# 172: Science Highlights Daily | 2019-01-31

This is a curated articles about the latest discoveries in science and interesting articles tackling technology and society.

Gum disease and Alzheimer’s: Your questions answered: Debora MacKenzie

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People are questioning a landmark study suggesting that a bacterium involved in gum disease may also cause Alzheimer's. Here's what you need to know about the study

Vaping beats nicotine gum at helping people quit smoking: Clare Wilson

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In a head-to-head test, vaping was more effective at helping people quit smoking than nicotine patches and gum

People are seeking sperm donors online, but are the risks worth it?: Clare Wilson

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Meeting your sperm donor offers a more personal experience, but the medical and legal complications might outweigh the benefits

Black holes eat negative energy and vomit out huge powerful jets: Leah Crane

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Many black holes shoot out powerful jets of plasma and radiation, and they may be partially powered by strange particles that appear to have negative energy

Siberian cave reveals secrets of its mysterious Denisovan inhabitants: Colin Barras

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Denisova cave in Siberia was home to an ancient group of humans – and now we get a glimpse of some of the beautiful artefacts they left behind

So far 2019 has set 33 records for heat, but none for cold: Sam Wong

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While North America is gripped by a polar vortex, no cold records have been broken. Meanwhile, 33 records for heat have been set this month in the southern hemisphere

Loot boxes in games like Fortnite are gambling and should be regulated: Rebecca Cassidy

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[Virtual winnings in video games don’t count as betting in the UK. Regulators must recognise that children are being exposed to gambling, says Rebecca Cassidy

 ](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2192389-loot-boxes-in-games-like-fortnite-are-gambling-and-should-be-regulated/)

Mind-reading implant can decode what your ears are hearing: Clare Wilson

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Electrodes put into the brain have decoded what people are hearing – the next step could be to read their thoughts

Can scanning books really reveal if the US is becoming more tolerant?: Chelsea Whyte

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An analysis of books shows that cultural norms are loosening in the US, but it may be missing the views from underrepresented groups in publishing

We may finally know what causes Alzheimer’s – and how to stop it: Debora MacKenzie

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Evidence is growing that a bacteria involved in gum disease causes Alzheimer's, raising hopes over new kinds of treatments that are currently undergoing testing