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Long-Term Wearable Data Offers Personalized Approach to Defining Insufficient Sleep

Long-Term Wearable Data Offers Personalized Approach to Defining Insufficient Sleep

Researchers from the National University of Singapore (NUS) have introduced a personalized short sleep (pSS) framework, utilizing long-term data from wearable devices to define insufficient sleep on an individual basis. This new approach, published in 'Sleep Medicine,' moves beyond universal sleep cutoffs, such as the commonly used six-hour threshold. The study, which followed 462 working adults for up to a year using Oura Rings and daily smartphone assessments, sets a personalized threshold at one hour below an individual's 75th percentile of sleep duration. This percentile is considered an estimate of sleep obtained when occupational and social constraints are reduced. While the population average for short sleep remained similar between the conventional and personalized methods (around 35-37% of nights), the personalized approach identified different individuals and nights as experiencing insufficient sleep. For instance, a habitual short sleeper might consistently fall below six hours but not be consid...

Men’s Soccer Outshoots #7 Maryland but Falls 2-1 on Farouk Cisse’s Late Winner

Men’s Soccer Outshoots #7 Maryland but Falls 2-1 on Farouk Cisse’s Late Winner

Amer Lukovic answered Rodrigo Neri’s fourth-minute opener, Laurin Mack made six saves, and a Maryland defender scored the Terps’ only second-half shot on target at 82:06 to hand Rutgers its second Big Ten loss

Pitt Public Health Researchers Integrate Youth Perspectives in Social Media Content Analysis

Pitt Public Health Researchers Integrate Youth Perspectives in Social Media Content Analysis

Researchers at Pitt Public Health are incorporating youth perspectives into their social media research, particularly concerning content targeting young people. A study published in JMIR Infodemiology involved high school students, undergraduate students, and faculty researchers to analyze how different age groups interpret youth-oriented social media content. This initiative, part of a larger five-year grant from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, focuses on health information and messaging about nicotine and tobacco products on youth-oriented platforms. The team utilizes a 'Vertically Integrated Project' (VIP) model, where experienced researchers provide guidance while younger team members contribute their unique insights and knowledge. For instance, Natalia Connor, a student involved in the project, highlighted how her lived experiences helped researchers understand trending phrases and cultural nuances. The study collected 300 publicly available YouTube Shorts containing ...

Older Adults Advised on Strategies for Managing Depression Amidst Aging Challenges

Older Adults Advised on Strategies for Managing Depression Amidst Aging Challenges

As individuals age, they often face unique challenges that can impact their mental and emotional well-being, potentially leading to late-onset depression or exacerbating existing conditions. Dr. Anna Plotkina, a psychologist at Pathways Psychological Services, notes that later life can involve redefining self-identity post-retirement, increased grief and loss, and social isolation, all of which heighten the risk of depression. Matt Glowiak, PhD, a licensed counselor with Recovered, highlights that older generations, particularly baby boomers, may face stigma around mental health, leading them to describe physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, and brain fog rather than acknowledging depression directly. These physical symptoms can also be mistaken for age-related health issues, complicating diagnosis. Experts recommend a multi-pronged approach to managing depression in older adults, combining professional treatment with lifestyle adjustments. Acknowledging the possibility of depression is prese...

UCLA Professor Jorja Leap Advocates for Dramatizing Social Science Research

UCLA Professor Jorja Leap Advocates for Dramatizing Social Science Research

Professor Jorja Leap, Executive Director of the UCLA Social Justice Research Partnership, is on a mission to transform public perception of social science research. She argues that academic breakthroughs in this field should generate the same level of excitement and public interest as major sporting events. Leap believes that social science research, despite its often dramatic and messy nature, is frequently perceived as an antiseptic effort. She aims to highlight the inherent drama, unexpected heroes, high stakes, and interpersonal conflicts present in community-based research, elements that typically captivate audiences in sports and entertainment. Her own career, including her memoir 'Jumped In: What Gangs Taught Me About Violence, Love, Drugs, and Redemption,' exemplifies her approach to making research accessible and engaging through compelling storytelling. She emphasizes putting research into practice rather than solely focusing on publication, viewing community engagement as an extension of UCLA's ...

Eastern Illinois University Announces Administrative Reorganization, Police Department Oversight Shifts

Eastern Illinois University Announces Administrative Reorganization, Police Department Oversight Shifts

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) has announced an administrative reorganization, which includes the university police department now falling under the oversight of Business Affairs. This change was revealed during the president's fall update. Vice President for Business Affairs Matt Bierman stated that the reassignment of the police department's oversight was prompted by the recent merger of student affairs and the office of university advancement. President Jay Gatrell explained that the new structure eliminates the vice president for university advancement position to reduce administrative costs. The responsibilities of this eliminated position have been transferred to Anne Flaherty, who now serves as Vice President for Student Affairs and Interim Vice President of Advancement. The reorganization is expected to yield at least $100,000 in budgeted savings from the former vice president's salary. Some of these savings have been reallocated to individuals taking on additional responsibilities, such as Flah...

Kofi isn’t good enough to win the ROH world championship at AEW Grand Slam France

Kofi isn’t good enough to win the ROH world championship at AEW Grand Slam France

Kofi and Bandido have a hell of a match, but the focus ultimately lands on the rivalry between Swerve and Hangman Page.

Energy Transitions Commission Report Assesses Nuclear Power's Role in Global Energy Transition

Energy Transitions Commission Report Assesses Nuclear Power's Role in Global Energy Transition

A new report from the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC), titled 'The Role of Nuclear in the Energy Transition: Complementary but Limited,' provides a measured assessment of nuclear power's potential. The report suggests that nuclear energy could supply up to 10% of the global electricity supply by 2050, effectively doubling the current 380 GW capacity to 750 GW. This expansion would require an average annual new nuclear capacity growth of 15–25 GW, up from the current 5 GW per year, backed by an annual investment of $200 billion, a significant increase from today's $50 billion. The ETC emphasizes that the economic viability of nuclear expansion varies significantly by country, with some nations, like the UK, potentially benefiting from increased nuclear generation, while others, such as India, find solar resources with batteries to be more cost-effective.

Social Media Fuels Search for Missing Cat Butterscotch After Brevard County I-95 Crash

Social Media Fuels Search for Missing Cat Butterscotch After Brevard County I-95 Crash

A missing cat named Butterscotch has become the subject of a countywide search in Brevard County, Florida, after she disappeared following a car crash on Interstate 95. The one-year-old calico cat was being transported to a rescue in South Florida when the vehicle she was in was hit by a semi-truck. Since the incident, Butterscotch has not been seen. Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have played a crucial role in spreading awareness, with one post garnering over 12,000 views and hundreds of shares. This online engagement has mobilized local volunteers and animal rescue groups, including the Space Coast Feline Network and Isla’s Journey Lost Dog Search and Rescue, to actively search the area using specialized tools like thermal drones.

Landmarks Downtown Walking Tours Offer Historical and Architectural Exploration in St. Louis

Landmarks Downtown Walking Tours Offer Historical and Architectural Exploration in St. Louis

The Landmarks Downtown Walking Tours in St. Louis are inviting residents and visitors to explore the city's rich history, architecture, and stories. Now in its 28th year, the program offers two distinct routes through downtown, guided by trained volunteers. These guides are not confined to specific scripts, allowing them to incorporate their own knowledge and expertise, making each tour unique. The tours aim to connect people with Downtown St. Louis by revealing the historical significance behind its buildings, such as the transformation of Union Station from a lake or the Old Courthouse's role in a pivotal legal battle. Ilissa M. Staadeker, Marketing Manager at Landmarks Association of St. Louis, emphasizes that the experience goes beyond architecture, helping participants understand how the built environment reflects the city's past and fostering a deeper connection to the present-day downtown.

Powerful Solar Eruption Could Enhance Northern Lights Over U.S. This Week

Powerful Solar Eruption Could Enhance Northern Lights Over U.S. This Week

A powerful M1.4-class solar flare erupted from sunspot region AR4549 on October 6, launching a coronal mass ejection (CME) towards Earth. Early observations and modeling, including NOAA's WSA-ENLIL model, suggest the leading edge of this CME is expected to reach Earth around 1 a.m. EDT (0500 GMT) on October 9. Forecasters at Belgium's Solar Influences Data Analysis Center (SIDC) estimate the CME is traveling at approximately 560 km/s and has an Earth-directed component. This event has captured the attention of aurora chasers, as it could lead to enhanced Northern Lights displays, potentially visible at lower latitudes than usual. However, the exact strength of the geomagnetic storm and how far south the auroras will be visible remain uncertain, as CME arrival forecasts carry inherent variability.

Virginia Law Prohibits Mask-Wearing with Intent to Conceal Identity in Public Places

Virginia Law Prohibits Mask-Wearing with Intent to Conceal Identity in Public Places

Virginia law, specifically § 18.2-422, makes it unlawful for individuals over 16 years of age to wear any mask, hood, or device that substantially conceals their face with the intent to hide their identity in public places or on private property without written consent from the owner. The statute outlines several exceptions to this prohibition. These exceptions include wearing traditional holiday costumes, protective masks necessary for physical safety in certain professions or activities, masks used in bona fide theatrical productions or masquerade balls, and masks worn for legitimate medical reasons with a physician's affidavit. Additionally, the law can be waived by the Governor during a declared state of emergency related to a public health crisis, provided the waiver specifies the appropriate mask and its duration. Violations of this law are classified as a Class 6 felony.

Scientists Discover Hidden Brain Channels Potentially Clearing Alzheimer's Proteins in Mice

Scientists Discover Hidden Brain Channels Potentially Clearing Alzheimer's Proteins in Mice

Researchers at University College London have identified a previously undocumented network of tiny channels within the brain that may play a crucial role in flushing out toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease. These channels, approximately 2 micrometers across, form an interconnected mesh extending along blood vessels into brain membranes and nerves. In experiments conducted on mice, fluorescently labeled tau and amyloid beta proteins were observed entering and traveling through these channels towards the brain's surface. The study also found the animals' own amyloid beta within these channels in mice modeling Alzheimer's, suggesting a role in transporting naturally produced proteins. Similar structures were observed in human brain tissue removed during surgery, indicating a potential shared clearance route. This research, currently a preprint and not yet peer-reviewed, aims to address the poorly understood pathways by which toxic proteins are removed from the brain, a critical knowledge gap in...

Houston Doctor Indicted for Alleged $30 Million COVID Fraud Scheme

Houston Doctor Indicted for Alleged $30 Million COVID Fraud Scheme

Dr. Joseph A. Montes, 66, a Houston-area doctor, has been indicted for his alleged involvement in a multi-year scheme to fraudulently bill the federal government for medical services that were reportedly never provided. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas announced the charges, which include conspiracy to defraud the United States, five counts of wire fraud, and six counts of money laundering. Prosecutors claim that between 2020 and 2022, Montes and his clinics submitted approximately $30 million in false claims to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HSRA), with $20 million ultimately paid out. The indictment alleges that Montes allowed a co-conspirator to operate COVID testing sites under his name. At these sites, the co-conspirator purportedly charged HSRA for office visits for each patient who only came for COVID testing, without receiving any actual medical treatment. In one instance, over 9,000 claims for federal rei...

Cancer Survival Rates: The Complex Meaning of the 'Five-Year Mark' in Oncology

Cancer Survival Rates: The Complex Meaning of the 'Five-Year Mark' in Oncology

The 'five-year survival' statistic in cancer treatment is a benchmark used by doctors and researchers, but it does not equate to a 'five-year cure.' While over 10 million cancer survivors in the U.S. have lived beyond five years, and more than 1.4 million beyond 20 years, the meaning of this milestone varies significantly depending on the type of cancer. For solid tumors like breast, colorectal, and prostate cancers, which have longer cellular doubling times, microscopic cells can hide and evade detection, making long-term behavior harder to predict. In contrast, cancers with short doubling times, such as testicular cancer, may be considered cured after a few years if no recurrence is detected. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) emphasizes that while five years is an important landmark, it does not guarantee a cure and patients may still face long-term effects or secondary cancers.

Meridian Community College Hosts Annual 'My College Cares' Day for Community Beautification

Meridian Community College Hosts Annual 'My College Cares' Day for Community Beautification

Meridian Community College (MCC) recently held its annual 'My College Cares' day, an event dedicated to community service and beautification efforts in Meridian, Mississippi. The initiative saw various clubs and organizations from MCC come together to clean up and enhance the city, often referred to as the Queen City. According to Will Nathan, VP of enrollment management services at MCC, the college emphasizes being an active part of the community beyond providing education and workforce advancement. Leia Hill, executive director of the MCC Foundation, highlighted that 'My College Cares' is a long-standing tradition, spanning decades, where the college prioritizes community engagement. Teams from MCC worked at multiple locations, including the historic Merrehope, where they assisted with chores and beautification. Other efforts included roadside trash pickup with support from Keep America Beautiful personnel and tasks at sites like Aldersage, Camp Binachi, Meridian Little Theater, and the Mississippi Herit...

University of Minnesota Launches OneHealth Exchange to Advance Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

University of Minnesota Launches OneHealth Exchange to Advance Human, Animal, and Environmental Health

The University of Minnesota is launching a OneHealth Exchange, an initiative designed to advance its leadership in the 'One Health' approach. This approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, fostering collaboration among diverse fields to nurture overall well-being. The university already has numerous projects and initiatives across its departments that align with this philosophy. The new OneHealth Exchange will serve as a centralized platform, enabling scholars to more easily share their findings and build upon each other's work. A primary focus of this exchange will be on infectious disease and agriculture, leveraging the university's existing strengths in these areas to elevate its visibility and leadership for years to come.

Rockies show progress in latest 100-loss season, and raise ticket prices to catch up with MLB

Rockies show progress in latest 100-loss season, and raise ticket prices to catch up with MLB

The Colorado Rockies have increased their win total by 15 games and ticket prices by about 12%

Gold bars, fancy cars: Former CIA op pleads guilty in $194M fraud scheme

Gold bars, fancy cars: Former CIA op pleads guilty in $194M fraud scheme

Court documents say David Rush, 49, created fake federal entities through which he requested gold bars and other funds spent on luxury goods.

Volkswagen Jetta is half the price of a typical new car and worth it

Volkswagen Jetta is half the price of a typical new car and worth it

The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most affordable vehicles on the road today, with a starting price under $25,000. We tested the latest model.