Is your sleep quality ON THE ROCKS? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. WINE-ing about not getting a good night’s sleep? Maybe that after-work cocktail is to blame! Dandan Zheng and researchers at Penn State University wondered whether alcohol intake affects sleep. To find out, they
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Dream and Learn
Whoa, I’m flying! Or…is it just a dream? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Dreams can be so bizarre and fun. One minute you’re back in kindergarten, the next you’re floating in outer space! But WHY do we dream? Enter Erin Wamsley and colleagues from
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Shh, don’t wake the baby! She’s busy learning… This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. “Mama, dada, MORE!!”… Babies pick up words so quickly! When kids memorize words, specific regions of the brain go into hyper-drive. But where does this speed-learning take place in BABIES’ brains??
Continue readingBlue Light Battle
Time for bed … but first, just ONE MORE TikTok video! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Blue light naturally comes from the sun. But modern humans have developed EXTRA exposure! Think artificial light sources like LED lights, tablets and cell phone screens! How do
Continue readingDeep Sleep
How do you catch Z’s. . . in the sea? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. All animals need sleep, even ocean-dwellers. But how do seafaring animals sleep safely from predators? Jessica Kendall-Bar from the University of California, Santa Cruz and team
Continue readingSleepy Children, Happy Children
Hey kid, falling asleep at your desk! WAKE UP! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Children have IMMENSE energy one moment. But then, . . . they’re out like a light! But is there something GOOD about that nap? Jianghong Liu from University of Pennsylvania and an international team
Continue readingSweat, Sleep, Repeat
Sweat and snooze for a longer cruise! This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Some people are ALWAYS sleeping! Others don’t seem to need it. But sleeping too much or too little actually LOWERS life expectancy. Could exercise help? Enter Dr. Jihui Zhang and team from
Continue readingDoxing in Darkness
Hello darkness, my old friend. This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Sleep helps us learn, focus, and recover. Light is nature’s alarm clock. And a good one at that! Even a tiny bit can keep us from catching our Z’s. Would sleeping in total darkness
Continue readingUnlocked Memories
*YAWN* Where’s my… what was I looking for again? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Ever get a bad night’s sleep and totally space on something important the next day? Like a great idea or… a wedding anniversary? Are those forgotten memories gone FOREVER? Can
Continue readingCoffee or Nap?
Foggy brain? How do YOU recharge your batteries — nap or coffee? This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science. Chug down a grande frappuccino after lunch and whoa, you are rip-roaring and ready to go! But does coffee ACTUALLY help? Sara Mednick and colleagues at the
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