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The journal that published the so - predict " skull spike " study is now strike a second looking at the research that lead into it .
The two author of the 2018 cogitation proposed the uncanny " skull spikes " present on the base of some people ’s skulls might be come to to the uneven angles at which these people bend their necks to reckon at voguish devices , such as iPhones .
But question about parts of the study have prompted the diary , Scientific Reports , which is published by Nature Research , to reexamine the study ’s techniques and conclusions . [ The Real Fake News : Top Scientific Retractions of 2018 ]
" When any concerns are raised with Scientific Reports about papers we have publish , we inquire them cautiously pursue lay down function , " a interpreter for Scientific Reports told Live Science in an email . " We are look into issues regarding thispaperand we will take legal action where appropriate . "
In the work — which let in 1,200 people ages 18 to 86 — the researchers reported that boney spike at the foot of the skull were more prevailing in new the great unwashed , particularly male person in the 18 - to- 30 - eld bracket , than in older people . These capitulum are bang as enlarged extraneous occipital protuberance , or EEOPs .
However , internet commenters have raised a number of potential problems with the study . ( The research did not find a unmediated cause - and - outcome relationship between these spike and impertinent - machine use , but unfortunately , somemediaoutletssaidthatit had . Some coverageeven call them " horns . " )
Nsikan Akpan , digital science producer for PBS NewsHour , asked expert and evenpeople on Twitterto help him descry problems with the study . Here are someissues they identify :
unrecorded Science will go on to follow this story , so stay tune up .
in the beginning published onLive Science .
