November 20, 2024
2 mins read

Excessive screen time may raise risk of early puberty

The findings linked the early risk of puberty with accelerated bone growth and bone age caused because of exposure to blue light…reports Asian Lite News

Even as children are increasingly getting exposed to screens from a young age, a new study in rats showed that long-term exposure to blue light, emitting from smartphones or tablets, may lead to early puberty.

The findings linked the early risk of puberty with accelerated bone growth and bone age caused because of exposure to blue light.

The research, presented at the 62nd Annual European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Meeting in Liverpool, is the first to explore the link between bone growth and pubertal development.

“This is the first study to show how blue light could potentially influence physical growth and development, prompting further research into the effects of modern screen exposure on children’s growth,” said lead researcher Dr Aylin Kılınc Ugurlu, from Gazi University in Turkey.

As the study was conducted in rats, “we cannot be sure that these findings would be replicated in children but our data suggest that prolonged exposure to blue light accelerates both the physical growth and maturation of the growth plate, leading to early puberty,” Ugurlu noted.

When children grow they develop long bones such as the femur, which progressively elongates at each end. This eventually solidifies stopping growth in height. While girls reach their maximum height between ages 14 and 16, boys finish their growth between 16 and 18 years of age.

However recent studies have pointed out a rise in early puberty in both girls and boys. The studies show that the children might grow quickly at first but often stop growing earlier than usual. One factor may be the increased use of blue light-emitting devices, Ugurlu said.

The study was conducted on 18 male and 18 female rats aged 21 days old. These were divided into three groups of six and exposed to either a normal light cycle, six hours, or 12 hours of blue light until the first signs of puberty.

The team measured their length and femur and found that the rats exposed to blue light had faster growth, particularly in their bones.

“This means their bones matured too soon, which could potentially cause them to be shorter than average as adults,” Ugurlu said, stressing the need for more studies.

ALSO READ: Govt calls for collaborative effort to keep Diabetes in check

Previous Story

BRICS Against China’s BRI, Brazil Leads the Charge

Next Story

Parkinson’s may surge to 3.15 million worldwide by 2033

Latest from Health

Rare Medicinal Plant Found in the Western Ghats

The plant, Strobilanthes jomyi—locally known as Jomyi Kurinji—is found only in the remote Paandi and Periya forest regions of Kerala’s Western Ghats…reports Asian Lite news A breakthrough discovery from India has drawn

Make your healthy summer journey tasty

As India experiences the peak of summer, keeping cool and hydrated is a top priority. One delicious and refreshing way to beat the heat while staying healthy is by incorporating cold salads

Heart Patients Need Key Vaccines

Data shows that while vaccines significantly reduce illness severity, complications, and mortality, many heart patients remain unprotected Adults living with cardiovascular disease should be prioritised for vaccination against a range of communicable

South Asians Face Diabetes

These delays lead to more frequent and severe complications. Cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and other diabetes-linked conditions are disproportionately high among South Asian Abdominal obesity combined with sedentary lifestyles is fuelling an earlier

Sweet Traditions Mark Janmashtami

Krishna Janmashtami, the joyous festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is one of the most cherished celebrations across India and beyond. Falling in the month of Bhadrapada (August–September) on the Ashtami tithi
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Heart Health Tips to Safeguard Your Well-being

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called a “silent

Indian diet and healthy ageing

Balanced diet, adequate proteins, high fibers, stress-free life, regular exercise,