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Mobile phones and brain cancer.
Column 3 - Positives and negatives of research study
Since the radio frequency given off by mobile phone use does not break DNA strands and therefore is unlikely to significantly affect the risk of developing brain tumours, the study into any possible link was more to address public concern over the long-term effects.
To investigate this, an international case control study was conducted, whereby groups of participants both with and without the illness were compared to examine what characteristics and exposures were significantly different between them.
It should be noted however, that this study was part funded by mobile phone operators, which could be seen as a conflict of interests regarding the impartiality of the study. It should also be considered, that within the clause of the funding agreement, it was stated that the companies would have absolutely no control over the design or conduct of the study.
Significantly more important is the weakness of the study itself. A case control study, as mentioned, only compares two control groups to identify characteristics and exposures that differ. Therefore, a case control study can only show an association between two factors (in this case, the usage of a mobile phone and the risk of brain tumours or cancer) and so, is not a direct indicator of a cause and effect relationship.
知っておきたい英単語
1.radio frequency(ＲＦ) 高周波
2.give off 発生する
3.DNA strands 遺伝子二重螺旋
4.case control study 症例対照研究
5.conduct 実行する、実施する
6.participants 参加者
7.exposure 曝されること
8.fund 資金提供する
9.impartiality 偏り
10.clause 条項
11.indicator 指標
