Lubrication

Urethral sounding: why some people find it pleasurable to insert objects into their urinary tube

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, March 13, 2024

In case you’re wondering, the human urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.

Key Points: 
  • In case you’re wondering, the human urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.
  • Some people find it sexually pleasurable to insert objects – known as sounds, which are typically small glass or metal rods – or even fluid into the urethra.
  • Many objects have been used for sounding, however, and that’s one of the reasons the practice is so hazardous.
  • The urethra is a narrow outflow tube, usually less than 9mm wide, so squeezing objects into it isn’t usually recommended.
  • Megalouretha can lead to retention of objects in the urethra or bladder from clinical examinations such as cervical screening.

Risky business

  • It takes several turns to pass through the pelvic floor muscles, prostate and then, if inserted far enough, the bladder.
  • Urethral damage exposes the underlying connective tissues which can cause blood in the urine, as well as erectile dysfunction and even bladder rupture.
  • Trauma and damage may lead to further narrowing of the urethra in later life which may require medical intervention.

Sounds painful

  • But sounding can be highly sexually gratifying for some people.
  • The arousal and subsequent stimulation of the erectile tissue of the penis and clitoris usually occurs through one of two mechanisms: psychogenic (images or thoughts) or reflexogenic (touching).
  • The reflexogenic pathway is served by nerves which also innervate the lining of the urethra – the dorsal nerve(s) of the penis or clitoris.


Adam Taylor does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Hexagonal Boron Nitride Market size to increase by USD 345.2 million between 2022 to 2027, 3M Co., American Elements, BORTEK Boron Technologies and Mechatronic Inc., and more among key companies, Technavio

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

3M Co: The company offers hexagonal boron nitride products such as cooling filler platelets.This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments.

Key Points: 
  • 3M Co: The company offers hexagonal boron nitride products such as cooling filler platelets.This report provides a full list of key companies, their strategies, and the latest developments.
  • Metals, graphite, ceramics, and organic materials are some of the key materials included in hexagonal boron nitride coatings.
  • The ability to withstand high temperatures up to 2750 degrees F is one of the key features of hexagonal boron nitride coatings.
  • The calcium hypochlorite market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 11.73% between 2023 and 2028.

Forever chemicals in ski wax are being spread on snowy slopes

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 12, 2024

Escaping to somewhere seemingly so pristine felt like a world away from where I grew up in London.

Key Points: 
  • Escaping to somewhere seemingly so pristine felt like a world away from where I grew up in London.
  • Certain PFAS are used in ski wax applied to skis and snowboards as lubrication.
  • A new study has found high PFAS concentrations in ski waxes and in the snow and soil sampled from popular skiing areas in Austria.

The problem with persistence

  • Because PFAS don’t break down easily, they can persist inside our bodies or in the environment for many years.
  • Some PFAS can be toxic to humans and wildlife, with links to cancers, developmental and reproductive problems, hormone disruption, diabetes and obesity.

A slippery slope?

  • In 2010, a Swedish study, found high levels of various PFAS in ski wax and in the blood of ski-waxing technicians.
  • The fascinating thing about the new study is the potential for these chemicals to transfer into the environment from recreational and professional skiing equipment.
  • The researchers highlight how the PFAS profiles (the combination of different PFAS found in each sample) differed between locations and sample types.
  • This variability was attributed to differences between ski waxes that had been manufactured at different times or in different places.

A class-based approach

  • This has invariably led to the replacement of banned chemicals with structurally similar ones.
  • If accepted by member states, it could prove a significant step towards the beginning of the end for forever chemicals.
  • But a ban that only applies to professional competition won’t stop PFAS chemicals from reaching the slopes.


Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?
Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 30,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.
Daniel Drage has previously worked on projects funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland. He is a Lecturer in Environmental Health at the University of Birmingham, and an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Queensland (Australia).

Zulu Pods, Inc. awarded Phase 2 contract by U.S. Army to continue development of its loss of lubrication technology with two major engine OEMs

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

has been awarded a Phase 2 contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) via FirePoint Innovations Center .

Key Points: 
  • has been awarded a Phase 2 contract from the U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Center (AvMC) via FirePoint Innovations Center .
  • The award will continue the partnership between ZPI and the Army focusing on further development of ZPI's novel loss of lubrication pod technology, the ZPod, aimed at enhancing rotorcraft combat survivability during loss of lubrication events for the next generation of military helicopters.
  • In Phase 2, ZPI will work closely with two major aerospace engine OEMs to continue lubrication testing on bearing hardware, begin digital product integration through engine interface design, and deliver an engine ready prototype for testing and evaluation by the end of 2024.
  • In Phase 1, ZPI conducted instrumented tests on its internal high-speed rig that culminated in the successful validation of its technology through a simulated loss of lubrication event.

InfinX Announces Chlorine-Compatible Specialty Fluids and Lubricants in Accordance with the Updated Chlorine Institute Pamphlet #164

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 8, 2024

The Chlorine Institute , established in 1924, recently updated their renowned Pamphlet #164 titled "Reactivity and Compatibility of Chlorine and Sodium Hydroxide with Various Materials."

Key Points: 
  • The Chlorine Institute , established in 1924, recently updated their renowned Pamphlet #164 titled "Reactivity and Compatibility of Chlorine and Sodium Hydroxide with Various Materials."
  • The updated pamphlet acknowledges the portfolio of InfinX and Halocarbon lubricants, oils, greases, and thread sealants demonstrated to be compatible for use in chlorine-related applications.
  • InfinX is revolutionizing the way specialty fluids and lubricants are purchased, particularly in bulk quantities.
  • Whether you are a key operator, purchasing manager or maintenance specialist within the chlorine or chlor-alkali industry, InfinX invites you to explore our full line of chlorine-compatible lubricants and specialty fluids.

Ero Copper's Tucumã Project Reaches Over 85% Physical Completion - On Track for First Copper Production in H2 2024

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 16, 2024

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ero Copper Corp. (TSX: ERO, NYSE: ERO) (the “Company”) is pleased to provide a construction update for the Tucumã Project (the "Project"), highlighting significant progress since October 2023. With physical completion now at over 85% and production of copper concentrate scheduled to commence in H2 2024, the Company has initiated the transition from construction to commissioning, as outlined below in the 2024 Commissioning Plan.

Key Points: 
  • With physical completion now at over 85% and production of copper concentrate scheduled to commence in H2 2024, the Company has initiated the transition from construction to commissioning, as outlined below in the 2024 Commissioning Plan.
  • "This is an exciting phase for Ero Copper as we prepare to bring Tucumã into operation later this year and anticipate consolidated copper production reaching over 100,000 tonnes in 2025.
  • Figure 1: January 2024 aerial view of advanced pre-stripping activities, which are 10% ahead of schedule and tracking towards completion at the end of Q1 2024.
  • Figure 5: Completed primary sub-station and power line with tie-in to the national grid as of January 2024.

Exotic Automation & Supply Appoints Tommy Marino to Vice President of Sales

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, January 9, 2024

NEW HUDSON, Mich., Jan. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Exotic Automation & Supply, a premier Parker Hannifin distributor, announced today they have appointed Tommy Marino as the company's Vice President of Sales, effective immediately. In his new role, Tommy will oversee the company's sales, product management & retail teams as well as continue his oversight of the company's growth & expansion opportunities.

Key Points: 
  • NEW HUDSON, Mich., Jan. 9, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Exotic Automation & Supply , a premier Parker Hannifin distributor, announced today they have appointed Tommy Marino as the company's Vice President of Sales, effective immediately.
  • In his new role, Tommy will oversee the company's sales, product management & retail teams as well as continue his oversight of the company's growth & expansion opportunities.
  • Tommy has proved himself as a leader and now is the time for him to lead our sales organization."
  • Tommy has proved himself as a leader and now is the time for him to lead our sales organization."

OKYO Pharma Announces OK-101 Successfully Achieved Statistical Significance for Both Sign and Symptom Endpoints in its First-in-Human Phase 2 Trial of OK-101 in Patients with Dry Eye Disease

Retrieved on: 
Monday, January 8, 2024

This first-in-human trial of OK-101 established a clear and informed path for further development in Phase 3 registration trials.

Key Points: 
  • This first-in-human trial of OK-101 established a clear and informed path for further development in Phase 3 registration trials.
  • The double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 2 trial was conducted at six sites in the U.S. and enrolled 240 subjects with DED dosed twice-daily (BID).
  • OK-101 First-In-Human trial establishes a clear clinical path for further clinical development in a Phase 3 study design using FDA recognized endpoints per the Dry Eye: Developing Drugs for Treatment Guidance for Industry.
  • A statistically significant improvement in blurred vision was also achieved at Day 29 (p = 0.01).

Ball Bearing Market to Attain a Valuation of USD 148.3 billion by 2031: Transparency Market Research Study

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 4, 2024

In terms of type, mounted bearing is projected to drive ball bearing market growth.

Key Points: 
  • In terms of type, mounted bearing is projected to drive ball bearing market growth.
  • A growing demand for metal ball bearings for automotive applications is likely to drive the market for ball bearings.
  • The ball bearing market is closely tied to industrial activities, including automotive, manufacturing, machinery, and aerospace sectors.
  • Economic development and globalization drive a growing number of manufacturing activities worldwide, increasing demand for machines and equipment incorporating ball bearings.

Ball Bearing Market to Attain a Valuation of USD 148.3 billion by 2031: Transparency Market Research Study

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 4, 2024

In terms of type, mounted bearing is projected to drive ball bearing market growth.

Key Points: 
  • In terms of type, mounted bearing is projected to drive ball bearing market growth.
  • A growing demand for metal ball bearings for automotive applications is likely to drive the market for ball bearings.
  • The ball bearing market is closely tied to industrial activities, including automotive, manufacturing, machinery, and aerospace sectors.
  • Economic development and globalization drive a growing number of manufacturing activities worldwide, increasing demand for machines and equipment incorporating ball bearings.