Tuesday 11 September 2007, 10:07 AM
Proof that mobiles are not to blame
Science magazine has reported research that mobiles are not to blame for the collapse in bee colonies - it turns out it is a virus transmitted by movement of bees and royal jelly.
http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/1146498
Great to see some sound science unravelling the real effect of mobiles. Too often, mobiles seem to become the popular suspect for a range of poorly diagnosed ills in society. However I am sure that it will not be long before campaigners find a target for their consipiracy theories, typically based on a load of circumstantial evidence. What I find frustrating is that the media 'noise' caused by the initial scare often vastly exceeds the coverage of the science that identifies the real culprit.
In a very desirable street near my home in N4 (not near enough unfortunately..) one of the operators is looking to erect a 3G mast. This has prompted a vociferous campaign by wealthy residents claiming all kinds of impact on health, the environment, children walking to school, dogs, cats etc.. In reality these houses have a superb view of London that adds considerably to the value of their homes and they do not want a mast interfering.
Great opportunity for zdnet to collaborate with some of the scientists to champion an open minded approach to analysing the impact of mobiles...

