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    Scientists find new explanation for why bugs fly into lights – Ubergizmo - May 7, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A recent study by Imperial College London and Florida International University challenges the commonly held belief that bugs are attracted to artificial light because they mistake it for moonlight the biologists behind the study suggest that the bugs behavior might be the result of interference with their brain function; instead of flying directly towards the light, insects are found to be drawn towards it from the opposite direction, flying towards it with their butts rather than their heads. This behavior can cause the insects to become trapped in frenzied holding patterns, when they collide with artificial lights.

    The researchers used high-resolution motion capture and stereo-videography to observe butterflies, dragonflies, and moths in a laboratory setting. This approach allowed them to study the insects movements in detail and determine how they reacted to different types of artificial light. Their findings showed that bugs were less likely to be affected by downward-facing lights, which suggests that these lights could be an effective way to reduce the number of insects drawn to artificial light sources.

    A group of termite queen flying at the bright lights at night.

    The studys findings have far-reaching implications for both scientists and the public; by challenging long-standing assumptions about insect behavior, this research could help to prevent unintended harm to insect populations caused by artificial lighting. The studys lead author, Dr. Barrett Klein, has called for a shift in how we design outdoor lighting to avoid negative effects on wildlife.

    It also sheds a light on the complex relationship between insects and light while its clear that artificial lighting can disrupt their behavior, its also worth noting that insects have evolved to use light in a variety of ways, for example, some species of fireflies use their bioluminescence to attract mates, while others use light to navigate during migration. By understanding how artificial light affects different insect species, researchers can begin to develop more targeted strategies to protect vulnerable populations.

    Altogether, this study demonstrates the importance of taking a nuanced approach to understanding the natural world. Although its tempting to rely on simple explanations for complex phenomena, science is rarely so straightforward. We can indeed improve our knowledge of the world and create better methods for safeguarding it by persistently questioning our beliefs and conducting thorough experiments to gather information.

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    Scientists find new explanation for why bugs fly into lights - Ubergizmo

    How to Get Rid of Mosquitoesand Keep Them From Coming Back – Bob Vila - May 7, 2023 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Photo: istockphoto.com

    No matter where you live, its likely youll encounter mosquitoes when the temperatures rise. Mosquitoes tend to flock to warm, wet conditions, and standing water offers a breeding ground for these pesky insects. And beyond their annoying buzzing and the itchy bites they leave behind, mosquitoes can pose serious health risks, so its essential to know how to get rid of mosquitoes when they wont leave the property. Luckily, there is a range of tactics to apply to both prevent them from infesting the yard and keep them from returning. And for those wary of using commercial chemical prevention methods, they can opt for natural repellents and dont even need mosquito spray for the house to eliminate the bugs. The following guide will provide step-by-step instructions for how to deter mosquitoes and suggest when its time to hire a professional if the infestation is out of control.

    Time required: 1 to 2 hoursDifficulty: BeginnerEstimated cost: $50 to $500

    Although it may be tempting to start lighting citronella candles and planting lavender, it helps to properly identify the insects as mosquitoes and determine what level of mosquito infestation is present. This will not only help residents learn how to repel mosquitoes but also come up with a mosquito solution.

    First, its important to identify mosquitoes from other similar-looking insects such as crane flies or non-biting midges. Adult mosquitoes have one pair of wings, a humped back, a long biting organ that protrudes from its head, and scales on the veins of its wings. In contrast, crane flies have straighter abdomens with wings that rest farther away from their bodies, while non-biting midges lack the mosquitos distinctive long mouthpart.

    Once its confirmed that mosquitoes are indeed present, the next step is to look for signs of a mosquito infestation, as the presence of an occasional mosquito doesnt necessarily mean theres a full-blown infestation that needs to be treated. Some common indicators that the bugs have infested the yard include a constant buzzing sound, spotting mosquitoes during the daytime and at night, frequent mosquito bites, and mosquitoes in shaded areas of the yard. If these signs are present and youre still struggling to figure out how to get rid of mosquitoes outside, DIY methods may not be enough and youll want to reach out to one of the best mosquito control services.

    DIY Pest Control. Simplified.

    Bob Vila has partnered with Sunday to pest-proof your home & yard this season.

    GET YOUR CUSTOM PLAN

    Mosquitoes like to lay eggs in water with little to no flow, which is why standing water outside the home can lead to an infestation. Standing water can include anything from a small puddle to water inside a birdbath, trash container, inflatable pool, or outdoor toys. The first priority when figuring out how to get rid of mosquitoes in the backyard will be to eliminate any standing water on a regular basis. Not only will this lessen the presence of mosquitoes around the home, but it will also keep them from coming back.

    About once a week, its recommended to do a walk-through of the yard and empty out any items holding water or cover containers without lids that could be a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Any open vents or plumbing pipes can also be covered with wire mesh with holes small enough to keep adult mosquitoes from getting through. It also helps to repair any cracks or gaps in the septic tank.

    Gutters that are cluttered with debris, leaves, or residual water from recent storms can attract mosquitoes and lead to an infestation. Cleaning the gutters regularly or hiring one of the best gutter cleaning services to do so lessens the risk of inviting mosquitoes near the property. In some cases, it can be what makes mosquitoes go away and not come back.

    Mosquitoes are drawn to cool, dark, damp places, and overgrown lawns can provide all three. Regular lawn maintenance such as mowing and trimming keeps adult mosquitoes from nesting and allows any standing water to dry more quickly from sun exposure. The better the grass is maintained, the less likely it is to create a breeding ground for mosquitoes, which can multiply their population easily.

    Its also wise to keep bushes trimmed and clean up any yard waste. Additionally, homeowners can consider using cedar mulch in their garden beds, as the cedar oils repel mosquitoes and the mulch can absorb excess moisture.

    There are plenty of home remedies to get rid of mosquitoes for those who are wary of applying harsh chemicals or solutions that are dangerous to children or pets but are trying to figure out how to control mosquitoes. The following options are natural, low-risk ways to keep these insects at bay.

    When natural methods just wont cut it, residents can try to ward off mosquitoes with pesticides. Commercial products that contain ingredients such as prallethrin, etofenprox, pyrethrins, permethrin, resmethrin, and sumithrin can be found at a local home improvement store and are often dispensed as ultra-low volume (ULV) sprays. Once the liquid is dispensed into the air, it turns into tiny aerosol droplets that kill mosquitoes on contact. If a resident does use commercial pesticides, its best to read the warning labels beforehand, as some ingredients should be kept away from children, pets, or pregnant women.

    If the above steps still dont eliminate mosquitoes, it may be time to call a professional mosquito control company (some of the best pest control companies such as Orkin and Terminix may be able to help). These experts will be able to come up with a treatment plan thats tailored to the property and ensures the pesky bugs dont return. Professionals know how to most effectively apply treatments and fumigate for mosquitoes. Bringing in a pro is especially helpful for those who live in regions with high humidity where mosquitoes often run rampant and are harder to control. Plus, a company geared toward eliminating mosquitoes will likely be able to apply treatment multiple times throughout the season to ensure the yard is kept mosquito-free. Mosquito control costs range on average from $350 to $500. This can vary, however, depending on the size of the yard, the size of the infestation, and the type and frequency of the treatment.

    The steps above can help residents not only identify the extent of a mosquito problem, but also help put measures in place to keep the nuisances away for good. Although most mosquito bites arent serious, some mosquitoes carry harmful viruses that lead to disease and illness in humans, so its wise to be cautious and handle a mosquito problem sooner rather than later.

    Yes. Anything from blood type, sweat, beer consumption, and pregnancy can make some people more attractive to mosquitoes than others. Around 20 percent of humans are more attractive to mosquitoes than the rest.

    Mosquitoes seem to like Type O blood the most and Type A blood the least. Additionally, 85 percent of people secrete biochemical markers through their skin that identifies their blood type, while 15 percent do not. Mosquitoes will be more attracted to the secretors, regardless of their blood type.

    Mosquitoes hate the smells of lavender, tea tree oil, citronella, and lemon eucalyptus.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), washing the bite with soap and water, applying an ice pack, and applying a paste of baking soda and water can help mosquito bites go away faster.

    Yes, if the material is thin or tight-fitting enough, mosquitoes can bite through clothes.

    Because direct sunlight can dehydrate them, mosquitoes are most active in the early morning hours before temperatures rise.

    Professional mosquito control typically costs between $350 to $500 per season. DIY solutions, like homemade mosquito spray, can cost a few dollars.

    You can follow the above steps to kill and repel mosquitoes. If mosquitoes are getting into the house at night while you sleep, a fan pointed at the bed can keep them from landing. Additionally, you can avoid strong-scented body products that may attract mosquitoes.

    The average adult mosquito lifespan is 2 to 3 weeks. Females typically live longer than males.

    Female mosquitoes bite humans and feed on blood. Male mosquitoes feed on flower nectar and do not bite humans.

    Sources: Verywell Health, M and M Pest Control

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    How to Get Rid of Mosquitoesand Keep Them From Coming Back - Bob Vila

    Bright LEDs could spell the end of dark skies – MIT Technology Review - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    A global view of Earth assembled from data acquired by the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (NPP) satellite.

    NASA

    Specifications in the current proposal provide a starting point for planning, including a color temperature cutoff of 3,000 K in line with Pittsburghs dark-sky ordinance, which passed last fall. However, Martinez says that is the maximum, and as they look for consultants, theyll be taking into account which ones show dark-sky expertise. The city is also consideringbudget and infrastructure permittinga network lighting management system, a kind of smart lighting that would allow them to control lighting levels and know when there is an outage.

    Martinez says there will be citywide engagement and updates on the status as critical milestones are reached. Were in the evaluation period right now, she says, adding that the next milestone is authorization of a new contract. She acknowledges there is some passionate interest in street lighting, and that she too is anxious to see the project come to fruition: Just because things seem to go quiet doesnt mean work is not being done.

    While they arent meeting with light pollution experts right now, Martinez says the ones they met with during the last proposal roundStephen Quick and Diane Turnshek of CMU were instrumental in adopting the dark-sky ordinance.

    In recent months, Zielinska-Dabkowska says, her baby has been the first Responsible Outdoor Light at Night Conference, an international gathering of more than 300 lighting professionals and light pollution researchers held virtually in May. Barentine was among the speakers. Its a sign that all of this is really coming along, both as a research subject but also something that attracts the interest of practitioners in outdoor lighting, he says of the conference.

    There is more work to be done, though. The IDA recently released a report summarizing the current state of light pollution research. The 18-page report includes a list of knowledge gaps to be addressed in several areas, including the overall effectiveness of government policies on light pollution. Another is how much light pollution comes from sources other than city streetlights, which a 2020 study found accounted for only 13% of Tucsons light pollution. It is not clear what makes up the rest, but Barentine suspects the next biggest source in the US and Europe is commercial lighting, such as flashy outdoor LED signs and parking lot lighting.

    Working with companies to reduce light emissions can be challenging, says Clayton Trevillyan, Tucsons chief building officer. If there is a source of light inside the building, technically its not regulated by the outdoor lighting code, even if it is emitting light outside, Trevillyan says. In some cases, he says, in order to get around the citys restrictions, businesses have suspended illuminated signs inside buildings but aimed them outside.

    Light pollution experts generally say there is no substantial evidence that more light amounts to greater safety.

    For cities trying to implement a lighting ordinance, Trevillyan says, the biggest roadblocks theyll face are irrelevant arguments, specifically claims that reducing the brightness of outdoor lighting will cut down on advertising revenue and make the city more vulnerable to crime. The key to successfully enforcing the dark-sky rules, he says, is to educate the public and refuse to give in to people seeking exceptions or exploiting loopholes.

    Light pollution experts generally say there is no substantial evidence that more light amounts to greater safety. In Tucson, for example, Barentine says, neither traffic accidents nor crime appeared to increase after the city started dimming its streetlights at night and restricting outdoor lighting in 2017. Last year, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania analyzed crime rates alongside 300,000 streetlight outages over an eight-year period. They concluded there is little evidence of any impact on crime rates on the affected streetsin fact, perpetrators seemed to seek out better-lit adjacent streets. Barentine says there is some evidence that strategically placed lighting can help decrease traffic collisions. Beyond that, things get murky pretty quickly, he says.

    Continued here:
    Bright LEDs could spell the end of dark skies - MIT Technology Review

    Lindblad’s National Geographic Islander II Debuts in the Galapagos – Cruise Industry News - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    After arriving in Ecuador earlier this month, the National Geographic Islander II is departing on its inaugural cruise today.

    Acquired by Lindblad Expeditions in 2021, the vessel is now set to offer year-round expeditions in the Galpagos Archipelago.

    Replacing the 1995-built National Geographic Islander, the ship will offer two different itineraries, the seven-day Wild Galpagos Escape and the ten-day Wild Galpagos & Peru Escape which also includes a land-based tour to Cusco, Machu Pichu, Lima and the Sacred Valley.

    In the Galpagos, both itineraries sail to several islands, including Santa Cruz, Darwins, Espaola and more.

    Formerly known as the Crystal Esprit, the 32-guest cruise ship was transformed into Lindblad Expeditions' new National Geographic Islander II during a major refurbishment in Europe.

    The 22-day drydock included a top-to-bottom refit of all public areas and cabins aiming, according to the company, to elevate the guest experience to an entirely new level.

    Among the highlights are the 26 suites, all equipped with large windows, convertible king/twin beds, sofas, marble double-sink bathrooms, stocked mini-bars, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and ample closets.

    The vessel also received the new Science Hub, a laboratory outfitted with an interactive video display, lab benches and seating.

    Designed to connect guests to the Lindblad-National Geographic legacy of supporting conservation and research, the area is complemented with Cabins for Conservation Suites.

    To be used exclusively by Galpagos community members, local and international researchers, educators, storytellers, and other experts, the accommodations provide guests a deeper connection to people and place.

    In addition to the hotel improvements, the 1989-built yacht saw work on its technical features as well, with the introduction of key environmental and fuel-efficient upgrades. Among them are reduced outdoor lighting, special hull paint, and recycled water from new air conditioning systems.

    In addition to the Islander II, Lindblad also operates the National Geographic Endeavour II in the Galpagos.

    The 96-guest expedition ship offers year-round sailings around the Ecuadorian archipelago since being acquired by the company in 2016.

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    Lindblad's National Geographic Islander II Debuts in the Galapagos - Cruise Industry News

    Save nearly 30% on Kasas dual outdoor weather-resistant smart plug down at $18 – 9to5Toys - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Amazon is now offering the Kasa Outdoor Smart Plug for $17.99 with free shipping for Prime members or in orders over $25. Be sure to clip the $2 on-page coupon. Regularly $25, todays deal is nearly 30% off the going rate, matching the second best price of the year, and the lowest total we can find. This no hub-required outlet extension delivers a pair of smart plugs to your outdoor space to provide smartphone control and voice command action to yard and holiday lighting all year round (among many other things). The independently-controlled outlets are IP64 weather-resistant and work with both Alexa and Google Assistant-ready gear as well as the Kasa app for remote control alongside scheduling and countdown settings. More details below.

    A more affordable solution comes by way of this meross Outdoor Smart Plug. While arguably not quite as modern-looking, the feature set is nearly identical as the model above alongside the slightly lower price tag at just under $17 Prime shipped.

    But speaking of smart home gear, be sure to dive into todays roundup of Anker security and SoloCam deals. Offers start from $33 shipped today via its official Amazon storefront and range from full-on home security bundles to individual cameras for keeping an eye on things while youre not home. Browse through all of the deals right here as well as its ongoing smartphone accessory sale.

    Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!

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    Save nearly 30% on Kasas dual outdoor weather-resistant smart plug down at $18 - 9to5Toys

    Lights out Texas begins with the start of fall migration – CW39 Houston - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    HOUSTON (CW39) According to Texas by Nature, Lights Out Texas is a campaign of education, awareness, and action that focuses on turning out lights at night during the spring and fall migrations to help protect the billions of migratory birds that fly over Texas annually.

    This effort was originally launched in2017 by Houston Audubon and American National Insurance Companyfollowing a major bird collision event involving 400 birds in Galveston. Right around this time, Cornell Lab of Ornithology developed theirBirdCastmigration forecast maps using historical radar data. Later, Lights Out Texas took hold in Dallas-Fort Worth, led by Texas Conservation Alliance, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Dallas Zoo with The Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Colorado State University supporting efforts and Texan by Nature helping with outreach in Fall 2020.

    In 2021, Texan by Nature collaborated with these leading organizations to facilitate Lights Out Texas at the statewide level in order to standardize the approach to messaging, communication, and volunteer efforts across all Texas organizations.

    In 2022, the management of Lights Out Texas for Spring of 2022 was co-facilitated by Texan by Nature andAudubon Texas, with a total transition of the statewide initiative to Audubon Texas in the Summer of 2022. Learn more and see the latest Lights Out Texas Resources attx.audubon.org/urbanconservation/lights-out-texas

    Fall Migration Dates*

    Key Timing

    We encourage everyone to turn off non-essential lights at night from 11 pm 6 am during the full fall and spring migration periods, and where conflicts apply, prioritize lights out during the critical peak migration periods.

    Guidelines for Everyone

    Additional Guidelines for Buildings Taller Than 3 Stories

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    Lights out Texas begins with the start of fall migration - CW39 Houston

    Health Risks Linked to Leaving Lights on at Night – The Epoch Times - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Light at night can disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to obesity, diabetes, and more

    Ensuring your bedroom is pitch black at nightwithout light exposure from a television, window, cellphone, or even your alarm clockis a simple way to reduce your risk of chronic disease. It was only about 130 years ago that electric light was invented, bringing with it drastic changes in the way humans function on a daily basis.

    Now that were able to work, eat, and play well after the sun sets, artificial lighting has had immense benefits for us, but our endogenous circadian clocks havent fully adjusted. The fact is, exposure to unnatural electric light, including light at night (LAN), disrupts sleep and many other biological processes.

    The full effects of exposure to light at night are only beginning to be understood, but astudy published in Sleep in June has demonstrated that exposure to any amount of LAN has detrimental effects on the health of older adults, increasing the risk of obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

    For millennia, humans were exposed to light from the sun during the day and near complete darkness at night, except for light from the moon, stars, and fire. Now, its difficult for humans to avoid light exposure at night, which comes from televisions, computers, cellphones, light pollution, and a multitude of other sources.

    Whether it be from ones smartphone, leaving a TV on overnight, or light pollution in a big city, we live among an abundant number of artificial sources of light that are available 24 hours of a day, Dr. Minjee Kim, lead author of the new study and assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Northwestern Medicine physician, saidin a statement.

    Kim and colleagues conducted a real-world study involving 552 men and women between the ages of 63 and 84. They wanted to determine if exposure to LAN increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease, so they measured light exposure using wrist-worn devices over a seven-day period.

    Compared to adults who werent exposed to LAN, those who did experience light exposure at night were significantly more likely to be obese or have high blood pressure or diabetes. Specifically:

    Those exposed to LAN were also more likely to wake after falling asleep, and the researchers suggested more studies should be conducted to understand the long-term effects of light exposure at night on cardiometabolic risks.

    Why You Should Turn Off the TV Before Going to Sleep

    Past research has also highlighted the health risks of not sleeping in complete darkness. In March, a study of 20 healthy young adults published inPNAS,a journal of the National Academy of Sciences, revealed that even one night of sleep with moderate light exposure increased nighttime heart rate, decreased heart rate variability, and increased next-morning insulin resistance.

    These results demonstrate that a single night of exposure to room light during sleep can impair glucose homeostasis, potentially via increased SNS [sympathetic nervous system] activation, the researchers noted. In 2019, JAMA Internal Medicine published a study involving 43,722 women that also found that exposure to artificial light at night while sleeping was significantly associated with an increased risk of weight gain and obesity.

    The link was particularly strong for women who slept with the television or a light on in their bedroom, and the researchers suggested incorporating strategies to reduce nighttime light exposure in public health recommendations for obesity:

    Given the association found between exposure to ALAN [artificial light at night] while sleeping and subsequent weight gain and obesity in our study and the cross-sectional evidence from other studies, public health strategies to decrease obesity might consider interventions aimed at reducing ALAN while sleeping.

    Compared with women who had no exposure to artificial light at night, sleeping with a television or light on in the room was associated with a greater risk of gaining about 11 pounds (5 kilograms) or more, a body mass index increase of 10 percent or more, incident overweight, and incident obesity over the course of the follow-up period.

    There were notable differences in weight gain depending on the type of light exposure. While sleeping with a small nightlight wasnt associated with weight gain, sleeping in a room with light coming from outside the room was associated with a modest weight increase. However, women who slept with a light or television on were 17 percent more likely to have gained about 11 pounds or more.

    Study co-author Chandra Jackson, head of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Social and Environmental Determinants of Health Equity Group, explained that the study could have implications for people living in urban areas, where sources of artificial light such as streetlights and neon signs could interfere with the sleep hormone melatonin.

    Humans are genetically adapted to a natural environment consisting of sunlight during the day and darkness at night,she said in a 2019 National Institutes of Health article. Exposure to artificial light at night may alter hormones and other biological processes in ways that raise the risk of health conditions like obesity.

    Disrupted sleep may partly explain why LAN increases obesity risk, and previous studies have also linked sleep disruptions to obesity and diabetes. A study published in Diabetes Care in 2019 that followed 2,003 men and women for a mean of six years found irregular sleep patterns increased the risk of metabolic syndrome by 23 percent for each one hour of sleep difference, while chronic one-hour loss increased the risk by 27 percent.

    The research revealed that irregular sleep, including day-to-day variability in sleep duration and timing, is associated with metabolic abnormalities. Not sleeping enough has also been linked to similar health risks. The study reads:

    Modern environment and lifestyle, such as increased light exposure and activities during night and widespread use of electronic media and mobile devices, not only deprive humans of sufficient sleep but also considerably disturb the regularity of sleep behaviors.

    An adequate amount of sleep, which is essential for global rejuvenation of the human body, plays a central role in normal functioning of metabolism and energy homeostasis. As a result, reduced quantity of sleep has been associated with higher risk of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes in numerous previous studies.

    Exposure to light leads to advances or delays in your circadian rhythm, known as phase shifts. Typically, exposure to light early in the morning causes a phase advance, which leads to earlier waking. Light exposure at bedtime will lead to a phase delay, or later wakening.

    Nighttime exposure to light inhibits the secretion of melatonin, which can cause circadian disruptions that play a role in cancer, notes a study published in the journal Cancer in 2021. The same study found evidence that suggests LAN may increase thyroid cancer risk, too, as thyroid function is regulated by circadian rhythm.

    Another study published in the International Journal of Cancer in 2020 found that higher exposure to outdoor light at night may increase the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer.

    A study published in the journal Cancer followed 464,371 participants in the National Institutes of HealthAmerican Association of Retired Persons Diet and Health Study for an average of 12.8 years. Satellite data were used to estimate nighttime light exposure, which was then linked to residential addresses, while thyroid cancer cases were followed via state cancer registries.

    A positive association was found between light exposure at night and thyroid cancer risk, in astudy published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences in 2017. Those in the highest quintile of nighttime light exposure had a 55 percent increased risk of thyroid cancer compared to those in the lowest quintile. Aside from helping you sleep, melatonin may help prevent cancer, acting as a full service anti-cancer agent, inhibiting the initiation, progression, and metastasis of cancer.

    The suppression of melatonin that occurs during exposure to light at night is one explanation for LANs detrimental effects. According to a review by NIEHS researchers:

    Potential adverse health effects from light-induced circadian disruption are mediated in part by melatonin suppression. Light at night of sufficient level and duration, appropriate wavelength, and appropriate timing can shift the timing and/or reduce the amplitude of the nighttime melatonin signal, as may happen in night-shift workers.

    This may contribute to sleep changes and circadian disruption, which in turn affect a host of cellular mechanisms (such as metabolism and cell cycling) and neurobehavioral processes (such as mood regulation and cognitive outcomes). These disturbances may potentially lead to adverse health outcomes.

    Because it involves exposure to artificial light at night, shift work has been categorized as a probable carcinogen that induces circadian disorganization, which, in turn, is linked to elevated rates of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular risks, obesity, mood disorders and age-related macular degeneration, notes a review published in Life Sciences in 2017.

    Making a conscious effort to eliminate light in your bedroom can go a long way toward protecting your health. If your bedroom is affected by light pollution, be sure to use blackout shades to keep light out, or wear an eye mask when you go to sleep. Remove all sources of light from your bedroom, including a digital alarm clock or cellphone.

    You should also swap out LED lights with incandescent bulbs, which are less efficient at suppressing melatonin, particularly in areas where you spend most of your time during the day and evening, such as your kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Leave the LEDs for areas such as hallways, closets, garages, and porches, where your exposure to them is minimal.

    When it gets to be late afternoon and evening, wear amber-colored glasses that block blue light, and turn off electronicsor at least be sure to wear the glasses while youre using them. You can also install blue light-blocking software, such as Iris, on your computer, cellphone, and tablet. Many devices have built-in blue light reduction modes you can turn on or even schedule for certain times of the day.

    In addition to sleeping in pitch blackness, you can further optimize your circadian rhythm by getting exposure to bright natural light during the day. Ideally, strive for at least 15 minutes of sunlight exposure in the morning hours to help to regulate the production of melatonin, dropping it to normal daytime levels, so you feel awake during the day and can sleep better at night.

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    Health Risks Linked to Leaving Lights on at Night - The Epoch Times

    4 Best Hokolite LED Work Lights: Rechargeable And High-Performance – Men’s Gear - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    Whether youre working in your garage, workshop, or construction sites, adequate lighting is essential to complete certain tasks. Regular options normally require wires, which can become another hazard and limit your range of movement. A great alternative would be something like a rechargeable magnetic LED work light.

    Professionals would consider it an excellent option given the characteristics like energy efficiency, versatility, and adjustable brightness levels. We suggest that you check out these Hokolite work lightswhich arepacking high-capacity rechargeable batteries that will last for quite some time. Just dont forget to plug these in after use, so theyre ready to go anytime.

    The shop offers a wide selection of models geared for various types of applications. Depending on the performance needed, youre sure to find one suited for the job. Before you browse through their catalog, its crucial to understand exactly what specifications will benefit you the most.

    Verify if the location is open or enclosed and if there will be mounting points for the work lights and power sources. Furthermore, ensure to account for the estimated number of lumens to adequately illuminate the space.

    Once you have all those figured out, its time to move on to selection. Lets not forget to also consider portability, height-adjustability, and maximum brightness level too. You can click here to view some of the best work light options offered by Hokolite.

    This 1200-lumen red LED work light combines COB and LED technology, which allows you to switch between the spotlight and floodlight function. There are five lighting modes available, and it maxes out at 1200 lumens. It is also worth mentioning that this work light likewise packs a red flash mode. This is a helpful feature to alert those on the worksite about the potential hazard ahead or act as an early warning device for vehicles.

    It has a 360-degree rotating hook on top with a strong magnet for to hold it at a specific angle. This work light is ready for various tasks and is easy to use. The material it uses is durable ABS plastic with TPR. It endows the work light with a measure of water resistance and helps it withstand impacts and falls from heights of up to three meters. Keep one or more handy in case of an emergency.

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    Looking for a bright and versatile portable LED work light? Look no further as this 2500-lumen rechargeable work light never fails to impress. It comes with dual COB output module alongside a red hazard feature and a 360-degree rotatable magnetic stand for a convenient carry. This waterproof work light has an integrated 4,000 mAh power bank to conveniently charge your USB-powered devices.

    With this in your arsenal, you can continue to work even if there is a power outage. This powerful work light uses a USB-C port, to quickly recharge the unit. It also touts a durable construction and a vibrant colorway, so you can easily spot it in your toolbox.

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    Built with a durable ABS plastic housing, a 270-degree rotating magnetic base, and a 2600 mAh power bank, Hokolites 2100-lumen portable work light is a worthwhile investment. It has three lighting modes. Aside from high and low settings, there is also a very useful strobe mode. Due to the design of COB units, this work lamp can light up a bigger area. Although it is compact in size, the maximum output is more than enough for almost any scenario.

    This work light has a strong clip system and a collapsible hanging hook. This makes it highly adaptable and can be used in places where traditional lighting is difficult to install. Whether it is an enclosed workshop or a messy garage, this bad boy is ready for action. If youre looking for an outdoor-ready work light with multiple brightness settings, this is a great choice.

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    If you want a heavy-duty work light designed to work in almost any condition, this model is an ideal option. You can even dial up the brightness up to 2500 lumens. It is equipped with a 360-degree rotating stand, powerful magnetic handles, and an adjustable zoom. Tweak the lens focus to use it as a spotlight or floodlight. The freestanding capability allows for hands-free illumination in any situation. It can also charge USB-powered devices in an emergency.

    Best of all, it has IPX4-rated ingress protection and impact resistance of up to 6 feet. Toggle its five different light modes: COB + LED High, COB + LED Low, Single LED Spotlight, Single COB Flood Light, and Red COB Flash. The highest brightness setting is 2500 lumens and the maximum usage time can exceed 9 hours. These work lights can effortlessly illuminate any area. It is an indispensable tool for your projects and more.

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    These LED work lights are some of the best options out there for those who want exceptional brightness, versatile functionality, and impressive usage times. After reading this guide, you should be able to pick out the most suitable work light from Hokolite.

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    4 Best Hokolite LED Work Lights: Rechargeable And High-Performance - Men's Gear

    Seoul Semiconductor Obtains Permanent Injunctions and Order for Recall against Cell-Phone Products in Europe – Business Wire - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    ANSAN, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seoul Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (KOSDAQ:046890), a leading global innovator of LED products and technology, announced that it has obtained a permanent injunction in patent litigation against Conrad Electronic (Conrad), a large European retailer, for infringement of an LED patent in Germany.

    In July 2022, the German District Court of Manheim issued a permanent injunction against certain cell phones and a recall of those products in the patent litigation against Conrad. The accused products relate to flash LEDs for cell phones.

    The patented technology in the cell phone flash LEDs serves to efficiently extract light emitted from the LED, significantly improving light intensity and brightness. This patented technology has been widely used for cell phone flashlights, automobile headlamps, UV LED home appliances, horticulture applications, and outdoor lighting.

    Seoul has already won several patent litigations based on the asserted patent. For example, in December 2018, the District Court of Dsseldorf ordered a permanent injunction for patent infringement against various LED products and a recall of those products. In addition, the German Federal Court of Justice has declared the validity of this patent.

    Seoul and its affiliates have actively engaged in patent enforcement against companies that use cheap infringing products despite claiming ESG compliance. In the past four years, as a result, Seoul has secured seven judgments of permanent injunctions and orders of recall in Europe against infringing products, including cell phones, lighting products, and UV LED home appliances.

    About Seoul Semiconductor

    Seoul Semiconductor is the worlds second-largest global LED manufacturer, a ranking excluding the captive market, and has more than 18,000 patents. Based on a differentiated product portfolio, Seoul offers a wide range of technologies, and mass produces innovative LED products for indoor and outdoor lighting, automotive, IT products, such as mobile phones, computer displays, and other applications, as well as the UV area. The companys worlds first development and mass production products are becoming the LED industry standard and leading the global market with a package-free LED, WICOP; a high-voltage AC-driven LED, Acrich; an LED with 10X the output of a conventional LED, nPola; a cutting edge ultraviolet clean technology LED, Violeds; an all-direction light emitting technology, filament LED; a natural sun spectrum LED, SunLike; and more. For more information, please visit http://www.seoulsemicon.com/en.

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    Seoul Semiconductor Obtains Permanent Injunctions and Order for Recall against Cell-Phone Products in Europe - Business Wire

    Horror comedy ‘Bodies Bodies Bodies’ asks who the real victims are – Columbia Daily Tribune - August 20, 2022 by Mr HomeBuilder

    James Owen| Columbia Daily Tribune

    If I needed a quick pitch for Halina Reijns Bodies Bodies Bodies, I would call it Agatha Christie set among the TikTok crowd. This in itself is a fun premise what happens when a group of twenty-somethings find themselves offline and facing a mortal threat? but it doesnt quite explain why the film works so well.

    For the characters represent particular types of modern personalities, and are roasted mercilessly for their vapid quest for martyrdom. A cruel irony given they now must survive a slasher flick. Which is not to say Bodies has contempt for its characters. Quite the opposite.

    A hurricane is coming and a group of mostly bourgeois young people gather at the secluded home of David (Pete Davidson). Or rather, Davids family, as it's not entirely clear what David does other than drugs. The character is a funny play on Davidsons public persona, as theres speculation among the other characters as to why women find him so irresistible. A greater mystery than anything in the film itself.

    The storm arrives and the power goes out. Nothing is more ominous in a movie than a pitch-black hallway or stairwell where the audiences mind is left to imagine the worst.

    Thenthe worst happens: A brutally-sliced body turns up. Panic ensues. An unseen dispute the night before leaves the gathering with no working vehicle. Theres no reception. Even worse? The wi-fi is out.

    More: 'I Love My Dad' is the father of heartfelt cringe comedies

    Speculation takes over as to who the killer is. An obvious candidate is Greg (Lee Pace), an older, recently-acquired boyfriend of Alices (Rachel Sennott), who could not be accounted for when an alibi is necessary. But theres also Bee (Maria Bakalova), the exotic girlfriend of Sophies (Amandla Stenberg). Or it could be anyone within the existing circle of friends holding a grudge.

    Further carnage ensues. Yet, the films main joke is these characters cannot stop fighting amongthemselves. The crisis brings out the worst in all of them and, true to form ina culture that exists largely on social media, their attention centers on pointing out the worst in each other. A fight breaks out over how the phrase gaslit has been used into oblivion. One character confesses they hate-listen to the others podcast.

    As a podcaster, I can assure you there is no great offense.

    Theres a lot of resentment between Sophie and the rest of her friends, as she was compelled to enter rehab while the rest of them continued their partying ways. Was that because she was Black and her drug use seems more nefarious to her white friends? Or is Sophie, who is established as having the richest family of any of her peers, trying to overplay her hand as aggrieved?

    Instead of a traditional horror film, Bodies becomes more like one of those generational films where the characters finds themselves in close, tense quarters with no desire to continue following traditional social cues. Things get real and become more revealing. If anything, the film plays more like Jane Austen than Christie. If you find that comparison labored, think of Bodies like The Big Chill with more blood.

    While all of this sounds funny, the film gets the audience to understand the world in which these characters exist. The dialogue and music, among other touches, gives us a peek into this youthful culture where being a victim is the ultimate sign of status. Regardless, its deliciously diabolical that becoming a victim of this unseen killer is what they wish to avoid.

    You dont have to agree with it or even like it to understand it. Feel free to walk out of the theater shaking your head, mutteringThese kids today … Just know someone was just as dismissive of you back in the day,and they were just as wrong.

    Although thats hard to do when youve just witnessed a finale as mean as it is uproarious. I squealed with delight.

    The film is far from perfect. The scenario easily falls into repetition, and the cast has highs and lows. I will note some standouts. Bakalova, who last dazzled us with her comedic performance as Borats daughter, is a deeply-layered stranger.

    Sennott is easily the funniest performance. After ShivaBaby and Tahara, I wondered if she would ever make a movie not centered around a funeral.But she finally does and shes hilarious. I am unsure how anyone could make the line I am body dysmorphic a dizzying punchline, but she pulls it off.

    More: How 'Marcel the Shell' becomes an enlightening hero's journey

    Bodies has played at Stadium 14 for a week, but starts at Ragtag Cinema this weekend. No one really should be subjected to a theater Regal Cinemas has all but let rot into the ground. If anything, the shoddy outdoor lighting at night causes a particular risk to patrons.

    See it at Ragtag, and at least you can imbibe a spirit in the playful style of the film itself. It's fun and smart a perfect anecdote to the dog days of August moviegoing.

    In real life,JamesOwen is a lawyer and executive director of energy policy group Renew Missouri. He created/wrote for Filmsnobs.com from 2001-2007 before an extended stint as an on-air film critic for KY3, the NBC affiliate in Springfield. He was named a Top 20 Artist under the Age of 30 by The Kansas City Star when he was much younger than he is now.

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    Horror comedy 'Bodies Bodies Bodies' asks who the real victims are - Columbia Daily Tribune

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