Are Cell Phones Mutating The Shape Of Our Bones ?

In recent times, an intriguing topic has been making waves in the media - the idea that cellphones and tablets could potentially mutate the shape of our bones. This startling revelation stems from a scientific report, suggesting that the extensive use of these devices can lead to significant and long-lasting changes in our bodies, but not in the way you might initially think.

Over the past few years, David Shahar and Mark Sayers, specialists in biomechanics at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast, conducted a groundbreaking study. Biomechanics, the science of how mechanical laws apply to living organisms, encompasses everything from how humans run to how insects beat their wings. Shahar and Sayers' research also delved into osteobiography, a field that examines a person's lifestyle based on their bones. It has long been known that skeletons adapt to an individual's way of life, each set of bones telling a unique story.

For instance, the discovery of unusually large skeletons on the Pacific island of Tinian in 1924 was attributed to the substantial nature of the islanders' bones, likely developed from working with heavy stones. This naturally led to larger arms, legs, and collarbones among these people.

Shahar and Sayers have posited that modern technology is having a similar impact on the skeletons of young people. So, how is this happening? The key player in this transformation is the External Occipital Protuberance (EOP), a growth of bone found at the back of the skull connected to the nuchal ligament. This ligament plays a crucial role in connecting neck muscles to the skull. The EOP acts like an anchor, creating an effect similar to an anchor at the top of the nuchal ligament.

Shahar and Sayers began their research by examining X-rays from chiropractors of individuals aged between 18 and 86. They aimed to gain insight into how skeletons change, especially concerning issues like neck pain, which many of these X-rays were intended to diagnose. Additionally, they sought to understand the potential health consequences of these changes.

They observed that in young people, the EOP seemed to be more widespread. The hypothesis was that young people's posture while constantly checking their phones and tablets was a significant contributing factor. As individuals crane their necks forward during screen time, they inadvertently apply extra pressure to the area where the skull meets the nuchal ligament. Over time, the EOP elongates, growing to several millimeters. This phenomenon is often referred to as "text neck."

The study's findings showed that this effect was predominantly found in men, with 67% of men showing a larger EOP compared to only 20% of women, based on a test group of 218 individuals in 2016. By 2018, the researchers had expanded their sample to 1,200 people, revealing that males were five times more likely to develop these enlarged "text necks."

While we often hear concerns about the potential health risks of cellphone radiation, this report introduces a new debate. It is the first case where experts explicitly point out how technology is impacting our bodies. Shahar and Sayers have described the elongation of the EOP as a degenerative process, suggesting that young people's health may deteriorate further if they continue to use their devices excessively.

There's also a phenomenon known as "text thumb" or thumb arthritis, where thumbs can develop problems similar to carpal tunnel syndrome. However, it's essential to note that this study, which refers to these changes as "horns" or "spikes," has faced criticism in the press. Critics argue that the report is inconclusive and makes assumptions, highlighting that longer skull bones are not a recent development and are particularly common in males.

So, are Shahar and Sayers onto something groundbreaking, or have they simply connected long-established facts to their own explanation? Regardless of the debate, there's no denying the significant impact of technology on our lives. The idea that upcoming generations are experiencing physical changes due to constant interaction with their devices is a serious issue that requires further investigation.

Ultimately, it will be the archaeologists of the future who will determine the consequences of our digital age on the human body. Perhaps they will discover a generation with spikes protruding from the back of their necks. Until then, it might be worth considering spending a little more time outdoors and a little less time immersed in the digital world.