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To sleep deeply: The brainstem neurons that regulate non-REM sleep

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba identify brainstem neurotensinergic neurons as crucial for regulating non-REM (NREM) sleep. The study found that these neurons promote NREM sleep by producing the neuropeptide neurotensin, which also plays a role in pain and metabolism.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 23, 2020

New deep learning model can accurately identify sleep stages

A new deep learning model can identify sleep stages with high accuracy, opening up new avenues for diagnostics and treatment of sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea. The model's accuracies are equivalent to those of experienced physicians, but it has the benefit of being systematic and faster.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalIEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics·DateFeb 3, 2020
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Reward improves visual perceptual learning -- but only after people sleep

A new study suggests that reward only improves visual perceptual learning if participants follow up the task with sleep. The researchers found that reward reinforces neural circuits between reward and visual areas of the brain, which are then more likely to reactivate during sleep to facilitate task learning.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2020

Bern and Fribourg researchers identify neurons responsible for rapid eye movements/REM during sleep

Bern researchers have identified the neurons responsible for rapid eye movements (REM) during sleep, a characteristic of paradoxical sleep with high dream activity. The discovery was made by a team of scientists who found that activation of these neurons causes rapid eye movement and can be used to study the function of this phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019

Machine learning that works like a dream

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba created an AI program called MC-SleepNet to automatically classify mouse sleep stages, achieving 96.6% accuracy and high robustness against noise in biological signals. This system can significantly assist researchers by automating data annotation, accelerating research on sleep patterns.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 2, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study suggests women may be undertreated for obstructive sleep apnea

A recent study found that almost 60% of older men and women experienced sleep apnea during dream sleep, which is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Women were more likely to be undertreated for sleep apnea due to lower sensitivity to changes in ventilation and less airway collapsibility.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalSLEEP·DateNov 25, 2019

Rare sleep disorder common among veterans with PTSD

A new study found that military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to experience a rare sleep disorder called REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD), which is also linked to an increased risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease. Researchers hope that identifying patients with ...

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalSLEEP·DateOct 11, 2019

The brain may actively forget during dream sleep

A study suggests that REM sleep may prevent information overload by actively forgetting new, possibly unimportant information. Researchers found that MCH neurons in the brain play a role in controlling memory consolidation and preventing dream content from being stored.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalScience·DateSep 19, 2019

REM sleep silences the siren of the brain

Researchers found that restful REM sleep helps brain circuits adapt to stress, while restless REM sleep disrupts this process. This finding has significant implications for treating mental disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

One in 10 people have 'near-death' experiences, according to new study

A new study analyzing participants from 35 countries found that near-death experiences (NDEs) affect around 10% of people, with common reported symptoms including out-of-body sensations and hallucinations. The study also found an association between NDEs and Rapid Eye Movement sleep intrusion into wakefulness.

SourceSpink Health·DateJun 28, 2019

'Goldilocks' neurons promote REM sleep

Researchers discovered melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) neurons in the hypothalamus play a critical role in modulating REM sleep based on room temperature. Mice with functioning MCH neurons increase REM sleep when warmed, while those lacking the receptor show no such response.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 19, 2019

Study reveals brain marker for angry dreams

Researchers have identified a pattern of brain activity reflecting anger experienced during dreaming. The study found that frontal alpha asymmetry is related to anger in both wakefulness and dreams.

SourceUniversity of Turku·DateApr 16, 2019

Brain marker for angry dreams

A new study has identified a brain activity pattern, called frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), that predicts anger experienced during dreaming. Individuals with greater alpha-band brain activity in the right frontal cortex during REM sleep and pre-sleep wakefulness tend to have more angry dreams.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateApr 15, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

New brain research challenges our understanding of sleep

Researchers have uncovered large-scale brain patterns and networks that control sleep, revealing new insights into the complex processes of brain activity during sleep. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of sleep disorders such as insomnia.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 26, 2019

Applying a network perspective to human physiology

Researchers are developing a new paradigm called 'network physiology' that examines how organs communicate and adjust to each other. This approach has the potential to improve health monitoring techniques by capturing data streams from different organ systems.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateMar 4, 2019

Using sleep disorder to predict Parkinson's disease

A large multi-centre study of over 1,200 patients with REM sleep behaviour disorder found a high risk of Parkinson's disease progression and identified several strong predictors, including motor difficulties and mild cognitive impairment. The study's findings will improve clinical trial selection and therapy development.

SourceMcGill University·JournalBrain·DateMar 4, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Kicking, yelling during sleep? Study finds risk factors for violent sleep disorder

A study found that people taking antidepressants, having post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety are at risk of developing REM sleep behavior disorder. Men are also more likely to have the condition. Lifestyle factors such as education level, income, smoking status and moderate to heavy drinking habits were also linked to the disorder.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 26, 2018

Resting easy: Oxygen promotes deep, restorative sleep, study shows

Researchers found that high levels of oxygen encourage deep, restorative sleep by switching brains into a deactivated state. This stage is crucial for recovery, brain clearance, and memory consolidation, making it a key target for potential oxygen therapy in humans.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateDec 12, 2018

Babies kicking in the womb are creating a map of their bodies

A new study suggests that womb kicks may play a role in helping babies develop a sense of their own body. The research, published in Scientific Reports, found that brainwaves produced during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep fire in the corresponding hemisphere when a baby kicks its limbs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 30, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Do lizards dream like us?

Researchers confirm lizards enter two distinct sleep states similar to slow-wave and REM sleep in humans and other animals. However, the study reveals differences in brain activity between species, including slower eye movements and unique cerebral patterns in lizard brains.

SourceCNRS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 11, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Genes that regulate how much we dream

Researchers identified two essential genes involved in regulating REM sleep duration in mice. The knockout of these genes resulted in drastically decreased REM sleep and altered sleep patterns. This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying REM sleep, a crucial aspect of maintaining mental and physical health.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCell Reports·DateAug 28, 2018

Study of sleeping fur seals provides insight into the function of REM sleep

Researchers have found that fur seals spend most of their lives in the water and go without REM sleep for days or weeks, suggesting a functional connection between REM sleep and brain cooling. The study provides insight into the mysterious function of REM sleep and its potential role in regulating brain temperature.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 7, 2018

Better sleep, less fear

A study by Itamar Lerner and colleagues found that higher quality sleep patterns are associated with reduced activity in brain regions involved in fear learning. The researchers suggest that baseline sleep quality may be a useful predictor of susceptibility to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Love your beauty rest? You can thank these brain cells

A team of researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine has identified a type of neuron in the brains of mice that promotes sleep by turning off wake-promoting neurons. Lhx6-expressing cells play a central role in regulating both rapid eye movement and nonrapid eye movement sleep, with potential applications for treating various sleep disorders.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature·DateAug 29, 2017

Lack of REM sleep may lead to higher risk for dementia

A study published in Neurology found that less REM sleep and longer sleep latency are associated with a higher risk of developing dementia. Research followed 321 participants over 12 years, revealing a nine percent increase in all-cause dementia risk for each percentage reduction in REM sleep.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateAug 23, 2017

Less REM sleep tied to greater risk of dementia

A new study published in Neurology suggests that people who get less rapid eye movement (REM) sleep may have a greater risk of developing dementia. The researchers found a link between lower percentages of REM sleep and an increased risk of dementia, with every percent reduction resulting in a 9% increase in dementia risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 23, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Are learning and unlearning bedfellows?

Studies show that humans can learn new sounds while asleep, particularly during REM and N2 sleep phases. However, learned sounds are forgotten in deep sleep (N3) stage, suggesting a mechanism for unloading unnecessary memories. These findings reconcile two theories on sleep's role in memory consolidation.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 8, 2017

New AI algorithm monitors sleep with radio waves

A new AI algorithm developed by MIT researchers uses radio signals to monitor sleep stages without sensors attached to the body. The device analyzes reflections of radio waves off the person's body, eliminating irrelevant information using deep neural networks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 7, 2017

Connecting the dots between dreams and brain disease

A recent study by Dr. John Peever has found a link between REM sleep disorders and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease and Lewy bodies dementia. The research suggests that sleep disorders may be an early warning sign for these conditions, which can appear up to 15 years later.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 29, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Sleep-inducing herb: The key component identified

A study found that triethylene glycol (TEG), an active component of Ashwagandha, induces non-rapid eye movement sleep significantly and changes rapid eye movement sleep slightly. TEG's physiologically sound sleep is comparable to normal sleep, offering a potential natural solution for insomnia and related disorders.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 30, 2017

African elephants may be the shortest-sleeping mammals

Researchers tracked two African elephant matriarchs for 35 days and found they slept an average of 2 hours a day, with some periods lasting up to 46 hours without sleep. This unique sleep pattern raises questions about when elephants experience REM sleep.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

The ultimate power nap

Researchers tracked elephant sleep using Fitbits and found they slept mostly in the early morning, with environmental conditions influencing timing. The study suggests elephants may not dream daily like humans do, but rather every few days.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2017

Dietary prebiotics improve sleep, buffer impacts of stress, says study

Researchers found that dietary prebiotics improved non-REM sleep and REM sleep after stressful events in male rats. The prebiotic diet also maintained a healthy gut microbiota and normal body temperature fluctuations even after stress exposure.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 24, 2017

Advanced EEG analysis reveals the complex beauty of the sleeping brain

A new approach to analyze brainwaves during sleep using multitaper spectral analysis provides objective and high-resolution depictions of brainwave activity. This technique offers a paradigm shift allowing clinicians to move away from subjective sleep staging and harness the wealth of objective information contained within EEG data.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalPhysiology·DateFeb 7, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Poor sleep may increase risk for irregular heart rhythms

Research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2016 found that disrupted sleep, including insomnia, is independently associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation. The study analyzed data from three sources and showed a 26% higher risk for those who frequently woke up during the night.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 14, 2016

Genetic analysis identifies proteins controlling sleep in mice

Researchers identified mutations in genes controlling sleep in mice, revealing roles for NALCN and SIK3 proteins in regulating sleep need and maintaining REM sleep. The study used a genetic screening approach to isolate sleep phenotypes and mutated genes.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature·DateNov 2, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Is sufficient sleep the key to successful antidepressant response?

Researchers found that adults who spent eight hours in bed daily showed greater improvements on all fronts, including faster response to treatment and higher remission rates. In contrast, those who spent six hours in bed experienced no significant differences in treatment response.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateSep 7, 2016

New role of adenosine in the regulation of REM sleep discovered

A new study discovered that adenosine inhibits REM sleep by acting on specific receptors in the olfactory bulb. This finding suggests a link between REM sleep and odor perception, which may help treat diseases such as REM sleep behavior disorder. The research team hopes to explore adenosine as a potential treatment target for RBD.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateAug 31, 2016

First evidence of sleep in flight

Researchers found that birds can engage in slow wave sleep and rapid eye movement sleep while flying, with SWS occurring in one hemisphere or both hemispheres. The study revealed unique sleep patterns in flight, including the ability of birds to watch their surroundings while asleep.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Researchers find possible missing link between sleep and improved memory

A team of researchers at UC Riverside led by Sara C. Mednick found that the autonomic nervous system is responsible for promoting memory consolidation during sleep. They demonstrated a correlation between increased ANS activity and improved memory performance after a nap.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 14, 2016

Weight and diet may help predict sleep quality

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania found that body mass index, body fat percentage, and resting energy expenditure are not significant predictors of sleep stage duration. However, overweight adults spent more time in the rapid-eye movement (REM) stage of sleep than normal-weight adults.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJun 10, 2016

Rapid eye movement sleep: Keystone of memory formation

A study published in Science reveals that rapid eye movement (REM) sleep plays a crucial role in memory consolidation in mice. The research found that silencing neurons during REM sleep impaired spatial memory formation, suggesting a causal link between REM sleep and memory impairments observed in Alzheimer's disease.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·DateMay 13, 2016
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Disrupted REM sleep can derail memory formation

A new study in mice shows that REM sleep is essential for consolidating both contextual and emotional memories. Inhibiting theta oscillations during REM sleep kept mice from forming these memories, while disrupting them outside of REM sleep had no effect.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 12, 2016

Reptiles share sleep patterns with mammals and birds after all

A new study reveals that reptiles, like mammals and birds, experience REM and slow-wave sleep patterns. This discovery suggests a common ancestor for these sleep states, evolving over 300 million years ago in amniotes.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 28, 2016

Bearded dragons show REM and slow wave sleep

Scientists have discovered REM and slow-wave sleep in bearded dragons, a finding that suggests brain sleep dates back at least to the evolution of amniotes. The study's authors believe that this common origin is more plausible than convergent evolution, given the early branching out of reptiles.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateApr 28, 2016
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

How the brain consolidates memory during deep sleep

During deep sleep, hippocampal sharp-wave ripples and cortical slow oscillations interact to strengthen synapses and form long-term memory. The study provides a mechanistic explanation for memory consolidation during deep sleep.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateApr 14, 2016

Humans evolved to get better sleep in less time

Researchers found that humans are exceptionally short sleepers, getting an average of seven hours of sleep per night, whereas other primates need up to 17 hours. Human sleep is also more efficient, spending less time in light stages and more in deeper stages.

SourceDuke University·JournalEvolutionary Anthropology Issues News and Reviews·DateDec 14, 2015