Do cellphones cause mutations in the shape of our bones

Imagine a world where cellphones possess such immense power that they can actually alter the structure of our bones. This astonishing concept has recently gained widespread attention in the media. It originates from a scientific study conducted by David Shahar and Mark Sayers, renowned experts in biomechanics from Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast.

Biomechanics explores how mechanical principles apply to living organisms, ranging from human locomotion to insect wing movements. Shahar and Sayers' research delves into the field of osteobiography, which involves deciphering a person's life history through the examination of their bones. It has long been known that skeletons adapt to an individual's lifestyle, with each set of bones revealing a unique narrative.

For instance, in 1924, on the Pacific island of Tinian, unusually large skeletons were discovered near stone structures. These findings were attributed to the islanders' engagement in activities that required exerting force with heavy stones, leading to the natural development of larger arms, legs, and collarbones.

Drawing inspiration from this notion, Shahar and Sayers propose that modern technology is influencing the skeletal structure of young individuals. But how is this happening? The key lies in a specific anatomical feature called the external occipital protuberance (EOP). This bony growth is situated at the back of the skull and is connected to the nuchal ligament, which plays a crucial role in connecting neck muscles to the skull. The EOP acts like an anchor atop the nuchal ligament.

To understand how skeletons change over time, Shahar and Sayers analyzed X-rays taken by chiropractors of individuals ranging from 18 to 86 years old. These X-rays were primarily investigating issues such as neck pain. The researchers observed that the EOP seemed more prevalent in young people. They hypothesized that the posture adopted while constantly checking phones and tablets contributes significantly to this phenomenon. The neck naturally bends forward, placing additional strain on the area where the skull meets the spine. To compensate for this strain, the EOP gradually elongates, growing several millimeters. This effect has been coined as "text neck."

Interestingly, the study found that text neck predominantly affects men. In 2016, Shahar and Sayers reported that 67% of men exhibited a larger EOP compared to only 20% of women, based on a test group of 218 individuals. By 2018, their research had expanded to include 1,200 people, with males appearing to be five times more likely to develop these pronounced text necks.

This groundbreaking report has sparked debates on the potential impact of technology on our bodies. While concerns about phone radiation and its potential link to cancer have been frequently discussed, this study represents the first instance where experts explicitly highlight how technology is affecting our physical well-being. Shahar and Sayers describe the elongated EOP as a degenerative process, suggesting that the situation may worsen for young people if they continue excessive device usage.

Critics of the study, however, have raised objections to the characterization of EOP as "horns" or "spikes." They argue that the report lacks conclusive evidence and relies on assumptions. Archeologists, for instance, assert that longer skull bones are not unprecedented and are particularly common in males. According to these critics, there simply isn't enough concrete evidence to support the claim that using cellphones will transform us into characters like Hellboy.

Regardless of the ongoing debates, there is no denying the significant impact of technology on our lives. The notion that younger generations are experiencing physical changes due to constant interaction with their devices raises a legitimate concern that demands attention. Ultimately, future archeologists will determine the validity of these claims. Perhaps they will find a world where people don't have prominent spikes protruding from the backs of their necks. It's uncertain. So, maybe it's time for a little more outdoor activity and a little less time spent on smartphone games.