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Researchers have identified a new species of pocket shark from the Gulf of Mexico, which uses it’s pouches to squirt a fluorescent fluid to conceal it from prey or predators.

The tiny shark found almost 10 years ago has turned out to be a new species, and we don’t know what to think of it. Is it cute, is it terrifying?

The American pocket shark is named after the pouches it has near it’s front fins rather than it’s diminutive size, and was collected during a survey to find out what sperm whales eat nearly a decade ago.

The five-and-a-half inch male shark has five features which aren’t found on any other known specimen of this king

pocket shark
Image: Tulane researcher Michael Doosey

The mysterious pouches squirt little glowing clouds into the ocean, according to scientists studying the creature.

The details of the latest species are described in the journal Zootaxa by Mark Grace of the NMFS Mississippi Laboratories of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Henry Bart and Michael Doosey of the Tulane University Biodiversity Research.

On the discovery, Grace said: “I’ve been in science about 40 years and I can usually make a pretty good guess about a marine animal’s identity. I couldn’t with this one.”

Grace then turned to experts at Tulane University and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, and the Florida Museum of Natural History at the University of Florida.

Tulane researcher Michael Doosey/Mark Grace at the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration

A 2015 paper identified the shark as only the second of it’s kind, but it took four more years of analysing the creature to make sure that it was a brand new species.

“The fact that only one pocket shark has ever been reported from the Gulf of Mexico, and that it is a new species, underscores how little we know about the Gulf – especially its deeper waters – and how many additional new species from these waters await discovery,” Henry Bart said.

Identifying the shark involved examining and photographing external features with a dissecting microscope, studying x-ray images and high resolution CT scans.

Somehow we don’t think it’ll be this cute, despite the name:

great white shark GIF

Feature image:  Tulane researcher Michael Doosey

You can keep on exploring about sharks and find many other animal facts on FactRetriever 

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We've all experienced the highs and lows of Facebook, but recently it seems like the lows are endless.

From controversy surrounding Mark Zuckerberg, reports of paying children for labour to eavesdrop on conversations and using our own data for the company's agenda, it seems like the drama ain't worth the effort.

Now, researchers at New York University and Stanford University are saying that deactivating Facebook for just FOUR WEEKS can lead to a big improvement in people's mental health.

The researchers focused their study on the impact of quitting the social network on their mental health and behaviour.

The Welfare Effects of Social Media took place in the lead-up to the 2018 midterm elections in the US and 2,844 users took part in the study. The participants used the platform for over 15 minutes per day.

When the candidates deactivated their Facebook accounts, there was a noticeable increase in offline activities, like socialising with friends and family members.

Their well-being was also boosted, but the people involved were less informed about current events.

Image: Fossbytes

Researchers also discovered that anyone who deactivated their Facebook accounts were more likely to see a consistent reduction in their use of the social media app after the experiment concluded.

The authors wrote; "Our study offers the largest-scale experimental evidence available to date on the way Facebook affects a range of individual and social welfare measures,"

"Deactivation caused people to appreciate Facebook’s both positive and negative impacts on their lives," they said.

In a statement to The Washington Post a spokesperson for Facebook said its teams are working on creating meaningful connections across its platform. "This is one study of many on this topic and is should be considered that way," they said

Feature image; Gizbot

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Many of us know the 'symptoms' of falling in love; dry mouth, racing heartbeat, nervous sweating (hey- no judgement here) and even dizziness.

Be it love at first sight, a lustful locking of eyes across the room, fizzling sexual chemistry or even just plain HORMONES; it's a massively powerful experience.

Seeing as Valentine's Day, dread it or delight in it, is only 31 days away, we've decided to get our reading glasses on and find the science behind LURVE.

We're not the only publication carrying out extensive and important research into Cupid; scientists at the University of California have delved deeper to attempt to discover what happens to our bodies.

Apparently, that euphoric high that can occur when the flame is lit might be due to your GENES, according to Stylist.

The University of California were itching to discover how love affects the genes which control our immune systems, and took blind samples from 47 young women as they engaged in brand new relationships.

Genetic changes were monitored as the women fell in love over the course of two years with a new partner, and the scientists recently published their findings in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

According to the researchers; “Falling in love is one of the most psychologically potent experiences in human life. New romantic love is accompanied not only by psychological changes, but physiological changes as well.”

feel better in love GIF

The journal claims that when the women in their sample fell in love, their genes produces interferon- a protein most commonly deployed to fight viruses within the human body. 

"These findings are consistent with a selective up-regulation of innate immune responses to viral infections… and provide insight into the immuno-regulatory correlates of one of the keystone experiences in human life,” the scientists claim.

As women later fell out of love with their respective partners, their production of interferon was reduced. WHOA.

The experts assert that; “Some research suggests that psychological changes associated with romantic love may be attenuated as the relationship matures,” the experts said.

“The biological correlates of love might abate with the maturation of a longer-term more stable mate bond.”

jim carrey love GIF

Though the scientists don't yet know the exact reason for women producing an increase of interferon, they're pondering the idea that it may be to prepare for PREGNANCY. Whoa x2. 

Researchers now believe that men's genetic response probably isn't the same as women's. Typical lads.

Previous scientific investigations found that both regions of our brains interact as we fall deeply in lurve.

The 'feel good' neurotransmitter dopamine is distributed across our brains when the ventral tegmental area and caudate nucleus work in tangent with each other. 

Basically, in English this means that as we become romantically involved with someone, we start craving their presence.

The craving gets deeper as we fall more deeply in love with them, hence the feeling of lovesick obsession.

i love you GIF

Experiencing heartbreak can also affect our bodies, apparently.

No, not just bloating from all that Ben & Jerry's.Though that's a definite contributing factor…

Intense rejection activates the area of our brains that deal with physical pain, and research alleges that our bodies are literally more physically sensitive when we go through a break-up or romantic rejection.

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If you are unfamiliar with the term 'reproductive coercion', it's essentially when another person has more control over your reproductive health than yourself.

Hilary Freeman of The Guardian is now reporting that more women than imagined have no idea that reproductive coercion is a form of abuse.

Studies have revealed that a shocking one-in-four women who attend sexual health clinics report coercion over their reproductive lives, including 'contraceptive sabotage', such as covert condom removal.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Marie Stopes Australia (@mariestopesaus) on

According to BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, available evidence about the abusive behaviour needs to be updated to 2017 and widen the spectrum of activities involved to include familial pressure, criminal activity and exploitation within sex trafficking.

As well as not being able to choose contraceptives to use or take control of their own reproductive health, reproductive control takes the form of contraceptive sabotage, such as convert condom removal or needling a hole in a condom. 

Not being able to decide whether to start or continue a pregnancy is a major factor, research shows, and the concept of reproductive control (especially over women's autonomy) by others was first described in 2010.

Women's experience of interference with their autonomy goes back centuries, arguably, but research indicates that younger women are particularly vulnerable, as well as those in the black community and racial minorities.

The practice is scarily common, with women having decisions taken away from them by partners, exploiters or family, invalidating consent.

One-in-four women attending sexual healthcare clinics are reporting persuasive methods, emotional blackmail, threatened or actual infidelity and physical violence predominantly perpetrated by male partners but also criminal gangs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by kindness_kangaroo (@kindness_kangaroo) on

Other examples of contraceptive sabotage include; partners lying about having a vasectomy or sterilisation, refusing to wear condoms, forceful removal of condoms, not using the withdrawal method properly, piercing barrier contraceptives or throwing away contraceptive pills.

Condom removal during sex is referred to as 'stealthing', and is now classified as sexual assault. Spiking drinks or food to induce abortion also was mentioned as occurrences.

The consequences are often emotionally difficult to bear; unintended or unwanted pregnancy, higher abortion risk, higher STI rates and emergency contraceptive usage.

Women in violent, abusive relationships prove especially vulnerable to reproductive coercion, but many are unaware that they are being subjected to reproductive control.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Marie Stopes Australia (@mariestopesaus) on

"The degree of control that a male partner can have will vary from mild to extreme. Milder amounts of control may not be perceived by the victim as unhealthy or abusive."

"Women in a long term relationship may become inured to significant levels of reproductive control," the study's authors write.

The study calls on healthcare professionals must play a crucial part in noticing and preventing this horrifically controlling behaviour.

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Research has discovered that ONE IN THREE women have heard the classic excuse of the condom being "too small to use."

We're feelin' pretty smug at this news, but we thought it would be three in three, to be honest…

A study has proven that just FOUR percent of people experienced problems with the condom legitimately not being big enough to use, despite so many women hearing the excuse. LOL.

golden girls condom GIF

Scientists were seeking to dispel the fallacy through their testing of condom sizes with an air compressor, and found that the condoms expanded to well over the average penis size.

The NHS and King's College London have previously said that the average size is 5.16 inches long.

However, engineering firm SGS Engineering maintain that the condoms measured roughly THREE FEET LONG by one foot wide when inflated to full capacity, so it seems a lot of men are telling fibs.

the 40 year old virgin hand GIF

A spokesperson for the engineering company who tested the barrier contraceptive said: “The condom, when inflated, would be approximately the same size as an Alsatian.”

A DOGGO. A REAL-LIFE BIG SIZED DOGGO. Let that sink in for a minute.

Researchers talked to 1,000 people in the UK to discover common attitudes to condom use, and found that only one-third of sexually active 18-24 year olds use condoms, and just 41 percent of sexually active folk across all age ranges use them. Alright then, do you want a baby/STI? Did you not see Mean Girls?

sex ed GIF

70 percent of those who were quizzed said they don't use a condom every time they have sex because they use another contraceptive method, such as the pill (24 percent of y'all are smart), withdrawal method (13 percent of y'all are stupid) and sterilisation (10 percent).

This is next level absurd; one in ten people said they didn't use condoms because of the WEIRD SMELL.

20 percent said the reason was discomfort, while 16 percent said it was because they reduced the pleasurably sensation, and 8 percent said they 'forgot'. Fools.

However, of the 70 percent of people who cited another contraception being used, one third just assumed that this was the case but there wasn't any proof. Mmmkay then. 

Half of people experienced an unplanned pregnancy because they didn't use condoms. See? Sex Ed is IMPORTANT people.

Condoms are up to 98 percent effective at protecting against STIs and unwanted pregnancies, 15 percent of people in the survey said they didn't trust condoms for fear of splitting.

Only three percent if these worries are based on this happening to them previously though.

andy samberg flirting GIF

A spokeswoman for SGS Engineering, Natalie Richardson, commented on the results;

 “The findings were surprising – particularly how anti-condom some men seemed to be, despite them not considering any other contraceptive methods."

“Potentially women are being told the excuse as a way of avoiding condom use because of sensation reasons. However, in most cases the risks far outweigh the benefits of ‘increased sensation’,” she added. Damn right they do.

happy the simpsons GIF

Ian Green of sexual health service organisation Terrence Higgins Trust said that the best way to protect against STIs remains to use condoms;

“There is the right condom out there for everyone. Penises come in a whole range of different shapes and sizes – and condoms do too. For example, if you do find standard condoms too small, then you should try a king size option."

“Last year we saw big jumps in rates of both gonorrhoea and syphilis, which is why more needs to be done to promote condom use, the range of different shapes and sizes available, and the importance of regular testing," he continued.

"This is particularly true among groups most affected by STIs in this country, which includes young people, gay and bisexual men, and people from BAME (black, Asian, and minority ethnic) communities.” 

The Family Planning Association, said regular sized condoms are suitable for most penis shapes and sizes.

Karen O’Sullivan, who has 30 years of experience working in sexual health wrote : “We would advise anyone who knows that regular condoms aren’t suitable for them, for whatever reason, to carry appropriate options with them so they can have safe sex."

Sexual health provider SH:24 said health providers need to move away from the “one size fits all” contraception mentality.

“When patients come into a clinic, they can often assume all condoms are the same size so we also want to see better education around choices and how to use condoms properly,“ they said.

It just goes to show, we need to massively step up when it comes to sexual health education, because myths are still circulating.

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'Trashy' films are considered to refer to low budget movies, badly made flicks and those which include explicit features within.

Think 21 Jump Street, John Tucker Must Die, Sharknado and pretty much any films featuring Adam Sandler.

For a long time, it has been assumed that people who enjoy watching films such as these were of low intelligence… rude much?

Luckily for us 'trashy' flick fans, a study published in Poetics: Journal of Empirical Research on Culture, the Media and the Arts has reversed the idea that only uncultured souls binge watch Mean Girls all day.

The research carried out investigated how the phrase 'trashy movies' in terms of pop culture could be utilised in a better way.

The online survey collected data from regular viewers of films considered trashy, and measured their intelligence and IQ. The result? They're darn ACADEMICS.

One reason why these films appealed to people with high IQ's was the ironic value of the badly made films, as well as the culturally subversive elements.

Trashy films can be less cautious with its use of plot-lines and execution, less rigid in structure, which is enjoyable for smart folk allegedly.

More original ideas and less clichés seemingly feature in badly made movies…interesting. *strokes chin* Trashy dramas with absurd plots and terrible acting can also be plain GAS to watch, it's so bad that it's good. 

There's a reason why the world and it's mother watched A Christmas Prince, and it ain't because of the acting lads.

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Calling all adorable puppers and their fabulous owners!

“Generation Pup” is an animal-friendly research project, and they are looking for puppy participants.

The study will be carried out by The Dog’s Trust, the largest dog welfare charity in the UK, and the University of Bristol.

It will observe canines as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood.

Researchers will monitor and study the health, welfare, and behaviour of dogs throughout their growth process. Sounds like a dream job, right?

They hope the groundbreaking project will teach us more about our canine companions and how they operate, leading to improved understanding of physical ailments and behavioural issues.

The research could also lead to better treatments and training procedures for our furry friends.

Suzie Carley, Executive Director at Dogs Trust, explained the potentially beneficial outcomes of “Generation Pup” further:

“This invaluable research will tell us so much more about our beloved canine companions, from behaviour issues to illness, and will give us a better understanding of the external factors that may dictate their entire lives.

“Not only will this study deliver vital insights on our dogs’ development from an early age but the results could pave the way for effective preventative measures to be put in place, or lead to new approaches for therapy or treatment for our dogs.”

The research project is asking dog owners across the UK and Ireland who have puppies 16-weeks-old or less to participate.

So, what are you waiting for? Sign up here to participate in improving our puppers' world.

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If you're looking for a reason to give up the cigarettes, this might be the sign you've been looking for.

Lung cancer mortalities in women will increase by 2030 warns a study conducted by the journal, Cancer research.

The prediction estimates that death rates among the female population will rise by almost half within the time frame.

This means that from 2015 to 2030, the disease affecting women in 52 countries will jump by 43 percent, claims the study.

Europe and the Oceania which includes countries such as New Zealand and Australia should pay particular attention to the research, as it indicates women in these nations are most likely to have the highest death rates from the deadly disease. 

Although Asia and America aren't far behind us, according to the data. 

"Different timelines have been observed in the tobacco epidemic across the globe,” said Dr Jose Martinez-Sanchez, the study’s lead author and an epidemiologist from UIC Barcelona.

“This is because it was socially acceptable for women to smoke in the European and Oceanic countries included in our study many years before this habit was commonplace in America and Asia, which reflects why we are seeing higher lung cancer mortality rates in these countries.”

The doctor drew a comparison between breast and lung cancer.

Doctor Martínez-Sánchez warned the majority of developed countries will be the "first to witness" lung cancer mortality rates surpass that of breast cancer. 

"While we have made great strides in reducing breast cancer mortality globally, lung cancer mortality rates among women are on the rise worldwide," said Martínez-Sánchez.

"If we do not implement measures to reduce smoking behaviours in this population, lung cancer mortality will continue to increase throughout the world."

However, the reality might be closer than we think as their study suggests in 26 countries of the 52 they reviewed, lung cancer rates are already higher than that of breast cancer.

In order to carry out their research, the group analysed the World Health Organisation records of breast and female lung cancer mortalities between 2008 to 2014. 

The team did encounter some restrictions to their work as Africa could not be included due to insufficient information being available. 

Additionally, the research could not account for changes in lifestyle from conventional cigarettes to electronic cigarettes, which could impact trends.

Future screening technology and therapeutics may also lower mortality rates, said the doctor. 

Either way, whether you're a social or chain smoker – you may want to give up for good if this study is anything to go by. 

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Sleep! Don't sleep. Drink! Don't drink. Exercise! But not too much.

In the world we live in, it seems like every corner of the Internet is telling us something different. 

'Researchers' and 'scientists' who have been conducting studies for years on end will tell you the best way to live your life.

The best way to go to sleep at night.  The best way to eat your greens. The best way to have sex.

But, what do any of them know about you?

A recent article featured on Refinery29 brought up the issue of 'social jet lag'.

A research paper published in the science journal Sleep, said that sleeping in at the weekend or on days off is detrimental to your health.

"This routine is actually causing chronic fatigue and often triggers a terrible mood. Even worse, a new study reveals that this form of 'jet lag' can increase your risk of heart disease by 11 percent," explains R29.

I'm speaking for myself here when I say I couldn't be more delighted when I sleep in, and my mood is definitely boosted with an extra hour in bed.

The lead author of the study, Sierra B. Forbush, said: "These results indicate that sleep regularity, beyond sleep duration alone, plays a significant role in our health."

At first glance of this study, I would look away immediately. As I said above, I love nothing more than sleeping in at the weekend, and I bask in the glory of my bed when I have a day off.

And even though they are just my own views, a study published in New Scientist backs them up.

Just last month, the research paper found that brain cells ware out and can be destroyed if we're sleep deprived.

Experts suggested that lying in was a great way to combat this issue, which can lead to Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.

So, who is right? Who should we believe? To sleep or not to sleep.

Alcohol is another tricky one. A study popped up this week claiming that "even moderate drinking can damage the brain."

It explains that even if you drink a mild amount of alcohol over the space of 30 years, the right side of your brain can shrink from its intake.

"The findings do contradict a common belief that a glass of red wine or champagne a day can protect against damage to the brain,” said one of the researchers.

However, another study published just last week said, "a glass of red wine every night may help people with their cholesterol and cardiac health."

A quick scan through EurekAlert, a science news website, shows similar views; 'Red wine compound linked to health!', 'Drinking with friends makes you happy!', 'Wine with dinner can improve the cardiovascular system!'

We're living in an age where people have the tools (hello, Internet) to voice their numerous opinions and 'findings', and while this can be a fantastic thing, it also lends itself to utter sh*te.

Something that is good for you may not be good for the person sitting beside you.

Sleeping in on Saturday morning is your saving grace, but could be Hell for your sister.

Drinking a glass of wine might calm you down, but make another person anxious.

I'm going to stop concentrating so much on what the Internet is telling me and concentrate more on what my body is telling me.

If I'm tired and want to sleep, I will sleep. If I'm sitting in on a rainy Tuesday night and fancy a glass of vino, I will drink it, happily.

While it can be great and beneficial to read these studies, believing every word will only send you into a spiral.

So, drink the wine, Sleep in. Eat chocolate. Listen to your body, and just do you.

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I must admit that I struggle to get through the day without my regular cup of coffee. I need that cup of joy to help wake me up in the morning, especially with a lengthy commute ahead of me.

I’m sure I’m not the only one who turns into an angry little gremlin without my caffeine fix, whether it’s a flat white from my favourite local cafe or a mug of instant coffee at 6 am.

I’m a true coffee addict and pride myself on being just like Lorelai Gilmore. “I need coffee in an IV” has become my new motto since I started working full time.

There are times when I do worry about my daily coffee consumption, but one study has certainly reassured me.

Researchers in Germany have discovered that drinking four cups of coffee a day is actually good for your heart.

The team shared that caffeine helps protect blood vessels.

The study, which was published in PLOS Biology, stated that caffeine boosts the production of the p27 protein that protects and regenerates heart cells.

"Our results indicate a new mode of action for caffeine, one that promotes protection and repair of heart muscle through the action of mitochondrial p27,” said study author, Professor Judith Haendeler.

"These results should lead to better strategies for protecting heart muscle from damage,” he added.

There are numerous other benefits when it comes to drinking a Cup of Joe such as boosting cognitive function and protecting against type 2 diabetes.

Experts recommend drinking two to three cups of coffee each day, or if you’re like me then feel free to channel your inner Lorelai Gilmore and drink all the coffee!

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With Father’s Day just around the corner (Sunday, June 17th…), it’s time to get your thinking cap on so that main man in your life doesn’t end up opening ANOTHER pair of socks.

Taxi drivers, chefs and carriers-of-all things heavy, we would be lost without the dads in our lives, and they absolutely deserve to be treated to something nice.

And we’re not the only ones who think this!

According to MummyPages, mums will, on average, spend €68 on their Father’s Day gift – that’s €24 more than last year.

And, no, that’s not €68 worth of socks!

In fact, socks, ties, shirts, wallets, cufflinks and any chore-related tools were MummyPages mums’ least popular gifts.

This year, it’s all about the personalised gift – like plastering that absolute cringe family photo all over your dad’s new favourite mug!

“I am so happy to see personalised gifts almost topping the list of gift purchase ideas this Father’s Day. I have no doubt that every parent will testify to the fact that they always cherish a personalised gift, whether it is handmade or one that captures a special family moment,” Laura Erskine, Head of Community for MummyPages.ie said.

“Gifts that are personalised take a little bit more planning of course, so now is the time to get creative with handprints and crafts or selecting your favourite Daddy pictures from your camera roll. You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a personalised photo gift and a good example of that is the quality range of photo gifts from FujiFilm.

“These include photo mugs for Dad’s tea or coffee, photo blocks for Dad’s office desk, or a photo book of your family’s special moments with Dad, all starting from as little as €9.99.”

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Make of this information what you will, but according to new research, if you have a brother, you’re less likely to earn a high income.

Yep, according to researchers at Cornell University, your male siblings could be to blame for your low pay packet.

Researchers Angela Cools and Eleonora Patacchini found that women who had a brother or brothers had a 10 percent lower income than the average woman in her late 20s or early 30s.

However, if a woman had no brothers, the overall gender pay gap would likely be five percent smaller.

The researchers say: 'Siblings may affect each other indirectly, by changing parents’ investments or expectations for a particular child.'

'Siblings may also affect each other directly through their interactions with each other.'

Researchers believe this pay gap difference can be attributed to the fact that women with brothers tend to be more family-oriented and prioritise being in a committed relationship than those who have only sisters or no siblings.

Apparently, those who have brothers also tend to express more interest in having a family, also.

'We find that women with brothers have more traditional gender roles and family responsibilities,' an excerpt from the study explained.

Now we're not so sure if having male siblings influences our likelihood of having 'traditional values,' but the researchers examined a number of other factors.

These included differences in parental investment, cognitive abilities, parental expectations, or personality traits – but found no evidence that any of these contributed to the wage gap.

Despite the efforts to narrow the gender pay gap, researchers say women continue to earn less than men on both an annual and weekly basis.

Image result for what

Researchers say these findings could be crucial in narrowing the pay gap between men and women.

'By examining the role of sibling gender composition on women’s wages, we show that exogenous changes in family environments can lead women to adopt less sex-typed attitudes and behaviours, potentially reducing earnings gaps between men and women later in life,' the study reads.

We’re a bit disheartened to learn our beloved brothers might be the reason why we aren’t making the big bucks!

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