That's because scientists in Amsterdam have demonstrated that newer model mobile telephones with Internet access can cause dangerous electromagnetic interference in hospital devices, concludes researchers in a study published Sept. 5 in Critical Care, an online open access journal.
In the Dutch study, researchers examined the effects of mobile phone signals on critical care equipment such as ventilators and pacemakers. Of the 50 electromagnetic interference incidents recorded during the study by researchers at Academic Medical Center of the University of Amsterdam, nearly three-quarters were significant or hazardous.
Hazardous incidents varied from a total switch off and restart of mechanical ventilators and complete stops without alarms in syringe pumps to incorrect pulsing by an external pacemaker.
Interference was recorded at distances of closer than 1 inch and up to 1 yard, depending on the type of mobile phone. It was newer model telephones that provide Internet access that proved to be most dangerous. Older, voice only phones, were deemed more benign.
"Our work has real implications for present hospital restrictions of mobile phone use in patient areas," said lead researcher Dr. Erik van Lieshout. "It is unlikely that mobile phone induced electromagnetic interference in hospitals will be eradicated in the near future so the 1-yard rule currently in place should continue, as it is relatively safe."
SODA STUDY
America's growing lust for sugar-sweetened beverages over the past several decades could explain the corresponding epidemic of type 2 diabetes in the U.S., report scientists at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University.
In a large study of data gathered from 2,500 participants, scientists are exploring the relationship between sugary beverages and insulin resistance. Their findings suggest that higher consumption of sugary drinks might be linked with insulin resistance, even in otherwise healthy adults.
However, the researchers found that the consumption of 100% fruit juice did not have the same negative effect as did the consumption of soda and other sugar-sweetened drinks.
"Study participants who consumed two or more sugar-sweetened beverages per day had significantly higher fasting blood levels of insulin as compared to participants who did not report consuming any such beverages, regardless of age, sex, weight, smoking status, or other dietary habits," said scientist Paul Jacques of the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University. "Higher fasting levels of insulin mean these study participants are more at risk for developing type 2 diabetes."
The study gathered data from 2,500 healthy men and women in the Framingham Offspring Study, a community-based study of cardiovascular disease among offspring of people in the original Harvard University Framingham Heart Study.
Participants reported their dietary intake for the previous year, which researchers used to determine average consumption of sugary drinks. Scientists compiled and studied the data on the participants' consumption of regular and caffeine-free colas, other carbonated beverages containing sugar, diet soft drinks and fruit juice.
Researchers took blood samples from study participants who had fasted for at least eight hours to measure levels of insulin and glucose. High fasting glucose levels, like high fasting insulin levels, are a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
"Unlike fasting insulin levels, fasting glucose levels were not significantly different between those who consumed sugar-sweetened drinks and those who did not," said Jacques. "However, participants consuming two or more daily servings of 100% fruit juice had modestly lower fasting glucose levels, compared with those who did not consume fruit juice."
Although this might be due to additional nutrients or other phytochemicals found in fruit juice, Jacques said it also could be a consequence of the healthier lifestyle and dietary habits of fruit juice consumers.
Despite these results, Nicola McKeown, corresponding author and scientist in the Nutritional Epidemiology Program at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, does not advise drinking more fruit juice.
"While 100% fruit juice can be a healthful beverage, too much fruit juice can add excess calories and sugar to the diet. Whole fruit is often a better choice," she said.
E-mail Ven Griva at ven.griva@copleynews.com or write to P.O. Box 120190, San Diego, CA 92112.
