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Sleep problems may be early sign of Alzheimer's

A recent study published in Neurology suggests that people with normal thinking and memory skills but poor sleep quality may be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found a link between sleep disturbances and biological markers for Alzheimer's disease in spinal fluid, including amyloid plaques and tau tangles.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 5, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Premature infants at greater risk of SIDS

Rutgers researchers found premature infants between 24-27 weeks have a three times higher risk of dying before first birthday due to SIDS and other sleep-related infant deaths. Safe sleep practices, such as putting infants on their back to sleep, can help compensate for this risk.

SourceRutgers University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJun 26, 2017

How to stay sane when your child can't sleep

A new study by UBC sleep expert Wendy Hall found a correlation between thoughts about infant sleep and parental depression. After a sleep intervention, parental depression lifted significantly, with a notable reduction in mothers' (30%) and fathers' (20%) high depression scores.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateJun 26, 2017

Night shifts may hinder body's ability to repair DNA damage

Research suggests that night shift work impairs the body's ability to repair DNA damage caused by normal cellular processes. Suppression of melatonin, a hormone regulating the internal clock, is thought to be a key factor in this impairment. This may result in higher levels of DNA damage and potentially carcinogenic effects.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJun 26, 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.

Lights out: The neural relationship between light and sleep

A specific protein called prokineticin 2 plays a critical role in setting the correct balance between sleep and wakefulness in response to light and darkness. The study found that Prok2 suppresses the awakening effect of light and the sedating effect of darkness, suggesting a new mechanism for regulating sleep behavior.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJun 23, 2017

News from the pathogen that causes sleeping sickness

Researchers have identified a promising therapeutic target for African trypanosomiasis, also known as sleeping sickness. The newly discovered TbALPH1 enzyme triggers the degradation of messenger RNA and is unique to the parasite's biology.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Pathogens·DateJun 22, 2017
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.

People who go to bed late have less control over OCD symptoms

Researchers at Binghamton University found that individuals who go to bed late have lower perceived control over obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Participants in a one-week sleep study completed daily ratings of their ability to control their symptoms, with those who went to bed later showing significant decrements in control.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 20, 2017

Online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is effective for military

A study conducted by University of North Texas professor Daniel Taylor found that online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is effective in military personnel, with improved sleep quality and reduced use of sleep medication. However, the internet-delivered therapy was about half as effective as traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of North Texas·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 14, 2017
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.

Insomnia genes found

A team of international researchers has identified seven risk genes for insomnia, revealing the genetic basis of this common health complaint. The study found a strong genetic overlap with anxiety disorders, depression, and neuroticism, suggesting that shared biological mechanisms contribute to insomnia and these traits.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 12, 2017

Overriding the urge to sleep

Researchers at California Institute of Technology have identified a neural circuit in the brain that controls wakefulness. The discovery could lead to new treatments for insomnia and other sleep disturbances. The study found that stimulating these neurons with light can help overcome tiredness, while silencing them can induce sleep.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNeuron·DateJun 8, 2017

Sleep apnea and insomnia combination linked with depression

A new study reveals that men with sleep apnoea and insomnia have a higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms than those with either condition alone. The study found that 43% of men with both conditions had depression, compared to 22% with insomnia alone and 8% with sleep apnoea alone.

SourceWiley·JournalRespirology·DateJun 7, 2017
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.

Officers on afternoon shift report being more fatigued

A University at Buffalo-led study found that police officers working the afternoon shift are more fatigued, with a two-fold higher prevalence among male officers compared to day shift workers. Women officers appeared to use more effective coping mechanisms to manage shift work-related stress and fatigue.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateJun 6, 2017

Sleep disturbances predict substance use among college athletes

A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that sleep disturbances are strongly related to substance use among college athletes. Student athletes with sleep difficulties were more likely to smoke, drink, and use illegal substances, including a 317% increase in methamphetamine use.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 6, 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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

Take control to become a better parent

A new study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that a parent's outlook on life can have a profound influence on their child's behavior, eating, and sleeping patterns. Internally controlled parents tend to exhibit traits such as persistence, responsibility, and delayed gratification, which positively impact their children's deve...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMay 31, 2017

The fascinating molecule linking hydration and health

Dr. Charles Bourque's research reveals vasopressin's role in regulating body hydration and its link to various health problems, including congestive heart failure and salt-dependent hypertension. The molecule is also involved in feed-forward mechanisms, producing anticipatory signals before sleep and dehydration.

SourceCanadian Association for Neuroscience·DateMay 30, 2017

Vitamin D supplements could help pain management

Research suggests that vitamin D levels combined with good sleep quality can effectively manage conditions like arthritis, menstrual cramps, and chronic back pain. This review highlights the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in pain management, offering a new approach to alleviate suffering.

SourceSociety for Endocrinology·JournalJournal of Endocrinology·DateMay 23, 2017
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.

Enforcing a weekday bedtime could help your child get sufficient sleep

A new study published in BMC Public Health found that enforcing rules about bedtimes on weekdays significantly impacts children's sleep. Parents who enforce bedtime rules on weekdays are 59% more likely to have their child meeting sleep guidelines, according to the researchers.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Public Health·DateMay 23, 2017

American Sleep Medicine Foundation names research award recipients

The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected researchers Dr. Emerson Wickwire, Dr. Jessica Levenson, Dr. Benjamin Pliska, and Dr. Allen Firestone to receive research awards for their projects aimed at improving sleep health and advancing the field of sleep medicine.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateMay 23, 2017

Study finds that sleep disorders affect men and women differently

A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that women are more likely to experience severe symptoms of depression and daytime sleepiness due to sleep disorders. In contrast, men are more likely to have snoring that forces bed partners to sleep in different rooms.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateMay 22, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Deep sleep maintains the learning efficiency of the brain

Researchers have demonstrated a causal connection between deep sleep and learning efficiency in the human brain. By manipulating deep sleep in targeted brain regions, they found that learning efficiency was blocked when synapses remained maximally excited without recovery.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2017

Sleep apnea may increase atrial fibrillation risk

Research found that measures of OSA severity were significant predictors of AF, with oxygen desaturation remaining a significant predictor after adjusting for known risk factors. Women with sleep apnea were more likely to develop AF hospitalizations, highlighting the potential for gender-specific mechanisms.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 22, 2017

Air pollution may disrupt sleep

Researchers analyzed data from 1,863 participants and found a significant association between air pollution exposure and low sleep efficiency. The study suggests that improving air quality may be one way to enhance sleep health and reduce health disparities.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·DateMay 21, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Sacrificing sleep for love

A study found that male fruit flies have specific neurons called MS1 that release octopamine to keep them awake during courtship, suppressing sleep. The researchers also discovered that these neurons communicate with other brain cells to enhance male sexual behavior.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateMay 17, 2017

Penn Medicine hospitals receive $1.35 million from PA Department of Health to establish safe sleep program for infants

Penn Medicine's Pennsylvania Hospital and HUP receive a three-year grant to develop an innovative safe sleep program addressing newborn deaths in Philadelphia. The program aims to promote and evaluate safe sleep practices through nurse, parent, and community education, with the goal of reducing Sudden Unexpected Infant Death rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

Loneliness in young adults linked to poor sleep quality

Researchers found a strong link between loneliness and poor sleep quality in a study of over 2,000 British young adults. Lonelier individuals were more likely to experience daytime dysfunction and disrupted sleep.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 16, 2017

Does sleep duration affect cardiac metabolic risk in young children?

A new study found no correlation between sleep duration and cardiometabolic risk in children aged 3-8 years. However, less sleep was associated with higher levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. The researchers suggest that sleep quality may have a greater impact on cardiometabolic risk than sleep duration.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalChildhood Obesity·DateMay 15, 2017

American Sleep Medicine Foundation announces telemedicine research award recipients

The American Sleep Medicine Foundation has selected three researchers to receive Strategic Research Awards for their projects on telemedicine and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). The studies aim to compare the effectiveness of CBT-I delivered through telemedicine versus in-person sessions. One project will evaluate th...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateMay 3, 2017
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.

American Academy of Sleep Medicine announces 2017 award recipients

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has announced the 2017 award recipients, including David F. Dinges for his dedication to the sleep field and significant contributions in administration, public relations, and government affairs. Susan Redline received the William C. Dement Academic Achievement Award for her exceptional initiative...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateApr 28, 2017

Sleep Research Society announces 2017 award recipients

The Sleep Research Society has announced its 2017 award recipients, recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to sleep and circadian science. Dr. Thomas Kilduff is this year's Distinguished Scientist Award recipient for his work on hypocretin and therapeutic development for insomnia.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateApr 28, 2017

Newly prescribed sleeping pills increase risk of hip fracture

A new study by Cardiff University and King's College London found that newly prescribed sleeping pills like benzodiazepines and 'Z-drugs' significantly increase the risk of hip fracture in people over 65. The study also identified a 53% increase in fracture risk for medium-term users and a 20% increased risk for long-term users.

SourceCardiff University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2017
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.

A good night's sleep

Researchers designed a new technology that uses machine learning to model personal sleep patterns based on recorded sounds made during sleep. This method allows doctors to diagnose patients under normal sleeping conditions, leading to better treatment outcomes.

SourceOsaka University·DateApr 20, 2017

Poor sleep in anxiety, depression may make it harder to see positive

Researchers found that poor sleep in people with depression and anxiety can make it harder for the brain to modify negative emotional responses. The study used functional MRI to measure brain activity in a specific region, the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, which was found to work harder in individuals with lower sleep efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalDepression and Anxiety·DateApr 18, 2017

Study of sleep apps finds room for improvement

A study of 35 popular phone-based sleep apps found that most help users set sleep-related goals and track their sleep patterns, but few provide general information about sleep or its benefits. The analysis suggests that there is room for improvement in the development of these apps to educate users about the importance of sleep.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPreventive Medicine Reports·DateApr 12, 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.

Study identifies 'night owl' gene variant

Researchers at Rockefeller University discovered a genetic mutation in the CRY1 gene that slows the internal biological clock, causing delayed sleep phase disorder. The mutation affects up to 1 in 75 people and can be present in families, with relatives sharing similar signs of persistent sleep problems.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017
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.

Gene mutation helps explain night owl behavior

A recent study has identified a gene mutation as the cause of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a common sleep disorder affecting up to 10% of the public. The CRY1 protein plays a crucial role in regulating the circadian clock, and a single-point mutation can lead to prolonged sleep onset times and irregular sleep patterns.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateApr 6, 2017

WSU researchers find a 'sleep gene'

Researchers at Washington State University have identified a key gene involved in the quality of sleep experienced by humans and animals. The study found that a variant of the gene FABP7 is associated with poorer sleep quality, suggesting its importance in regulating sleep across species.

SourceWashington State University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 5, 2017

Diabetes control is more difficult for night-shift workers

A study of 260 individuals with type 2 diabetes found that night shift workers had poorer glycemic control, despite adjusting for factors like diet and sleep duration. The research highlights the need for special attention to managing diabetes in this population through healthy habits and medication use.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateApr 3, 2017