There may be no direct, conclusive evidence on the adverse effects of too much cellphone usage on the human brain, say the latest scientific findings, but experts still recommend that caution still be exercised. The advice seems well-founded, given recent technological developments, like the Internet of All Things (IoT), which requires increased, constant and sustained connectivity among cellular devices, smart appliances and their respective owners.

According to a 2011 study by the Journal of the American Medical Association , a 50-minute use of the cellphone close to the ear triggers the production of glucose metabolism in the concerned part of the brain. It also indicated that the glucose metabolism meant that brain activity likewise increased. Despite prevailing fears or suspicions that excessive phone use can lead to cancer, the study did not conclude that there were any adverse effects. It clarified that the glucose increase and heightened brain activity due to cellphone use are still of “unknown clinical significance.”

A parallel study by Dutch researchers in The Netherlands, as published in PLOS One , confirmed that cortisol activity increases once a dialing mobile phone is placed close to the brain. The study measured the brain activity of 31 women who used their mobile 3G phones for a quarter of an hour, where it was observed that brain activity definitely peaked.

After checking these studies, Dr Rong Wang writes in Pong Case that caution is still advised when it comes to excessive use of cellular devices. She says that more studies are needed to check the long-term effects of constant cell exposure on brain activity and the health of the mental organ.

Pong writes, “The evidence from above studies shows that the human brain is sensitive to cell phone radiation...We also don’t know what health consequence may be resulted from such repeated stimulations. More research is still needed to understand the mechanism and long-term health effects of cell phone radiation on humans. The current safety standard did not take into account any non-thermal effects, such as evidenced in the above studies. As of today there is no known safe level of exposure to cell phone radiation.”

One little known fact is that the radiation exposed to can be affected by the quality of the smartphone signal. According to a CNet report, cell phone towers strengthen its transmission once it detect that a cellphone is receiving weak signals because of its distance from them. Increased transmission means increased radiation from the cellphone to its immediate environment, including the phone owner. Poor phone signals then can mean a rise in radiation.

Seamless, uninterrupted, and a consistent flow of steady phone signals lessen this risk. One device that can help the health-conscious smartphone user is the network extender, a plug-and-play device created by leading tech company 5BARz International ( OTCQB: BARZ ). Without having to resort to carrying bulky wires and cables, the network extender, once activated, can amp up the power signal of a cellular device from a very weak one bar to four powerful bars. Cellular devices within a four-metre radius can be strengthened. The network extender has already proven to be an asset to cellular device owners who have used it in remote places or densely populated conferences where a signal is hard to come by.

Devices, like the network extender, promise a future of non-stop wired connectivity. In such a world, smartphone users must likewise adopt smart and prudent measures in the use of their devices to ensure that their health, too, is safe and long-lasting.

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