Pink noise, often used as a sleep aid, may actually reduce restorative REM sleep and potentially harm sleep quality, according to a recent study published in the journal Sleep. The research, conducted by the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, found that earplugs were significantly more effective in protecting sleep against traffic noise.
The study, published on February 2, 2026, challenges the widespread use of ambient sound machines and apps marketed to improve sleep. REM sleep is crucial for memory consolidation, emotional regulation, and brain development. The findings suggest that using pink noise and other broadband noises during sleep could be detrimental.
In other news, a study of 130,000 people linked moderate caffeine intake to a slower rate of brain aging and a reduced risk of dementia, according to Nature News. This finding, highlighted in the Nature Podcast, suggests a potential benefit of coffee consumption. The podcast also discussed the use of AI to decode the rules of a long-forgotten ancient Roman board game, as reported by Scientific American.
Meanwhile, a separate article on Phys.org, published on February 15, 2026, discussed the importance of incorporating children's views into research. The article, written by Deborah Levison and Anna Bolgrien, highlighted that the amount of work done by children is often underestimated by adults.
Finally, a multi-source report from The Verge recommended the film "Possession" as a cult classic. The film, known for its unsettling plot, features standout performances and is set against the backdrop of the Berlin Wall.
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