Press your fingers into the back of your head,just above your neck. If you feel a small bony bump, you may find evidence of human evolution:it could be your body responding to common smartphone use in the 21st century.
According to a recent study,published in Scientific Reports,young people increasingly have bony bumps at the base of their skulls,right above the neck.Medical professionals call them enlarged external occipital protuberances (EEOPs, 枕外隆突).
Australian health scientist David Shahar,author of the study,told the BBC that over the past 10 years he's seen more and more patients with EEOPs. Together with other researchers from the University of the Sunshine Coast,Australia,they examined 1,200 skull x-rays from people aged 18-30. They also measured the bumps and noted each person's posture.
They found that one in four people had developed these growths. This led to their theory that smartphones are the cause.
According to their research,looking down at our phones adds stress onto the top of our spines(脊柱)。 To prevent damage to our spines, Shahar believes our bodies add fresh bony bump to help reduce the extra stress.
Most of the EEOPs measured just a few millimeters. However,several subjects were found with EEOPs as large as 30 mm.
In his report,Shahar said the results “highlightedthe need" for intervention. In other words, we need to change our posture while using our phones.
Many people assume our bones are solid and unmoving once we reach adulthood. In reality, they are alive and covered with blood vessels, which allows them to develop in unique ways for each person.
Aside from EEOPs, other noticeable recent changes in human bodies include shrinkingjaws, narrower elbows and generally smaller skeletons(骨骼)。The human body is adapting to modern life, so who knows what people in the future might look like?
12. What did the recent study find about EEOPs?
A.They grow on one's neck. |
B.They may stop growing when you reach 30. |
C.They could lead to many health problems. |
D.They increasingly occur among young people. |
13. What is the main cause of EEOPs?
A.Gene problems. |
B.Aging bone layers. |
C.Cellphone use. |
D.Extra stress. |
14. Which of the following would Shahar probably agree with?
A.EEOPs increase the stress on our spines. |
B.EEOPs are actually beneficial to our spines. |
C.Young people's bones adapt in similar ways. |
D.Young people should exercise to improve their posture. |
15. What's the main purpose of the text?
A.To persuade readers to protect their spines. |
B.To recommend some healthy habits of using phones. |
C.To explain why human bodies develop EEOPs. |
D.To show some recent changes in human bodies. |