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The newest line of Ken dolls come with dad-bods, and man-buns
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This photo combo of images provided by Mattel shows a variety of Ken dolls now available from Mattel. Mattel announced Tuesday, June 20, 2017, that the company is introducing 15 new looks for the male doll, giving him new skin tones, body shapes and hair styles. The makeover is part of the toy companys plan to make its dolls more diverse and try to appeal to todays kids, many of whom would rather pick up an iPad than a doll. Barbie received a similar overhaul more than a year earlier. (Courtesy of Mattel via AP) - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
DeseretNews.com Web Team
Published: Jun 22, 2017, 1:01 PM
The newest line of Ken dolls come with "dad-bods," and "man-buns."

Prepare to see the Ken doll go next generation.

As USA Today reported, the latest version of the Ken doll will fit the new generation, sporting both a man-bun and a dad-bod.

The new Ken will be part of a new series of dolls called The New Crew.

Specifically, the New Gen Ken will include 15 different versions of the doll that includes three different body types (broad, slim and original), and with various outfit choices, like casual, tropical and more.

"By continuing to expand our product line, we are redefining what a Barbie or Ken doll looks like to this generation," Lisa McKnight, Barbie's senior vice president and general manager, said in a press release, according to ABC. "Evolving Ken was a natural evolution for the brand and allows girls to further personalize the role they want him to play in Barbies world."

Mattel announced the new dolls in a Facebook post.

Mattel also unveiled the new dolls on Good Morning America on Tuesday, showing off the various new Next Gen dolls, one of which appears to be a millennial hipster.

According to USA Today, Mattel hopes to boost Barbie sales with the decision.

Last year, the company introduced a diverse group of Barbies, which led to a 7 percent overall sales increase, Fortune reported.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.