Europe could lose renewables lead [analysis]

Many governments are backing green energy to kickstart their ailing economies - but European enterprises are missing out.     

Cancers in normal mice exposed to cell phone radiation [Health Effects]

Carcinogenesis and cancer promotion by wireless communication fields of differing frequencies and modulations was the subject of several studies using four different strains of normal mice: CD-1, ODC, CBA/S, and B6C3F1. An article in a previous column [1] described three studies using GSM-900 and genetically prone E-Pim1 lymphoma mice, which produced varying results. Differences and uncertainties in the animal protocols and exposure systems limit the conclusions that can be drawn from these studies. Note that, while results from the present four studies using normal mice add to our basic knowledge of potential interactions, they should not be regarded as confirmation or refutation of studies using Eμ-Pim1 transgenic mice.     

Exposure of Pregnant Dairy Heifers to High-Tension Power Lines [Health Effects]

This article investigates the biological effects and potential health hazards to pregant dairy heifers from exposure to extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields, in the 50/60 Hz range, particularly those associated with transmission lines. It was found that the EMF exposed cattles gained weight.     

The multinational study of brain tumors in cell phone users' heads [Health Effects]

By now, most readers have probably become very familiar with the refrain that "there is no overall risk of brain tumors with cell phone use; however, for long-term cell phone users, results need to be confirmed before definite conclusions can be drawn." Therein lies the dilemma; is there or isn't there a risk of brain tumors?     

Biomedical Engineering Trends in Europe [Views from the Guest Editors]

The eight articles in this special issue focus on biomedical engineering trends in Europe. The articles are briefly summarized.     

Online visibility: EMBS gets e-savvy [Student Activities]

I came across an e-newsletter from the British Museum last week advertising free delivery when you spend more than ￡100 on British Museum sculptures and replicas. Inasmuch as my small flat in London could use a bust replica of an Egyptian noble woman or a Rosetta Stone coffee mug, it was the ending of the newsletter that caught my eye in particular. To help others find this newsletter, the British Museum has conveniently provided links to ten networking Web sites (some of which I have never heard of): Digg It!, Del.ico.us, Newsvine, Reddit, StumbleUpon, Facebook, Google, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn. The British Museum is e-savvy. I started to think about the IEEE and the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS), and I thought I would share some of our own proud e-achievements and current endeavors that we have come a long way over the past several years.