ARE CELL PHONES MUTATING THE SHAPE OF OUR BONES?

Cellphones could potentially mutate our bones. This topic has gained attention in the media due to a scientific report. The report suggests that using phones and tablets can cause lasting changes to our bodies, but not in the way we might expect. David Shahar and Mark Sayers, experts in biomechanics from the University of the Sunshine Coast in Australia, conducted a study over the past few years. Biomechanics is the study of how mechanical laws apply to living organisms, such as humans running or insects wing beating.

Shahar and Sayers study focuses on osteobiography, which determines a person's life through their bones. It has long been understood that skeletons adapt to an individual's way of life. Each set of bones has its own story to tell. For instance, in 1924, large skeletons were discovered on Tinian Island in the Pacific. The presence of stone structures near the skeletons provided an explanation for the robust nature of the island's bones.

Through the laborious work with heavy stones, individuals naturally developed larger arms, legs, and collarbones. Meanwhile, in Australia, Shaw, Heart, and Sayers propose that modern technology is influencing the skeletal development of young people, particularly in relation to the External Occipital Protuberance (EOP). Some experts and commentators have playfully described this protuberance as a "foam ball" or a "devil-like horn." In reality, the EOP is a bony growth located at the back of the skull.

The External Occipital Protuberance (EOP) is intricately linked to the nuchal ligament, a crucial connector between neck muscles and the skull. The EOP functions much like an anchor atop the nuchal ligament. Returning to the researchers' primary focus, their study involved examining chiropractors' x-rays of individuals aged between 18 to 86. Their aim was to gain a contemporary understanding of skeletal changes, particularly in cases where x-rays were investigating issues like neck pains. Additionally, they sought insights into the potential health consequences of these changes. Shahar and Sayers observed a more prevalent occurrence of the EOP in young individuals, leading them to hypothesize that constant smartphone and tablet use might be a significant contributing factor to changes in posture during screen time.

As time passes and the neck instinctively cranes forward, the theory posits that this forward-leaning posture exerts additional pressure on the area where the skull meets the neck. In response, the External Occipital Protuberance (EOP) gradually lengthens, growing to several millimeters. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as "text neck." The findings also revealed a higher prevalence in men. In 2016, Shahar, Heart, and Sayers reported a larger EOP in 67% of men compared to 20% of women within a test group of 218 individuals. By 2018, their study expanded to include 1200 people, showing that males were five times more likely to develop these prominent "text necks." Now, the question arises: what potential impact could this have on humanity? While concerns about phone radiation and its potential link to cancer are often discussed, this new report sparks debates about whether the use of mobile devices can lead to significant health problems in the body. This marks the first case where experts explicitly delve into these discussions.

Highlighting the impact of technology on our bodies, Shahar and Sayers describe the elongated External Occipital Protuberance (EOP) as a degenerative process, suggesting that things could worsen for young people with continued device usage. Another issue, termed "text thumb" or thumb arthritis, can lead to serious problems akin to carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the study's characterization of EOPs as horns or spikes has faced criticism in the press. Experts point out that the report lacks conclusiveness and, like any scientific paper, makes assumptions. Archaeologists argue that longer skull bones are not a new phenomenon, especially in males. According to critics of the study, there isn't enough solid evidence to support the claim that using cell phones transforms individuals into something resembling Hellboy. Whether Shahar and Sayers are onto something or have woven established facts into their own narrative remains uncertain. Nevertheless, the profound impact of technology on our lives is undeniable. The notion that upcoming generations may be changing due to constant device interaction is a serious concern that requires attention. Ultimately, future archaeologists will determine the validity of these claims—perhaps people won't sport big spikes protruding from their necks. So, a bit more strolling in the park and a tad less Angry Birds might be a wise choice.