Researchers from the National Institute of Health have released a study correlating cell phone use to increased brain activity in the area closest to the phone antenna, with a significant increase in the amount of brain glucose metabolism in the orbitofrontal cortex, the area of the brain closest to the ear.

Scientists remain unsure about the effect these increases have on personal health.

The study, conducted in 2009, focused on 47 participants that underwent a Positron Emission Topography scan as they spent 50 minutes with a phone attached to their ear.

Nora D. Volkow, leader of the study group, commented on the ambiguity of the research in a report from The New York Times.

“Unfortunately this particular study does not enlighten us in terms of whether this is detrimental or if it could even be beneficial,” Volkow said. “It just tells us that even though these are weak signals, the human brain is affected by them.”

Mark Lenzenweger, distinguished professor of psychology at Binghamton University, said he believes it’s too early to tell.

“It’s important not to jump to causal conclusions. It’s food for thought,” Lenzenweger said.

The inconclusive nature of the study has had a mixed reaction from BU students.

“Physically, I don’t think its harmful,” said Levi Cleare, an undeclared freshman. “You really don’t hear many stories about people having brain illnesses caused by talking on their cell phone.”

“We’re bombarded with all sorts of radiation every day, so while it may be interesting, I’m not going to panic,” said Sam Williams, a freshman majoring in chemistry.

Additionally, because the study was based on 50-minute conversations, many are skeptical as to the effect of shorter conversations on the brain.

Jason Marchione, a senior majoring in sociology, is undeterred by the study.

“I don’t believe that the amount of time someone spends on the phone makes a big difference,” he said.

Other students feel this study lends credibility to the idea that cell phones have a negative effect on one’s health.

“Personally, I try, if I don’t really have to, not to use my cell phone,” said Katherine Rimpel, a freshman majoring in biochemistry. “Even though people say it doesn’t cause cancer, there is some radiation being emitted from the phone.”

According to a Wall Street Journal report, there may be evidence that cell phones aid in fighting depression. The increases observed through the study are on par with that of transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is a common therapy used to combat clinical depression.

Tousif Ahsan, a freshman majoring in political science, has taken a different approach.

“Maybe it is a good thing,” he said. “I’ll start doing my homework with cell phones taped to my head.”

Although a 7 to 8 percent difference in brain activity was noted between on and off phones, the study is preliminary. The researchers have not made any claims beyond presenting the increase in glucose metabolism.

While most studies debunk the theory that cell phone radiation is a cause of brain cancer, some professionals in the field note that this NIH study renews efforts to truly understand how cell phone use can affect the brain.