed several times. Héroux recently published an insightful analysis of the physics of thermal absorption, postulating that the crest factor of the signal is crucial for biological effects. Ideally, future studies by this European group will use a wider range of frequencies, realistic modulations, and actual 5G signals. (AT)

1. Cappucci U, Casale AM, Proietti M, Marinelli F, Giuliani L, Piacentini L (2022). WiFi related radiofrequency electromagnetic fields promote transposable element dysregulation and genomic instability in Drosophila melanogaster. Cells, 11(24), 4036. https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11244036

(Reviewed in ElektrosmogReport 1/2023)

2. Panagopoulos DJ (2019). Comparing DNA damage induced by mobile telephony and other types of man-made electromagnetic fields. Mutation Research / Reviews in Mutation Research, 781, 53–62. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.03.003

(Reviewed in ElektrsmogReport 2/2022)

3. Panagopoulos DJ, Yakymenko I, De Iuliis GN, Chrousos GP (2025). A comprehensive mechanism of biological and health effects of anthropogenic extremely low frequency and wireless communication electromagnetic fields. Frontiers in Public Health, 13, 1585441. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1585441

(Reviewed in ElektrosmogReport 3/2025)

4. Héroux P (2025). The collision between wireless and biology. Heliyon, 11(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42267

(Reviewed in ElektrosmogReport 4/2025)