Timothy Cushman
Mr. Ippolito
Ap Biology - Current Events Review
5 February 2018
Current Events #15
Grady, Denise. “Cancer Risk From Cellphone Radiation Is Small, Studies Show.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 2 Feb. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/02/02/health/cell-phones-cancer.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=sectionfront.
As we continue to increase the use of our cellphones, many worry about the effect they have on our health. The concern is that the radiation cellphones emit may result in cancers. A recent study done by John Bucher, a senior scientist at the National Toxicology Program, found that in male rats only, they found a link between the radiation the rats were exposed to and tumors in the heart. In the study, however, when multiple types of rodents were exposed to nine hours of radiation each day for a period of two years. They found that only the male rats, mentioned above, showed tumors. Additionally, Bucher stated that the amount of radiation the rodents received was much greater than even a heavy cellphone user would get and the results should not be directly applied to humans. With The Food and Drug Administration stating that they respect the results of the most recent study done by the toxicology program and have reviewed many other studies that have not shown cellphone use to cause cancer, and they believe there is not sufficient evidence to believe cellphones cause health problems, humans should not be worried. However, for those who still worry about lasting effects to health, California and Dr. Bucher alike recommend lowering exposure to cellphone by “texting instead of talking, keeping the phone away from the head and body while streaming, downloading, or sending large files; carrying the phone in a backpack, briefcase, or purse… and not sleeping with your phone close to your head.” Although there have been no significant findings to lead people to think cellphones cause health problems, taking precautions to limit one’s use of cellphones and expose to radio-frequency radiation only helps.
This article is very important to everyone because the majority of humans are now walking around with cellphones. They should know how uncertain scientists really are about the potential dangers of cellphone use. People should also learn from the advice given because it may make the difference over a long period of time. This article also creates opportunities for further research by showing what we know and what we do not know.
The article, written by Denise Grady, was well written. She wrote clearly and was able to explain these complicated studies in a way that allowed for the greatest understanding. Her use of quotes from Dr. Bucher helped the reader’s understanding and gave her article credibility by showing her claims were backed up with data. Despite being an overall well done article, there was room for improvement. Firstly, she mentions the almost 20 other studies that were done on the topic. However, she does not go into detail about any of them. The reader is left wondering how they all were similar and different. It would have also been nice to see a contrast on how the large study, by the toxicology program, conducted their research as compared to any of the other studies. Secondly, the reader is left wondering what further research, if any, is being done on the topic. The reader is left wondering if other animals that share large amounts of DNA with humans have the same results as the rats. These two additions would allow the reader to gain a better understanding along with answering questions that were left unanswered.
Cindy Kwok
ReplyDeleteCurrent Events 16
Grady, Denise. “Cancer Risk From Cellphone Radiation Is Small, Studies Show.” The New York
Times, The New York Times, 2 Feb. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/02/02/health/cell-phones-cancer.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fscience&action=click&contentCollection=science®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=sectionfront.
I read the critique of “Cancer Risk From Cellphone Radiation Is Small, Studies Show” by Timothy Cushman. One part he did well was showing by this research is useful. I liked the way he mentioned at the beginning how everyone overuses their phones or computers and are therefore worried about getting tumors from the radiation. Another part he did good on was the summary when he explained the results of the test and why they believe that phones would not cause tumors. The scientists explained that only with male mice did they show some signs of tumors, but the results will be smaller in humans so the damage is minimal. Lastly, Cushman did a good job with the actual critique of the article where he mentions the way the article was good because it mentions other studies but did not go into depth.
One part where the article could have done better was with explaining why the results will not show as much in humans as with the mice. With the vague explanation, both the article and critique feels a little bit off in regards to the results. Another part where the article could have done better was probably moving the section where he quotes a scientist about ways to reduce interactions with the radiation, that was placed in the summary, into his ways to improve humanity section instead. I feel this would make the critique much more fluid when reading.
I thought this article was good. It was interesting because of how important it is especially in this generation with how much everybody focuses on their phones. Overall, I feel like the article did not offer anything new because there have been many studies with the same results and ways to reduce radiation were not anything new either.