Are cell Phones Mutating bones

The emergence of a provocative concept has recently seized media attention: the idea that cellphones, with their increasing power, could induce mutations in the shape of our bones. This revelation stems from a scientific study conducted by David Shahar and Mark Sayers, experts in biomechanics at the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia. Biomechanics explores how mechanical principles apply to living organisms, spanning from human locomotion to the intricate wing movements of insects. Shahar and Sayers' study delves into osteobiography, a method employed to decipher an individual's life based on their skeletal remains.

For centuries, it has been recognized that skeletons adapt to the lifestyle of the person they belonged to, narrating a unique story through their composition. An illustrative example comes from the discovery of unusually large skeletons on the Pacific island of Tinian in 1924. Stone structures surrounding the skeletons indicated that the islanders, by working with heavy stones, naturally developed larger arms, legs, and collarbones. Shahar and Sayers propose that modern technology is exerting a similar influence on the skeletal structure of today's youth.

At the core of this transformation lies the External Occipital Protuberance (EOP), colloquially described as a "foam ball" or a "devil-like horn." In reality, the EOP is a bony growth located at the back of the skull, connected to the nuchal ligament, which plays a crucial role in linking neck muscles to the skull. The EOP functions akin to an anchor at the top of the nuchal ligament. The researchers aimed to understand how skeletons change over time by examining chiropractors' X-rays of individuals aged 18 to 86, focusing on those investigating neck pains.

The study uncovered a significant observation regarding the prevalence of EOP in young people. The researchers hypothesized that the constant use of phones and tablets, leading to a forward-leaning posture, puts extra pressure on the area where the skull meets the neck. As a compensatory mechanism, the EOP gradually elongates, a phenomenon colloquially termed "text neck." The research also disclosed a gender disparity, with men being five times more likely to develop large text necks than women.

While concerns about the potential health impacts of cellphone radiation, including links to cancer, have been discussed, this report adds a new dimension to the debate by explicitly highlighting how technology affects our physical bodies. Shahar and Sayers describe the elongation of EOP as a degenerative process, suggesting that continued device usage may worsen the condition for young people. Additionally, there is mention of "text thumb" or thumb arthritis, a condition where the thumb can develop serious problems akin to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Critics of the study argue that the report lacks conclusive evidence and makes assumptions. They point out that longer skull bones, such as the EOP, are not a recent phenomenon and are particularly common in males. The general consensus among the study's skeptics is that there is insufficient concrete evidence to support the claim that cellphone usage is transforming individuals into entities reminiscent of "Hellboy."

Regardless of the debate surrounding the validity of Shahar and Sayers' findings, the profound impact of technology on our lives cannot be ignored. The notion that successive generations may undergo physical changes due to constant interaction with digital devices raises a legitimate concern that warrants further exploration. Ultimately, it may be the archaeologists of the future who pass judgment on whether individuals will indeed develop prominent spikes on the back of their necks. In the meantime, a reevaluation of our screen-centric habits may be in order, opting for more walks in the park and less time engrossed in digital distractions