WiFi found to be Bad for Trees --- I wonder what it's doing to us.

[FLPanhandle]

www.ubergizmo.com/15/archives/2010/11/wifi_found_to_be_bad_for_trees.html

Results from a preliminary study by DU Delft University, Wageningen University, and other institutions in the Netherlands show that WiFi radition may be harmful to trees. The study finds that WiFi radiation may cause bleeding and fissures in tree barks, and these incidents were not attributed to virus or bacteria, and that 70% of trees in urban spaces now show signs of damage compared to just 10% five years ago. The study finds that trees located nearest to WiFi radition exhibited a lead-like shine on the leaves and death of leaves' lower and upper epidermises. Radition from WiFi is also said to inhibit growth of corn cobs, though more work needs to be done to truly isolate the cause of these symptoms to WiFi radition and not just particulate pollution in the air. For now, just be careful where you use those MiFi hotspots, as tempting as it is to work outside in a park on a nice day.



Maybe I'll move the wi-fi transmitter out of my bedroom...

[Pale Blue Dot]

1. Have you got a link to the actual study?

I'm going to be skeptical until I see that.

[FLPanhandle]

2. I agree. Anytime the words "preliminary study" are used I'm skeptical

The same article has come out in some computer and tech journals, but I haven't seen a link to the actual study.

[rosesaylavee]

5. I agree... found some info re study in a response on the macworld report

http://www.macworld.co.uk/digitallifestyle/news/index.cfm?newsid=3249437

solidata said on Fri, 19 Nov 2010

It would benefit the author's audience to cite the actual source for the study. I do not see a paper as of yet, just a press release. This bit below was translated from Dutch via Google.

www.wageningenuniversity.nl/NL/nieuwsagenda/nieuws/Bomen101120.htm

"November 19, 2010
Number: N30

Laboratory testing negative impact on plant health.

An initial lab tests of the effects of electromagnetic radiation on the growth of plants, indicates that the radiation might negatively affect the health of plants. He research was done by Wageningen University, part of Wageningen UR. Ash trees in the urban environment are increasingly suffering from growth disturbances were found in a growing cell with so-called WiFi access points discoloration and dieback of leaves changing. Although the effects of multiple radiation sources and several trees were found, the researchers found it desirable to repeat the test and preferably for a longer period and on a larger scale."

[blondeatlast]

9. "...preliminary..." "may be...." I gave up my at-home wireless--but only because it wasn't reliable.

I avoid tinfoil, though--it messes with my dye job.

I'll happily enjoy the wi-fi at my apartment building's pool!

[rosesaylavee]

13. I know it's pretty wiffty info at the moment...

I'm not giving up on wifi based on this yet. It reads to me like that was the result they were looking for. Not sure how they could have 'controlled' the environment to determine that this was the factor effecting the trees.

[funkskunk]

3. Good decision

I read a similar study a couple of months ago and decided to use Ethernet rather than WiFi when it is possible and encouraged my workmates to do so as well. I've never been a fan of working in a park (although I have my green side card!) so I'm not that worried.

[Tesha]

4. Horsepucky. Unadulterated horsepucky. (NT)

[Ichingcarpenter]

6. No its not

because trees have feelings too and are not affected by the science. and the sun's spectrum

We need to cut the internet out and wifi for humans.



God..... this story is crap.

[ecstatic]

7. *something* is behind the rise in autism cases

Whether it's vaccines, our food supply, or wi-fi I hope someone finds out soon!

[superduperfarleft]

11. I bet it's radiation put off by wrapping tinfoil too tightly!

No, in all seriousness, it's probably due to better understanding of the condition allows for diagnosis and treatment whereas previously these people would be consigned to mental institutions.

[backscatter712]

8. Of course, it's just a "preliminary" study, no peer-review, no confirmation.

For now, I call bullshit.

[Canuckistanian]

10. WiFi is the devil's protocol

You never hear these stories mention WiMax or ZigBEE, do you?

I rest my case.

[Tesha]

14. Yeah, but the ANTs, they'll get ya! (NT)

[haifa lootin]

12. Oh, dear...

[Warren DeMontague]

15. DOOOOOMED! DOOOOOOOOMED! DOOOOOOOOMED!

DOOOOOOOOOOMED!

[AsahinaKimi]

16. why

Are they allowing Trees to use Cellphones? Don't they know that if too many trees start texting cars will run into them?

[DavidDvorkin]

17. Hah!

[sally cat]

18. "Preliminary study", "may be harmful", "may cause", Not "Found to be". Words have meaning.

[LawnLover]

19. As George Carlin said, swallowing little bits of saliva

will cause cancer.