Aug. 22 - Sleep detectives; a pro-Ukraine case for Russian studies
Section 1
UCI’s New Swan Theater glows near the edge of Aldrich Park. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Dr. Rami Khayat oversees Sleep Center testing rooms and treatments for slumber disorders. Photo by Steve Zylius/UCI
Sleep detectives solve patients’ shut-eye problems
When the lights go down in UCI’s Sleep Center, things can get a little strange. Although some of the overnight patients simply snore, others sleepwalk, scream or act out dreams by kicking, pedaling and punching. To diagnose and treat such symptoms, UCI sleep sleuths observe video feeds from the clinic’s high-tech bedrooms and track more than 30 vital signs for each patient. “It’s like a biopsy of your sleep,” says Dr. Rami Khayat, who directs the program.
UCI scholar and author Lora Mjolsness says learning about Russian culture and language can actually support Ukraine’s fight against the invasion.
Studying Russian culture can help Ukraine, scholar says
Taking a class on Russian culture or language might seem like supporting the invasion of Ukraine, but UCI scholar and author Lora Mjolsness suggests the opposite is true. “By taking a Russian class, you're saying, ‘This [invasion] is not right, and I'm going to learn everything I can about it to become an expert – and not only understand current world events but shape the future as well.’ ... Russian culture is not monolithic or tied to just Russia, as Vladimir Putin would like the world to believe.”
Reminder: Campus mask mandate rescinded
Over the weekend, UCI lifted its requirement for indoor face coverings. Masks are now recommended, but not required on campus, except in healthcare settings such as the Student Health Center, the Counseling Center, the Student Center COVID-19 Testing Site, and at UCI Health offices and clinics.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
Two more omicron variants: How worried should we be?
Experts in California are tracking two newer omicron subvariants, BA.4.6 and BA.2.75. The question is whether either can overtake BA.5, which elbowed out other coronavirus strains during its rise to dominance this summer. If they can, it could potentially trigger a fresh rise in cases.
EVENTS
Shakespeare and Sanctuary, with Elizabeth Allen
Wednesday, 5 p.m. (sponsored by New Swan Shakespeare Center)
Visit today.uci.edu to see and submit event listings. Events of general interest will be shared in UCI Digest two days before they occur.