Condoms That Change Color In Contact with STD Win Tech Award

The old adage goes that teenagers think about sex constantly, but there are at least a few out there who have expressed a very keen interest in the particulars of safe sex.

Three British teens—two 14-year-olds and one 13-year-old—have proposed an idea for a new type of condom that could detect sexually transmitted diseases amongst intimate partners. The Washington Post explains:

There would be antibodies on the condom that would interact with the antigens of STDs, causing the condom to change colors depending on the disease…For instance, if the condom were exposed to chlamydia, it might glow green — or yellow for herpes, purple for human papilloma virus and blue for syphilis.

The proposal won the trio the top prize in the U.K.’s TeenTech Awards, and they have already reportedly been approached by condom companies.

The idea, however, is not without its imperfections. It seems unclear whether the STIs would be detected in just the user’s partner or also the user as well. In addition, there’s the awkward question of what would happen if the condom came into contact with two or more STDs—not to mention the logistical difficulties of figuring out a way to determine the color with sufficient opportunity to make use of those findings.

Nevertheless, if teens are going to think about sex, it’s tough to quibble with them spending more time thinking about ways to make is safer.

Exercise May Make You GAIN Weight ~ Scientists

Exercise may make you GAIN weight: People eat nearly a quarter more after a work out because 'they feel like they deserve it'.

Many of us complain of slaving away in the gym without seeing any benefit to our waistline.
But scientists may finally have the answer to this phenomenon.

Although it may seem counter-intuitive, research suggests exercising could cause people to gain weight.

A group of volunteers increased their portion sizes by nearly a quarter following a sweaty work out.

Researchers believe people overindulge after a gym session because they believe they 'deserve it'.
And this may explain why people can struggle to lose weight even after exercising regularly, they added. 

The research was carried out by Loughborough University, which boasts Sebastian Coe, Paula Radcliffe and Clive Woodward among its sporting alumni. 

And this may explain why people can struggle to lose weight even after exercising regularly, they added. 

The research was carried out by Loughborough University, which boasts Sebastian Coe, Paula Radcliffe and Clive Woodward among its sporting alumni. 

When it comes to weight loss aside from what we eat, a critical factor is how much we eat,' study author and senior lecturer in nutrition Dr Lewis James said.

'The results of the present study suggest that knowledge of a future exercise session results in an increase in planned energy intake at a meal after exercise, at least in habitual exercisers.'

The researchers had 40 volunteers, half of which were women, take part in an aerobic class at least three times a week.

The NHS recommends all adults aged between 19 and 64 should take part in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.

Examples of such activity includes brisk walking, cycling, rollerblading, hiking or volleyball.

Alongside the 150 minutes, each adult should perform strength exercises on at least two days each week, targeting the major muscles.

However, the NHS also says that 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity is fine for those who cannot commit to 150 minutes of moderate activity.

Examples of aerobic activity include running, tennis, football, rugby or rope skipping.

A mix of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity is also recommended.

The participants were also weighed, and asked how much they eat after a work out and on a 'rest day'.

Writing in the journal Appetite, the researchers said: 'Individuals chose a larger portion size - a 24 per cent increase in energy content of food served [after classes].

'This increase in planned energy intake might attenuate the negative energy balance induced by exercise, and consequently might reduce any weight loss with chronic exercise training.'

The participants also upped their lunch-time portions by 150 calories after working out, the research found.

And the scientists warn repeating this at dinner would more than outweigh any benefit of exercising.

Chocolate consumption was also up by 20 per cent, with the female volunteers helping themselves to slightly more than the men.

Speaking of the effect this has on people's figures, the researchers wrote: 'Typically, there is an initial weight loss.

'However, after this, the rate of weight loss attenuates, or weight becomes stable over time.

'This finding suggests aerobic exercise might impact meal planning, at least in regular exercisers, which might account for some of the reasons behind stabilisation of weight loss.'

But when exercise is combined with a healthy diet, it is an effective way to lose weight, they stress.

'Statistics suggest the prevalence of overweight and obesity continue to rise, with 61 per cent of UK adults currently classified as overweight or obese,' Dr James said.

'Weight gain occurs due to energy intake greater than energy expenditure, leading to accumulation of fat in adipose tissue.

'Increasing physical activity, particularly aerobic activity, is one method of increasing energy expenditure that has been suggested to assist with weight management'.

DM