Killer phones?
Residents of Kabul, Afghanistan, have become frightened that a deadly virus is spreading via mobile phone. Rumors have spread throughout the city that a biological virus is spreading via mobile phone calls and killing people. The government has tried to reassure the public that such a phenomenon is impossible, according to a variety of news reports. Afghanistan counts more than a million cellphone users.
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Pollination problems
Some scientists claim that mobile phones could eventually cause massive food shortages. The scientists believe radiation from mobile phones may interfere with navigation system of bees that pollinate crops, preventing them from finding their way back to their hives. Bee colonies have been disappearing in a phenomenon called Colony Collapse Disorder in the United States and Europe, according to beekeepers. The mobile-phone theory builds on previous research that shows bees behave differently near power lines. A new study found bees refuse to return to their hives when a mobile phone is nearby. However, a number of other theories also exist, including one that suggests mites are the cause of CCD. Further, Europe has not been affected by CCD, where cellphone penetration is also high.
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Text and fly
Qantas Airlines, Australia’s largest airline, is launching a three-month test program that will allow passengers to send text messages during fights, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Passengers will be allowed to send text messages and e-mails, but voice calls will not be allowed. The airline will carry out the trial on one airplane during domestic flights. The company said if the test program reveals that such communications does not interfere with the planes navigation systems, it may expand cell phone use on its flights.
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