Human bones become lighter over time.

A lack of porous bone makes human bones lighter, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.

Changes in the spongy bone structure of the hand bones in chimpanzees, Australopithecus africanus, Neanderthals, and modern humans (from left to right). Photo: AMNH/J. Steffey and Brian Richmond

According to Science Mag, chimpanzee bones have a high density of a small structure called spongy bone. Thanks to CT scanning technology, researchers discovered that the bones of modern chimpanzees, the early hominids Australopithecus africanus, Neanderthals, and Homo sapiens have a much higher density of spongy bone than those of modern humans.

A factor driving this change could be people's sedentary lifestyles.

When comparing the density of spongy bone in the hip joints of primates, ancient hunter-gatherers, and ancient farmers, experts found that the hip joints of hunter-gatherers were almost as strong as those of monkeys. Meanwhile, the hip joints of ancient farmers lacked significantly more spongy bone.

Scientists have concluded that the skeletal system of modern humans is weakening due to a lack of regular and rigorous exercise, not due to evolutionary stress.

According to VnErpess