Identifying the knowledge structure of electromagnetic fields and health research: Text network analysis and topic...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Biophysics
• Medical Informatics

Background:

• Increasing human exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) from portable devices raises health concerns.
• Despite extensive research, scientific consensus on EMF health effects remains elusive.
• Understanding the research landscape is crucial for identifying knowledge gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the knowledge structure and research trends in electromagnetic field and health studies.
• To identify key themes and evolving research directions using text network analysis and topic modeling.
• To provide insights for future research on EMF health impacts.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases.
• Analysis of 3,880 articles published before June 2021.
• Construction of keyword networks and application of topic modeling using social network analysis software.

Main Results:

• Keywords 'exposure,' 'effect,' 'cell,' and 'cancer' formed central clusters in the research network.
• Five main research topics identified: cell research, MRI adaptation, mobile phone health effects, pain therapy, and exposure measurement.
• Significant research focus on cell effects and mobile phone health impacts since 2000.

Conclusions:

• The study elucidates the evolving knowledge structure of EMF and health research.
• Identifies key research areas and suggests future directions for scientific inquiry.
• Provides a foundation for targeted research on the health implications of electromagnetic field exposure.