| MadSci Network: Botany |
I doubt that there has been published research on this topic because people are not concerned about cell phone radiation affecting their seeds or plants. The great concern is whether cell phone radiation causes cancer or other diseases in people (White 2004). Cell phones are not normally placed close to germinating seeds but are normally in contact with human tissue when in use. You can search for articles on the topic using google.com and PubMedCentral. A university library should have other literature databases to check such as Science Citation Index. Research on electromagnetic radiation effects on plants has given variable results. If you do an experiment on cell phone radiation and seed germination, be sure to have replication, such as 50 or more seeds per treatment, and calculate the germination percentage. You would need at least two identical cell phones. The cell phone for the control treatment would be kept off. The other cell phone would have to be kept on continually or for a long period to maximize radiation. Cell phones would be placed the same distance from the seeds in both treatments. All other environmental factors, such as light, temperature, soil, etc., should be the same for both treatments. You might wish to use a microwave oven instead of a cell phone. There has been research on using microwaves to affect seed germination. See the last reference. References White, C. 2004. Risk of cancer from mobile phones is unclear. BMJ 328(7432): 124. January 17 PubMedCentral Re: What is the affect of plant growth under electrical high wires or EMF? Re: Do microwaves have any harmful effects on plant growth? Re: At what temperatures should I use to 'zap' radish seeds for my experiment o
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