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What if the devices we hold dear could transform us in ways beyond our wildest imagination? This isn't a plot from a futuristic movie; it's a topic gaining traction in the scientific community. A recent report suggests that the prolonged use of smartphones and tablets might lead to significant and long-lasting changes in our bodies. But not the kind you might expect.
David Shahar and Mark Sayers, biomechanics experts at Australia's University of the Sunshine Coast, have embarked on a study that delves into the impact of modern tech on our skeletons. They combined their knowledge of biomechanics, which examines how mechanical laws apply to living organisms, with osteobiography, a field that interprets lifestyle from bone structures.
Have you ever wondered what your bones could tell about your lifestyle? Consider the large skeletons discovered on the Pacific island of Tinian in 1924. These substantial bones were a result of the inhabitants' heavy stone work, which naturally led to the development of bigger arms, legs, and collarbones. Similarly, Shahar and Sayers propose that modern technology is reshaping the skeletons of young people today.
The key to this mystery lies in the EOP, or external occipital protuberance. Often whimsically described as a "devil's horn," the EOP is a bony growth at the back of the skull connected to the nuchal ligament, an important ligament linking neck muscles to the skull. The EOP acts like an anchor, and its growth is linked to the modern posture of young people who constantly crane their necks to check their devices.
This posture, often referred to as "text neck," has raised concerns about its potential impact on health. Shahar and Sayers' study, which analyzed chiropractors' x-rays of individuals aged 18 to 86, revealed that the EOP is more widespread in young people. Their hypothesis? The constant forward craning of the neck during screen time is a significant contributing factor.
But is this a gender-specific issue? The findings showed that in 2016, a larger EOP was found in 67% of men compared to 20% of women. By 2018, the study expanded to 1,200 individuals, with males being five times more likely to develop these large "text necks."
The debate on this topic is heating up. While some experts argue that the elongated EOPs are a degenerative process that will worsen for young people, critics claim that the report is not conclusive and that longer skull bones are not a new phenomenon. Archeologists note that such features are common in males and that there isn't enough hard evidence to support the claim that smartphones are transforming us into something other than ourselves.
So, are Shahar and Sayers onto something groundbreaking, or have they simply repackaged established facts? One thing is certain: technology's dramatic impact on our lives cannot be denied. The idea that upcoming generations are changing due to constant device interaction is a serious issue that needs attention.
Ultimately, it will be the archaeologists of the future who will determine the veracity of these claims. Perhaps then, we will see fewer "horns" sticking out of the back of our necks. In the meantime, a little more time spent walking in the park and a little less Angry Birds might just be the prescription we need.
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