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Engineered mattress tricks your body to fall asleep faster

Researchers at UT Austin developed a unique mattress system that manipulates internal body temperature to facilitate sleep onset. The system, which combines warming and cooling functions, helps people fall asleep approximately 58% faster and improves the quality of sleep.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Sleep Research·DateJul 20, 2022

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, July 2022

The July issue of CHEST journal features 62 articles on clinically relevant topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal has received an Impact Factor of 10.262, an increase from 2020's Impact Factor of 9.410.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal·DateJul 18, 2022

Stress transmitter wakes your brain more than 100 times a night – and it is perfectly normal

New research from the University of Copenhagen shows that noradrenaline causes brief wake-ups during sleep, potentially leading to better memory and less anxiety. High levels of noradrenaline result in brief awakenings, while low levels promote deeper sleep.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 14, 2022
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.

Research reveals how brain inflammation may link Alzheimer’s risk, sleep disturbance

A recent study discovered that brain inflammation may be a key link between Alzheimer's disease risk and sleep disturbance. The research found that age-related increases in brain inflammation can disrupt fast sleep spindles, which are crucial for long-term memory retention. This disruption contributes to age-related memory impairment i...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJul 13, 2022

Even in sleep, your brain’s neurons are humming along to Mozart

A unique study of brain activity found that sound during sleep prompts a robust response from the brain, except in one key area where alpha-beta waves are attenuated. The findings could help understand how information is processed by the brain in unconscious states.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2022

Study shows social support key to quality sleep for people with multiple sclerosis

A study from the University of Kansas found that social support was crucial in predicting good sleep quality among individuals with multiple sclerosis. The research, conducted during the pandemic, revealed that tangible and positive social interaction support significantly predicted better sleep quality.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalMultiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders·TypeSurvey·DateJul 12, 2022
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.

Shift work increases the severity of strokes later in life

A new study published in Neurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms found that shift work can lead to long-lasting health effects, including increased severity of strokes. The research, led by Texas A&M University, suggests that disrupted internal body clocks can alter gut and brain interactions, leading to worse stroke outcomes.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNeurobiology of Sleep and Circadian Rhythms·TypeNews article·DateJul 12, 2022

Only 1 in 5 people in the U.S. has optimal heart health

A recent study published in Circulation Journal Report reveals that only 20% of U.S. adults and children have ideal cardiovascular health. The Life's Essential 8 checklist, updated by the American Heart Association, assesses heart health through eight key components, including diet, physical activity, and sleep duration.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJun 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

American Heart Association adds sleep to cardiovascular health checklist

The American Heart Association has revised its cardiovascular health checklist to include sleep duration as a key factor in ideal heart and brain health. The new Life's Essential 8 score replaces the previous Life's Simple 7 and assesses factors such as diet, physical activity, nicotine exposure, and blood pressure.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJun 29, 2022

Personal health trackers may include smart face mask, other wearables

University of Missouri researchers develop wearable smart bioelectronic devices, including a 'smart' face mask that can monitor physiological status and detect respiratory problems. The masks also use laser-assisted fabrication to provide breathable soft electronics for better real-time health monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 23, 2022

Hormones are linked with sleep apnea, snoring in postmenopausal women

A study published in PLOS ONE found an association between reduced estrogen and progesterone levels and increased risk of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women. Low estrogen levels were linked to a 19% decreased odds of snoring, while low progesterone levels were associated with a 9% decrease.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 22, 2022
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.

New safe-sleep guidelines aim to reduce infant deaths

The American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its safe-sleep guidelines, recommending babies sleep on their backs on flat, level surfaces to reduce SIDS risk. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of breastfeeding, pacifier use, and avoiding drugs and alcohol exposure.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 21, 2022

UBCO researchers change the game when it comes to activity tracking

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have created wearable human motion devices that can track a multitude of activities, including breathing and muscle contractions. The devices use a two-dimensional inorganic nanomaterial called MXene alongside a conductive polymer for electromagnetic interference shielding.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCarbon·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 16, 2022

Poor sleep among African Americans associated with diminished cognitive function

A recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found that poor sleep among African Americans is associated with lower cognitive function, including attention and executive function. The study suggests that improving sleep health may support prevention of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateJun 15, 2022

New research shows EMS workers' anger levels rise when sleep quality falls

A study published in Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation found that emergency medical service (EMS) workers who experience poorer sleep quality report higher levels of anger. The researchers discovered a significant link between lower sleep quality and increased anger levels among EMS workers, with anger levels incre...

SourceSyracuse University·JournalSleep Health·DateJun 14, 2022

Studies point to role of lifestyle factors in Alzheimer’s risk and disparities

Researchers found that healthy choices, such as no smoking, high leisure-time exercise, and adequate sleep, are associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, intakes of certain polyphenols, commonly found in tea and other foods, may also play a role in protecting brain health among Black participants.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalNeurology·DateJun 14, 2022
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.

Age 40 is when busy Americans get the least sleep

A U-shaped pattern of sleep duration across life stages was found, with age 40 being the lowest point and efficiency stabilizing from ages 30 to 60. Study participants wore accelerometers for seven consecutive days, providing an objective measure of sleep time.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 14, 2022

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, June 2022

The American College of Chest Physicians' flagship journal CHEST published its June issue featuring 58 articles on various chest medicine topics, including asthma and COPD. The journal is set to expand with two new open-access journals, CHEST Pulmonary and CHEST Critical Care.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal·DateJun 9, 2022

Lessons on how to sleep: What we can learn from worms

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba used worms to discover a single neuron that regulates sleep patterns by tracking intracellular calcium ion currents. The study found that artificial activation of this neuron can induce immediate sleep, shedding light on the mechanisms behind sleep-wake transitions.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournaliScience·DateJun 8, 2022

Bad dreams could be early warning of Parkinson’s disease

A new study published in eClinicalMedicine found that older men experiencing frequent bad dreams were twice as likely to be diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. The researchers suggest that dream changes could serve as an early warning sign for the condition, which may develop years before characteristic symptoms appear.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateJun 7, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Some patients with lung disease fare worse than others. Could sleep explain it?

African Americans with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more likely to experience flare-ups due to inadequate sleep, which may boost their risk by up to 95%. The study, published on June 6, 2022, suggests that poor sleep quality may partially explain why African American patients tend to fare worse than white patients. ...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 6, 2022
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.

Tracking sleep with a self-powering smart pillow

A new study presents a self-powering smart pillow that tracks head movement during sleep using triboelectric nanogenerators. This system could improve the accuracy of sleep monitoring and have uses beyond tracking sleep, such as monitoring patients with cervical spondylosis or detecting early warning signs for falls.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 2, 2022

While the fetal clock develops, mom’s behavior tells the time

Researchers discovered that genes in the fetal suprachiasmatic nuclei respond to rhythmic behavior in the mother before the biological clock starts ticking on its own. This finding may have implications for premature babies and highlights the importance of a healthy maternal circadian system during pregnancy.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Concussion symptoms in children may have multiple underlying causes

A new study by McGill University researchers has shed light on the complex relationships between concussion symptoms and brain damage in children. The findings suggest that certain combinations of brain injury can lead to specific symptoms, such as attention difficulties and sleep problems.

SourceMcGill University·JournaleLife·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 17, 2022

Infrared imaging to measure glymphatic function

A team of researchers has developed a novel method using infrared imaging to assess glymphatic function, which is crucial for understanding neurological conditions. The technique allows for the measurement of temporal dynamics of glymphatic functions and provides insights into brain fluid exchange and clearance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateMay 17, 2022

Higher dose of melatonin improved sleep in older adults

A study conducted at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that a higher dose of melatonin (5mg) increased total sleep time compared to placebo in healthy older adults. The high-dose melatonin group showed significant improvements in both nighttime and daytime sleep episodes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of Pineal Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 16, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Chimps, dreams, and videotape

Researchers at Kyoto University have discovered chimpanzees experiencing nocturnal erections, a phenomenon previously only observed in humans. Eight out of twelve male chimps demonstrated this behavior, with half also masturbating and consuming ejaculate, suggesting potential health benefits.

SourceKyoto University·JournalBehaviour·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Women over 50 who snore face an elevated risk of sleep apnea

A new study from Tel Aviv University finds that women aged 55 and over who snore are at significant risk for sleep apnea, which can be fatal. The researchers warn that the phenomenon often occurs during sleep, causing women to be unaware of their condition.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalClinical Medicine·DateMay 12, 2022

The Lancet Respiratory Medicine: Two years after infection, half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom, follow-up study suggests

A follow-up study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that half of people hospitalized with COVID-19 have at least one symptom two years after infection. Long COVID symptoms persist, affecting quality of life, mental health, and healthcare use.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Taking ownership of your health

A study published in Age and Ageing found that modifying lifestyle behaviors can have a marked effect on lifespan, particularly among older adults and those with chronic conditions. Adopting five or more healthy habits increased life expectancy by up to 6 years for healthy 40-year-olds.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeObservational study·DateMay 11, 2022

Highlights from the journal CHEST®, May 2022

The May issue of the CHEST journal features 56 articles on clinically relevant topics such as asthma, COPD, and critical care. The journal also includes a special Adult Cystic Fibrosis Series with latest epidemiologic data and challenges in managing CF.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·JournalCHEST Journal·DateMay 9, 2022
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Study finds deep divide on mental health impact of COVID-19

A recent Dartmouth study using mobile technology compares emotional well-being of college students before and during the pandemic, finding significant differences in mental health and behavior. The research identifies two groups with differing experiences, with one group showing poorer mental health, anxiety, and stress.

SourceDartmouth College·DateMay 4, 2022

Children without diapers sleep poorly

A recent Rutgers University study has found that children in families struggling to provide diapers are more likely to have disrupted and shorter sleep periods. The researchers also discovered a strong association between diaper need and an increased risk of childhood obesity, emotional problems, and maternal mental health symptoms.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·TypeSurvey·DateMay 3, 2022

Acute sleep loss may alter the way we see others

A new study by Uppsala University reveals that sleep deprivation affects the way humans evaluate facial expressions, particularly those conveying negative emotions. Young adults who were sleep-deprived rated angry faces as less trustworthy and healthy-looking, while neutral and fearful faces appeared less attractive.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature and Science of Sleep·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

New sleep molecule discovered: “It shows just how complex the machinery of sleep is”

Researchers have discovered a new sleep molecule, microRNA-137 (miR-137), that regulates hypocretin levels for normal sleep. The study found that miR-137 is associated with hypocretin regulation and sleep disorders such as narcolepsy and insomnia.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

Actigraphy shows promise as objective noninvasive measure of sleep-wake regulation in children with brain injury admitted for pediatric rehabilitation

Researchers developed a new method using actigraphy to monitor sleep-wake cycles in children with brain injury during inpatient rehabilitation. The study found lower rest-activity ratios, suggesting poorer sleep-wake regulation and lower functional status.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022
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.

New studies show special mental health risks for certain groups of new doctors

Two new studies found that surgical interns and LGBTQ physicians-in-training experience higher rates of depression than their peers. Surgical interns who identified as female or had a history of adverse childhood experiences were also at increased risk. The studies add to the growing body of knowledge about mental health concerns in me...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeObservational study·DateApr 29, 2022

Clues into a sleep mystery

Researchers pinpointed the molecular basis of deep sleep regulation in mice, identifying a brain area responsible for delta wave oscillations. Disrupting a specific gene boosted delta waves and enhanced deep sleep in animal models, paving the way for precision-targeted therapies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 28, 2022

Fetal exposure to drugs may affect infants’ brain development

A study at the University of Helsinki found that in utero exposure to mother's antiepileptic or antidepressant medication can lead to widespread changes in cortical networks, affecting local and global brain function. This may have implications for infants' neuropsychological development and future research on environmental factors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateApr 20, 2022
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.

Risky driving behaviors increase as common sleep disorder worsens

A new study found that people with sleep apnea are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding and hard braking. The researchers monitored the driving habits of 96 older adults under real-world conditions and collected data on over 100,000 trips. They also assessed cognitive impairments and molecular signs of earl...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateApr 20, 2022

Drug reduced frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea

A new University of Gothenburg study has found that a drug treatment can reduce the frequency of breathing pauses in sleep apnea by an average of over 20 per hour. The treatment, which involves carbonic anhydrase inhibition, showed promising results with minimal side effects.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 14, 2022

Enhancing deep sleep

A mobile system developed by ETH Zurich researchers aims to promote deep sleep through auditory brain stimulation, showing promise in enhancing slow waves during deep sleep in older adults. The system involves a headband that continuously measures brain activity and triggers short auditory signals to synchronize neuronal cells.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 8, 2022

Yale study finds persistent racial and ethnic disparities in sleep duration

A Yale University study found significant racial and ethnic disparities in sleep duration, with Black people persistently reporting shorter sleep durations. The study highlights the need for renewed efforts to eliminate socioeconomic and health conditions that prevent minoritized individuals from achieving adequate sleep.

SourceYale University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 7, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Racial, ethnic disparities in sleep duration

Researchers found higher rates of short and long sleep duration among Black individuals, with significant disparities affecting Black women and young adults. The study highlights health disparities associated with socioeconomic factors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 7, 2022

Insomnia is linked with recurrent heart events in coronary patients

Research found that nearly half of heart disease patients have insomnia, which is significantly associated with recurrent heart events. Insomnia accounted for 16% of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events in this study, suggesting that treating insomnia could reduce cardiovascular problems in these patients.

SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalSLEEP Advances·DateApr 7, 2022

What’s the skinny on those pandemic pounds?

A large US survey found that adults gained weight during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in behavior such as increased snacking and alcohol intake. The analysis of more than 3.5 million adults also showed a 3% increase in obesity prevalence, with significant changes in exercise participation, sleep duration, and cigarette smoking.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 4, 2022
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.

Loss of neurons, not lack of sleep, makes Alzheimer’s patients drowsy

A study reveals that Alzheimer's patients experience lethargy due to the degeneration of neurons that keep them awake, not a lack of sleep. Researchers developed a hypothesis that these patients have trouble staying awake and are testing a treatment approach to shut down the system keeping them awake.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateApr 4, 2022

Classification of 16 adult sleep patterns based on large-scale sleep analysis

Researchers developed an algorithm to classify 16 distinct adult sleep patterns based on arm acceleration data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants. These patterns can be used to diagnose insomnia and develop personalized treatment methods, offering new insights into human sleep behavior.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 31, 2022

Audio files are being used as digital drugs: Survey

A new study published in Drug and Alcohol Review found that binaural beats are being used as digital drugs by over 30,000 people worldwide, with users primarily seeking relaxation and mood change. The survey also revealed that binaural beat listeners are more likely to be younger and report recent use of prohibited drugs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeSurvey·DateMar 30, 2022

Research Brief: Clock gene mutation found to contribute to the development of autism

A team of scientists discovered that a disrupted circadian clock gene may contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorder. The study found that deleting the Bmal1 gene in mice led to autistic-like behaviors and cerebellar dysfunction, which were alleviated by mTORC1 inhibition.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2022
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.