Romantic relationships linked to disturbed sleep patterns in adolescents, study finds

A new study published in Behavioral Sleep Medicine has found that beginning a romantic relationship or going through a breakup can impact poorly upon the sleep of adolescents, particularly in younger adolescent females.

Adolescence is a turbulent, dynamic period characterized by new experiences, one of which may be commencing a romantic relationship. While engaging in a relationship is ideally a positive experience that can boost mental health, relationships are major life events that can potentially act as a source of stress. Adolescents can be impacted emotionally and behaviorally, with research suggesting issues such as lowered self-esteem, more mood swings, and more alcohol and substance abuse.  

This in turn could have detrimental impacts upon sleep, where adolescents can experience insomnia symptoms, such as struggling to fall asleep, sleeping for shorter time periods, or frequently waking up during the night.

However, previous research investigating the exact relationship between adolescent romantic experiences and sleep has provided mixed results, with some studies suggesting shorter sleep duration, other studies not finding any association between the two factors, and the remaining studies suggesting an improvement to subjective sleep quality. 

Additionally, little is known regarding how adolescent age and sex influences this association.

The study team, led by Xianchen Liu from the University of Pennsylvania, aimed to clarify this ambiguity with a focus on Chinese adolescents.

Over the course of one year, 7,072 middle school and high school students were followed. The students began the study in grade 7, 8 or 10, and completed baseline questionnaires about their romantic experiences within the last year, their insomnia symptoms, and their sleep duration at night. 

Information was also collected on various factors that could affect romantic relationships and/or sleep, including age, sex, smoking, alcohol use, family socioeconomic status, parents’ marital status, and depressive symptoms.

The same data points were again collected one year later in follow-up surveys.

After adjusting for the variables that impact romantic relationships and/or sleep, Liu and authors discovered that at baseline, there was an increased chance of insomnia symptoms that were associated with starting a relationship (41% increase), ending a relationship (35% increase), or a combination of both (45% increase). 

Experiencing both the start and end of a relationship at baseline was associated with a 30% increased chance of short sleep i.e. under seven hours a night.

When re-examining the adolescents one year later, those who had entered into a relationship were found to have a 61% higher chance of new insomnia symptoms, and those who experienced a break-up had a 43% increased chance of developing new insomnia symptoms.

The researchers concluded that “romantic relationships not only have short-term impacts on sleep quality and quantity but also are significant predictors of insomnia symptoms one year later” and that various factors could contribute to this, such as life stress, hormonal changes and psychosocial development.

Additionally, the relationships between romantic involvement and sleep difficulties were discovered to be greater in younger adolescents (under 15 years old), compared to older adolescents (at least 15 years old), and was particularly evident in females.

Psychological, social, and biological development may explain poorer sleep in early adolescence, with the authors suggesting “fast physical growth and sexual development, marked sleep changes, need for more independence and privacy, and immature decision-making and stress management skills” as potential mechanisms. However, more studies are required to unpack the influence of sex in the relationship between romantic experience and sleep, as the current analyses did not provide conclusive support towards the notion that females and males are impacted differently.

Notably, the results must be viewed through the lens of traditional Chinese culture. Involvement in relationships as an adolescent deviates from social norms and thus the stresses of entering or ending a relationship could be exacerbated, and consequently sleep problems could be amplified. The authors noted that further research is required to ascertain how this may differ in Western culture.

There are some caveats to be considered. As the data was reported by the adolescents themselves, results may have been biased. Additionally, the questions may have been interpreted with some liberty, with the authors suggesting that some adolescents may have interpreted experiences of having a crush or unrequited love as meeting the criteria of having ‘entered’ into a romantic relationship. Finally, data was not collected on other important factors that should be considered in romantic relationships, such as the number, duration and quality of relationships, or the rationale behind break-ups.

The study, “Starting a Romantic Relationship, Breakups, and Sleep: A Longitudinal Study of Chinese Adolescents”, was authored by Xianchen Liu, Zhen-Zhen Liu, Yanyun Yang and Cun-Xian Jia.

New study shines a light on men's unconscious attraction to fertility cues in women's faces

Heterosexual men tend to be more attracted to the faces of women when they are near ovulation compared to when they are at other phases of their menstrual cycles, according to new research published in the scientific journal Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology. However, men’s preference for fertility cues appears to be driven by unconscious mechanisms rather than conscious detection.

Attraction between the sexes has long fascinated scientists and researchers, prompting numerous studies exploring the dynamics at play. One critical aspect of this attraction centers around a woman’s fertility, which has been suggested to play a role in shaping men’s preferences in potential partners.

Previous research has indicated that men often exhibit a preference for women who display cues of high fertility. These cues, believed to be unconsciously detected by men, may include subtle changes in scent, facial features, voice, and even body movements. These cues have led scientists to ponder the evolutionary origins of such preferences.

The recent study aimed to delve deeper into the intricacies of human attraction, specifically focusing on men’s responses to cues associated with women’s fertility. The researchers were motivated to investigate why some men appear more sensitive to these cues than others.

“Considerable research over the last couple decades has investigated changes in mating-related behaviors and preferences in women across their menstrual cycles,” explained study author Lisa Welling, a professor of psychology at Oakland University and author of “The Oxford Handbook of Evolutionary Psychology and Behavioral Endocrinology” and “Evolutionary Perspectives on Social Psychology.”

“Some of that research has found evidence that men consider women more attractive near ovulation when they are most fertile, which suggests that men are picking up on subtle cues to ovulatory status in women. However, no research has investigated variance in men’s ability to perceive these cues. We were interested in which men are particularly good, or particularly bad, at perceiving these subtle cues to women’s conception probability.”

The researchers devised a study involving 182 male participants who ranged in age from 18 to 52 years. These participants, a mix of single and partnered heterosexual men, were presented with photographs of female faces. The participants first rated the physical attractiveness of the women. Then, they were asked to assess each woman’s perceived fertility.

The researchers used pairs of facial photographs collected previously to assess participants’ preferences and their ability to detect cues to high fertility in female faces. Each pair contained a luteal phase (low fertility) and a late-follicular phase (high fertility) version of the same female face. Fertility status was confirmed using diary data and hormone samples. The images were taken under standard lighting conditions, and participants were instructed to adopt a neutral expression and remove jewelry and makeup.

The findings confirmed that men, on average, showed a preference for faces with cues associated with high fertility. Despite their preference for high-fertility faces, the researchers observed that men could not consciously identify which images depicted women more likely to get pregnant.

“We replicated previous research finding that men prefer the faces of women when they are near ovulation compared to when they are at other phases of their menstrual cycles, which again suggests that men are picking up on cues to fertility on some level and are showing a preference for women exhibiting those cues,” Welling told PsyPost.

“This is not a conscious perception, however, because when asked which woman had a greater chance of conceiving, the men were no better than chance at choosing the correct face. In other words, men seem to be rating women as more attractive when they are fertile, but do not consciously link that preference to increased conception probability.”

Interestingly, the study highlighted that single men with lower sociosexuality (indicating a preference for long-term relationships) displayed a stronger preference for high-fertility faces. This finding suggests that men seeking long-term partnerships may prioritize mate quality and fertility cues more than their short-term counterparts.

“We also found that single men who reported being less open to unrestricted, casual sex had a higher preference for cues to fertility than did other men,” Welling explained. “This suggests that men who are less open to casual sex and are using more of a long-term mating strategy may benefit from being more discerning about a potential partner than men who are more open to casual sex and short-term mating strategies.”

However, the study did not find any evidence to support the Paternal Investment Hypothesis — the idea that men who are more attracted to fertility cues in women are more likely to engage in mate retention tactics, especially those that involve costs to their partner. In other words, there was no link between a man’s preference for women displaying signs of high fertility and his willingness to use tactics like jealousy or possessiveness to keep his partner from being interested in other potential mates.

Men’s relationship status, whether single or partnered, also did not significantly influence their preference for high-fertility faces. Both groups exhibited a similar level of preference for these cues.

“We investigated the influence of a few other variables, including mate quality, partner quality, and cost-inflicting mate-retention tactics, which refers to jealous behaviors that inflict a cost of some kind on a mate, such as violence,” Welling told PsyPost. “None of these other variables related to preference for cues to fertility.”

While this study has unearthed intriguing findings about men’s preferences for women’s fertility cues, there are some limitations to note. For instance, the research focused exclusively on facial cues, overlooking other sensory cues like scent and voice, which have been shown to play a role in mate selection.

“This study is the first to look into these sources of variation in the strength of men’s preferences for cues to fertility in women,” Welling said. “It is, however, somewhat preliminary and a great deal remains to be investigated, including other aspects of male mating psychology.”

“Also, we used facial photographs of the same women at different points in their menstrual cycles, but future research could look at other cues, such as changes in scent, gait, or behavior. This work also doesn’t consider variation in the expression of ovulatory cues by women. Just like men appear to vary in how much they prefer cues to fertility, women may vary in how well they signal fertility, and the sources of that variation should also be investigated.”

“Demonstrating that some men can better detect cues to ovulation and show a greater preference for these cues relative to other men opens up a fruitful area for future study in understanding the evolution of human mate preferences,” Welling concluded. “There’s a lot we still don’t understand about our own mating psychology.”

The study, “A Preliminary Investigation Into Individual Differences that Predict Men’s Preferences for Cues to Fertility in Women’s Faces“, was authored by Lisa L. M. Welling and Alex Orille.

Low dosage combination treatment with metformin and simvastatin inhibits obesity-promoted pancreatic cancer development in male KrasG12D mice

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly lethal disease with limited therapeutic options, may benefit from repurposing of FDA-approved drugs in preventive or interceptive strategies in high-risk populations. 

Previous animal studies demonstrated that the use of metformin and statins as single agents at relatively high doses restrained PDAC development. Here, four-week-old mice expressing KrasG12D in all pancreatic lineages (KC mice) and fed an obesogenic high fat, high calorie diet that promotes early PDAC development were randomized onto low dosage metformin, simvastatin, or both drugs in combination administered orally. 

Dual treatment attenuated weight gain, fibro-inflammation, and development of advanced PDAC precursor lesions (pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia [PanIN]-3) in male KC mice, without significant effect in females or when administered individually. 

Dual-treated KC mice had reduced proliferation of PanIN cells and decreased transcriptional activity of the Hippo effectors, YAP and TAZ, which are important regulators of PDAC development. Metformin and simvastatin also synergistically inhibited colony formation of pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. 

Together, our data demonstrated that a combination of low doses of metformin and simvastatin inhibits PDAC development and imply that both drugs are promising agents for being tested in clinical trials for preventing pancreatic cancer progression.

Ultra efficient design homes use 90% less energy

Ultra-efficient design homes are built with a focus on minimizing energy consumption and maximizing energy efficiency. These homes incorporate various design principles, technologies, and materials to significantly reduce energy usage compared to conventional homes. While the exact energy savings can vary depending on the specific design and features, it is not uncommon for ultra-efficient homes to achieve energy savings of around 90% or more.

These homes typically employ a combination of features such as:

1. High levels of insulation: Thick insulation, including insulation in walls, floors, and roofs, helps to minimize heat transfer and maintain a stable indoor temperature.

2. Energy-efficient windows and doors: Windows and doors with advanced glazing, low-emissivity coatings, and proper sealing minimize heat loss or gain and improve overall thermal performance.

3. Air sealing and ventilation: Airtight construction, combined with mechanical ventilation systems, helps to prevent unwanted air leakage and maintain a controlled indoor environment.

4. High-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation systems: Ultra-efficient homes often incorporate energy-saving HVAC systems, including geothermal heat pumps, radiant floor heating, and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) systems.

5. Energy-efficient lighting and appliances: The use of LED lighting and ENERGY STAR-rated appliances reduces electricity consumption compared to traditional lighting and appliances.

6. Renewable energy systems: Many ultra-efficient homes integrate renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines to generate clean electricity on-site.

By implementing these and other energy-saving strategies, ultra-efficient design homes can achieve substantial reductions in energy consumption, resulting in significant cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint.

It's important to note that achieving such high energy savings requires careful planning, construction expertise, and investment in energy-efficient technologies. Additionally, the specific energy savings achieved can vary based on factors such as climate, occupant behavior, and the size and layout of the home.

Net Metering

Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows individuals or businesses with renewable energy systems, such as solar panels, to receive credit for any excess electricity they generate and feed back into the grid. Under net metering, the energy meter "nets out" the electricity consumed from the grid against the electricity generated by the renewable energy system.

When the renewable energy system produces more electricity than is being consumed on-site, the excess electricity is fed back into the grid, and the meter records this as a credit. This credit can then be used to offset the electricity consumed from the grid during times when the renewable energy system is not generating enough power, such as at night or during periods of low sunlight.

Net metering allows individuals or businesses to reduce their electricity bills by effectively using the grid as a virtual battery. It provides an incentive for the installation of renewable energy systems by enabling the owners to offset their electricity costs and potentially earn savings over time.

It's important to note that the specific regulations and policies related to net metering can vary between countries and regions. The eligibility criteria, credit values, and program details may differ depending on the jurisdiction.

What is electrical power distribution and how does it work?

What is electrical power distribution, and how does it work?

Electrical power distribution is the final stage in the delivery of electricity. Electricity is carried from the transmission system to individual consumers.

The electrical distribution system consists of three major components:

1. Generation: Electricity is generated at power plants, which can be fueled by coal, natural gas, nuclear power, hydroelectric power, or other sources.

2. Transmission: Electricity is transmitted from power plants to distribution substations over high-voltage transmission lines.

3. Distribution: Electricity is distributed from distribution substations to individual consumers over low-voltage distribution lines.

The distribution system is a complex network of wires, transformers, and other equipment that is essential to the delivery of electricity to homes and businesses. The system must be able to handle the large amount of electricity that is used by consumers, and it must be able to do so safely and reliably.

The distribution system is divided into two main parts:

1. Primary distribution: Primary distribution lines carry electricity from distribution substations to large consumers, such as factories and businesses.

2. Secondary distribution: Secondary distribution lines carry electricity from 

distribution substations to individual homes and businesses.

Primary distribution lines are typically high-voltage lines that are located above ground. Secondary distribution lines are typically low-voltage lines that are located underground or below ground.

The distribution system is a vital part of the electrical grid. It is responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses, and it plays a critical role in the economy.

Here are some of the key components of an electrical power distribution system:

1. Distribution substations: Distribution substations are located throughout the distribution system. They connect the transmission system to the distribution system, and they also provide voltage regulation and protection for the distribution system.

2. Transformers: Transformers are used to step up or down the voltage of electricity. This is necessary because the voltage of electricity that is transmitted over long distances is much higher than the voltage that is used by homes and businesses.

3. Distribution lines: Distribution lines are the wires that carry electricity from distribution substations to homes and businesses. Distribution lines can be either overhead or underground.

3. Switchgear: Switchgear is used to control the flow of electricity in the distribution system. This is necessary to protect the system from overloads and to ensure that electricity is delivered to the right places.

4. Metering: Metering is used to measure the amount of electricity that is used by homes and businesses. This information is used to bill customers for their electricity usage.

The electrical power distribution system is a complex and essential part of the electrical grid. It is responsible for delivering electricity to homes and businesses, and it plays a critical role in the economy.

 

Norway opens world's biggest floating wind plant

OSLO, Norway -Norway inaugurated the world’s biggest floating wind park in the North Sea on Wednesday, an emerging technology considered promising for the transition from fossil fuels to green energy.

The Hywind Tampen field is made up of 11 turbines producing up to 8.6 megawatts each, providing five neighbouring oil-and-gas platforms with about 35 percent of their energy needs.

The field located some 140 kilometres (87 miles) offshore began production at the end of last year, but was officially inaugurated Wednesday by Norwegian Crown Prince Haakon and Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store.

“We and Europeans all need more electricity. The war in Ukraine has reinforced this situation,” Store said, quoted by Norwegian agency NTB.

“This electricity must be from renewable sources if Europe wants to reach its climate goals,” he said.

Unlike offshore wind turbines that are fixed to the seabed, floating turbines are, as their name suggests, mounted on a floating structure anchored to the seabed.

This makes it possible for them to be installed in deeper waters and further from the coast, where winds are more consistent and stronger.

They are however more expensive to build.

The construction of Hywind Tampen, in depths between 260 and 300 metres (853 to 984 feet), cost some 7.4 billion kroner ($691 million).

“Yes it’s expensive, but someone has to lead the way,” the prime minister said.

The project is owned by Norway’s state-owned oil groups Equinor and Petoro, Austria’s OMV, the Norwegian subsidiary of Italy’s Eni dubbed Var Energi, Germany’s Wintershall DEA and Japan’s Inpex.