>>1
I've exactly the opposite feeling. Modern publications use a lot advanced math and theories (often cross-referencing neighbor disciplines), which were present earlier. Try following Fermat Theorem proof and compare it to Pythagoras Theorem proof.
It goes so far that astrophysics and neurophysiology work with similar structures:
http://old.postworthy.com/ContributorImages/neuron-galaxy.jpg
so expect future publications be even more harder, crossdisciplinary and abstract.