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Solving the riddle of putrid camel pee could aid millions affected by sleeping sickness

Biochemists from Trinity College Dublin have discovered indolepyruvate, a metabolic by-product of trypanosome activity, which may offer possibilities for developing anti-trypanosome drugs. Inhibiting its production could be key in fighting the parasite, which causes sleeping sickness and kills millions in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 17, 2016

Increased smartphone screen-time associated with lower sleep quality

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between increased smartphone screen-time and lower sleep quality. Over 650 adult participants recorded their daily screen-time using a smartphone application, revealing that longer screen-time periods were linked to poorer sleep quality and less sleep overall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 9, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mismatched light and heat levels can disrupt body clock

A new UCL study found that mismatched light and heat levels can cause major disruptions to body clock function, leading to behavioral changes and molecular signals. The research suggests that a moderate time lag between light and temperature causes the clock to break down, with significant effects on behavior.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 8, 2016

Brown researchers developing new interactive sleep app

Researchers at Brown University have developed a new interactive sleep app, SleepCoacher, that uses sleep analytics to provide personalized recommendations. The app guides users through self-experiments to find the most effective recommendations for improving their sleep.

SourceBrown University·DateNov 1, 2016

Are bedtime access, use of portable devices associated with poor sleep?

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a consistent association between bedtime media device use and inadequate sleep quantity, poor sleep quality, and excessive daytime sleepiness in children. Children who had access to but didn't use media devices at night also experienced similar sleep problems.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 31, 2016
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 finds that sleep apnea therapy has positive impact on hypertensive patients

A new study found that positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy for sleep apnea significantly improves patient-reported outcomes in hypertensive patients, including reduced daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms, and fatigue severity. The study also showed consistent improvement even in resistant hypertension cases.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateOct 28, 2016

AAP announces new safe sleep recommendations to protect against SIDS

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a bedroom with parents but on separate surfaces, avoiding soft bedding and exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The updated policy also emphasizes skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding for added protection against SIDS.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 24, 2016
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.

Management of fatigue and sleep in chronic illness

The UMass Nursing UManage Center aims to develop technologies to help people with chronic illness manage fatigue and impaired sleep. The center will test wearable devices to monitor fatigue or sleep pattern changes, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their health activities.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateOct 6, 2016

Brain's biological clock stimulates thirst before sleep

A study by McGill University researchers found that the brain's biological clock regulates thirst in the hours leading up to sleep. By stimulating vasopressin release, the clock anticipates dehydration and increases water intake.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature·DateOct 6, 2016

An appetite suppressant with side effects

Researchers identify peptide allatostatin A in Drosophila that regulates feeding behavior and promotes sleep, with effects comparable to human galanin receptor. The study provides insights into the complex interactions of hunger, sleep and digestion.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateOct 4, 2016
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.

Nighttime hot flashes may spark mild depression

A new study found that women who experience frequent nighttime hot flashes and sleep disruption are more likely to exhibit mild symptoms of depression. The researchers suggest menopausal women should be screened for mood disturbances, incorporating efforts to address sleep and nighttime hot flashes.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateOct 3, 2016

Prescription sleep aids carry a rare suicide risk, review finds

A review of published studies and FDA reports found that prescription sleep aids can stimulate patients instead of calming them, leading to a rare but serious risk of suicide. The main concern is the first few days after taking the medication, when a paradoxical response is most likely to arise.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Psychiatry·DateOct 3, 2016
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.

Disruptions to sleep patterns lead to an increased risk of suicides

Research identifies three pathways where sleep problems contribute to suicidal thoughts and behaviors, including heightened risks at night and prolonged failure to achieve good sleep. The study emphasizes the need for nighttime service provision and restored healthy sleep in relation to coping with mental health problems.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMJ Open·DateAug 24, 2016

Sleep makes relearning faster and longer-lasting

New research finds that taking breaks to sleep between study sessions can improve recall of previously learned information, allowing participants to relearn faster and retain what they've forgotten for longer periods. The study showed significant benefits in memory retention even after 6 months.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 22, 2016

UCI-led study finds novel molecular clues behind nocturnal behavior

A UCI-led study found novel molecular clues behind nocturnal behavior, suggesting the eyes play a more central role in controlling the sleep/awake cycle. The research challenges the long-presumed master role of the suprachiasmatic clock in determining sleep and wakefulness patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalMolecular Brain·DateAug 22, 2016

Lousy jobs hurt your health by the time you're in your 40s

A nationwide study found that job satisfaction in late 20s and early 30s has a significant impact on mental health by the time individuals reach their 40s. Those with consistently low or declining job satisfaction tend to experience poorer mental health, including depression, sleep problems, and excessive worry.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 22, 2016

When you don't feel valued in a relationship, sleep suffers

A recent study published in Social Personality and Psychological Science found that individuals with responsive partners experience lower anxiety and arousal, leading to improved sleep quality. Responsive social partners provide feelings of safety and security, crucial for high-quality uninterrupted sleep.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 17, 2016
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.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Researchers discover Sandman's role in sleep control

Researchers discovered that ion channel Sandman plays a critical role in sleep control. When dopamine levels increase, Sandman moves outside the cell, effectively shutting down sleep-control neurons and leading to wakefulness.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateAug 3, 2016

No dream: Electric brain stimulation during sleep can boost memory

Researchers at UNC School of Medicine used transcranial alternating current stimulation to target sleep spindles and strengthen memory in healthy individuals. The study found significant improvements in motor tasks but no improvement in associative word-pairing tests.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 28, 2016

Hot news flash! Menopause, insomnia accelerate aging

UCLA studies find that menopause speeds up cellular aging by an average of 6 percent, making women biologically older than their chronological age. Insomnia also accelerates aging, with postmenopausal women experiencing nearly two years more biological aging due to five insomnia symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Prevalence of diagnosed sleep disorders has risen among US veterans

A six-fold increase in diagnosed sleep disorders among US veterans has been reported, with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) experiencing the largest rate increases. The study found that veterans with cardiovascular disease or other chronic conditions also experienced higher rates of sleep disorder diagnoses.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateJul 15, 2016

Early preschool bedtimes cut risk of obesity later on

A new study from The Ohio State University College of Public Health found that preschoolers who are regularly tucked into bed by 8 p.m. are far less likely to become obese teenagers than young children who go to sleep later in the evening. Bedtimes after 9 p.m. appeared to double the likelihood of obesity later in life.

SourceMediaSource·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 14, 2016

Early preschool bedtimes cut risk of obesity later on

Preschoolers who go to bed by 8 p.m. are half as likely to become obese teenagers as those who turn in late, according to a study from The Ohio State University College of Public Health. Establishing an early bedtime routine can also have positive benefits on behavior and cognitive development.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 14, 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.

King penguins keep an ear out for predators

Research reveals that king penguins can distinguish between dangerous and benign sounds while sleeping on the beach. They react with alarm to predator calls, but not to unfamiliar sounds like a dog's growl.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 6, 2016

Both limited and excess sleep may raise diabetes risk in men

A new study found that both limited and excess sleep may raise diabetes risk in men, with those sleeping too much or too little having impaired glucose metabolism. In contrast, women who slept less or more than average were more responsive to insulin and had enhanced beta-cell function.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 29, 2016

Adolescent sleep duration is associated with daytime mood

A new study found that adolescents who get insufficient sleep experience increased variability in sadness, anger, and energy levels. Healthy teens who restrict their sleep have worse moods the next day, while those with higher daily mood scores predict poor sleep quality the following night.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 15, 2016
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.

NFL, NBA, and NHL teams have a disadvantage when traveling west

A new study found that NFL, NBA, and NHL teams have a higher winning percentage when traveling east compared to west. The researchers analyzed data from the past five years of regular season games in these sports leagues, highlighting the importance of circadian rhythms on sport performance.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016
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.

Sleepiness and fatigue linked to brain atrophy in cognitively normal elderly

A recent study published in an online supplement of the journal Sleep found that normal older adults with excessive daytime sleepiness or fatigue had more brain atrophy and lower cognitive scores. The research may help identify individuals at higher risk for dementia before symptoms appear, allowing early interventions to prevent progr...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 14, 2016

Caffeine has little to no benefit after 3 nights of sleep restriction

A new study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that caffeine use no longer improved alertness or performance after three nights of sleep restriction. The study, which involved 48 healthy individuals, showed that relative to placebo, caffeine significantly improved Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT) performance during the fir...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Chronic sleep restriction negatively affects athletic performance

A study of elite male cyclists found that chronic sleep restriction decreased energy expenditure during exercise, maximal aerobic power, and time to exhaustion. The results also showed a decrease in submaximal heart rate and peak heart rate, highlighting the impact of sleep loss on athletic performance.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

In MS, can better sleep improve cognition?

A University of Michigan study found an association between obstructive sleep apnea and cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Treating OSA with CPAP therapy may help improve cognitive function in these patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalSLEEP·DateJun 13, 2016
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 duration varies by alcohol drinking patterns, race, and sex

A new study found that alcohol-sleep relationship differed importantly by race and sex. Black men and women report more extreme sleep durations within alcohol categories. Short sleep disparity increased with increasing alcohol consumption between black and white men, while long sleep duration was more common among heavy drinkers in bla...

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Recharge with sleep: Pediatric sleep recommendations promoting optimal health

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends specific sleep hours for children and teenagers to avoid health risks. Sleeping within recommended hours is associated with better health outcomes, while insufficient sleep increases risks of accidents, injuries, and mental health problems.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Sleep Medicine·DateJun 13, 2016

Need better sleep? Consider the cognitive shuffle

Researchers at Simon Fraser University developed the mySleepButton app using a 'cognitive shuffle' technique called Serial Diverse Imagining (SDI). The method helps reduce pre-sleep arousal and improves sleep quality by keeping the mind off issues that disrupt sleep.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateJun 10, 2016
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.

Lighting color affects sleep and wakefulness

A study by Oxford researchers found that exposure to green light rapidly induces sleep, whereas blue and violet lights delay sleep. The role of melanopsin, a pigment regulating the body clock, was confirmed as essential for these effects.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 8, 2016

Study shows sleep disturbances common among military spouses

A new study found that 44% of military spouses reported sleeping 6 hours or less per night, with 54% experiencing daytime impairment due to sleep problems. The research highlights the importance of screening for sleep disturbances and providing evidence-based interventions to service members and their families.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Study of police officers finds fatigue impacts tactical social interaction

A new study found that police officers who work day shifts perform better in interactions with the public, while those working night shifts are more likely to have encounters escalate into violence. The research suggests that better fatigue management could improve officers' ability to manage encounters effectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016