![A moral panic](https://cdn.magzter.com/1472106876/1719447480/articles/DtpZYTk5R1719915986534/A-MORAL-PANIC.jpg)
More than a decade ago, a unit of the World Health Organisation classified the radiofrequency electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones as "possibly carcinogenic to humans".
I groaned. At the time, I was running a unit of the Royal Society of New Zealand called the Science Media Centre, tasked with combating the spread of pseudoscience and misinformation.
The classification was pounced on by a vocal group of activists who believed mobile phone use is responsible for brain tumours. That technical classification, which also applies to artificial sweetener aspartame, pickled vegetables and coffee, meant only that there was insufficient evidence linking mobile phone use to cancer. But it helped feed an anti-mobile movement that led to applications for new cell sites being held up and existing sites being vandalised.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 6-12 2024-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 6-12 2024-Ausgabe von New Zealand Listener.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
![Ewes know it](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/-hEIPnZu21719916123303/EWES-KNOW-IT.jpg)
Ewes know it
'It has been my life's work,\" I announced grandly and quite possibly pompously the other day to Greg, no other audience being available, \"to advocate for the advancement of sheep.\" He pointed out that this was patently untrue. If it was true, he said annoyingly, although quite possibly reasonably, I'd have started my life's work a bit earlier, given that I had taken up this selfless work only seven years ago, the length of time we have been at Lush Places.
![A moral panic](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/DtpZYTk5R1719915986534/A-MORAL-PANIC.jpg)
A moral panic
America's top doctor wants smoking-style warning labels for social media platforms.
![Give and take](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/nDnf2HtPH1719915864246/GIVE-AND-TAKE.jpg)
Give and take
We're likely to reciprocate if someone's nice to us unexpectedly.
![Culture club](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/I7xXPlCeX1719915513405/CULTURE-CLUB.jpg)
Culture club
Whether you make yoghurt at home with your own starter or buy a commercial brand, the health benefits remain roughly the same.
![Now for the news](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/JdsvfRGI-1719915342669/NOW-FOR-THE-NEWS.jpg)
Now for the news
How will Stuff's take on broadcast news match up to its polished predecessor?
![Time to rewind](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/7E_XSMUMn1719915178146/TIME-TO-REWIND.jpg)
Time to rewind
A leaner NZ International Film Festival programme still offers promising local debuts and some art cinema classics.
![Come dancing](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/DI5ZgJ6B-1719914977468/COME-DANCING.jpg)
Come dancing
Albums from Anna Coddington and Peggy Gou are smart and sassy. Bonny Light Horseman leans on heartache.
![Calling on the muse](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/QuXqJroNy1719914762274/CALLING-ON-THE-MUSE.jpg)
Calling on the muse
Kiwi journalist Garth Cartwright recalls his audience with the late Françoise Hardy in Paris.
![Artist of high standing](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/_R34EwYxP1719914444319/ARTIST-OF-HIGH-STANDING.jpg)
Artist of high standing
Waiheke Island sculptor Anton Forde talks about creating the largest contemporary pou installation of his career.
!['You were salvation'](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1746480/0oWNU7jfL1719914205198/YOU-WERE-SALVATION.jpg)
'You were salvation'
A repurposed supply vessel provides a lifeline to migrants who risk their lives to cross the Mediterranean in a desperate bid for a new life.