March 2014 Psychology News

Talking About Same-Sex Marriage With Anti-Gay Voters Can Shift Opinions

A study from UCLA and Colombia University found a strong correlation between face to face conversations between gay marriage supporters and opponents, which can result in long lasting shifts in views on marriage equality, even amongst members of the household who did not participate.

Scribd

April 2014 Psychology News

Why Women Fake Orgasms

This study looking at young single women concludes that there are four major reasons women fake orgasms:

  • Altruistic deceit (doing it for the guy to make him feel better)
  • Fear and insecurity (to avoid feeling bad about the experience)
  • Elevated arousal (for her own arousal)
  • Sexual adjournment (wanting it to be over)

Archives of Sexual Behavior

 

Do Girls Really Prefer Pink?

Girls toys are often pinkly hued, but is it a socially inspired choice?

Slate

April 2014 Biology News

Lab Grown Vaginas

A follow-up study on the successful implantation of vaginas into girls between 13 and 18 who lacked fully functional ones due to a rare disorder.

Scientific American

 

Female Breast Microbiome

A new study, the first of its kind, shows interesting differences between the female breast microbiome and the rest of the body. It could have important links to breast cancer, infant immunity, and other issues.

Bacterial microbiota of human breast tissue

 

Breast Cancer and Fertility Drugs

A new 30 year study finds little evidence for a link between modern fertility drug use and breast cancer.

Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention

 

FDA Panel Recommends Replacement for the Pap Test

The traditional Pap test used since 1955 has saved many lives, but a new and better test might replace it.

New York Times