Key Takeaways
1. Smartphones may induce the formation of cellular clumps called rouleaux in the blood, which could impact circulation and health.
2. The study used ultrasound imaging to visualize rouleaux, but does not claim smartphones directly cause their formation.
3. Research was based on a single case study of a 62-year-old woman, highlighting the need for more extensive studies.
4. Only two smartphone models were tested, and results showed rouleaux forming after exposure, indicating a potential link.
5. Rouleaux are temporary structures that can be influenced by various health factors, not solely related to smartphone exposure.
Researchers connected with the Environmental Health Trust shared a report in the journal Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine. This led to a news article stating that keeping a phone close to the body might cause cellular clumps known as rouleaux in the blood. These formations could have “potential implications for blood circulation and overall health.”
Ultrasound Imaging Insights
The study doesn’t claim that smartphones directly cause these rouleaux. Instead, it mentions that the rouleaux associated with smartphone radiation, like radiofrequency emissions, can be ‘seen’ through ultrasound imaging, also known as sonography.
The initial hypothesis was formed after examining just one patient: a 62-year-old woman. Her popliteal veins, the main blood vessels in the leg, were scanned before and after a 5-minute period where different smartphones were placed on the back of her leg. The ultrasound machine used was kept consistent in terms of specifications and settings.
Devices Used in the Study
Only two smartphones were tested, an iPhone XR and an iPhone 16 Plus, which are quite different in age. According to the researchers, the ultrasound images taken after the exposure showed that the subject had rouleaux forming in moving clumps, while her veins appeared completely clear before the test started.
However, it’s crucial to point out that this study involved a very small number of patients, and much more research is necessary for the findings to be considered reliable.
Understanding Rouleaux
Rouleaux are stack-like structures of red blood cells that usually move more freely in the bloodstream to carry oxygen. Their presence has been linked to various health issues, including cancers like multiple myeloma and infectious diseases, as well as conditions linked to increased inflammation.
It’s also important to remember that rouleaux are typically temporary. The risks associated with their formation can be influenced by other health factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or ischemic heart disease.
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