If Brain Surgeons Only Use Their Cells on Speaker ...

Experts, including the American Cancer Society, say cell-phone use doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. So why do three prominent neurosurgeons avoid holding phones up to their ears? The debate has been reopened, the New York Times reports, by the surgeons’ recent comments on CNN and by Ted Kennedy’s diagnosis with a type of tumor critics associate with cell phones.

Three large studies since 2000 have shown no negative effects, but the studies didn’t look at long-term use, the US Food and Drug Administration notes. Some research does show a link between cell-phone use and higher rates of cancer, but doesn’t prove a causal relationship. If there is a risk, users can probably avoid it by using a headset. (More cell phones stories.)