Listen in MP3 format

After a night of fitful sleep, no one feels particularly well. You may feel sluggish and irritable. But recent research is connceting poor sleep habits or a lack of REM cycle sleep to something serious and debilitating to everyday life: migraines and chronic pain. Dr. Paul Durham, professor of biology at Missouri State University and director of the Center for Biomedical and Life Sciences in the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, explains the connection and discusses his research.

Listen in MP3 format

As the academic year looms before students, parents often have a great challenge ahead of them - getting their children interested and motivated to do well in school. The National Endowment of the Arts published a report four years ago that addressed the relationship between reading for pleasure and academic achievement and even career success. Cherri Jones, associate professor of library science at Missouri State University, discusses maintaining motivation in reading.

Listen in MP3 format

During the warmer months, there are many outdoor activities to fend off a sendentary lifestyle. But as swimsuit season ends, vacations loom far away and commitments crowd the schedule, time for exercise and healthy meals is eaten away. Natalie Allen, instructor of dietetics at Missouri State University, discusses maintaining a healthy lifestyle and battling the winter weight.

Listen in MP3 format

The Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education has approved another new program for Missouri State University to offer - one that will prepare graduates for a great job in a highly demanded field: facility management. Dr. Shawn Strong, department head of technology and construction management at Missouri State, explains the need for the new program.

Listen in MP3 format

The genre of the graphic novel has a long history. According to some, it dates all the way back to cave paintings. Others date it back to the Middle Ages. Others find a more recent foundation for it. At Missouri State University, an entire intercession course will focus on the genre, and while budget concerns will prevent more courses being offered in this area, many English courses will begin to incorporate more about the graphic novel into the curriculum. Award-winning graphic novelist Matt Kindt will be on the Missouri State campus to lecture to students in the course Aug. 12, and from 6-8 p.m. that evening, he will be available in the Plaster Student Union Gallery for a book signing and reception. For more information, contact Jen Murvin Edwards at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .