Post-learning sleep is beneficial for human memory. However, it may be that not all memories benefit equally from sleep. Here, we manipulated a spatial learning task using monetary reward and performance feedback, asking whether enhancing the salience of the task would augment overnight memory consolidation and alter its incorporation into dreaming. Contrary to our hypothesis, we found that the addition of reward impaired overnight consolidation of spatial memory. Our findings seemingly contradict prior reports that enhancing the reward value of learned information augments sleep-dependent memory processing. Given that the reward followed a negative reinforcement paradigm, consolidation may have been impaired via a stress-related mechanism.

ObjectiveTo increase medical students’ knowledge, attitudes and skills in nutrition medicine through the creation of a student partnership and inter‐professional activities across universities.MethodsThe Boston Medical Student Committee on Nutrition (BMSCoN) is a partnership between nutrition student leaders of 3 Boston medical schools. Its mission is to increase student awareness of nutrition's impact on health and of the roles all health care professionals play in promoting healthy lifestyles. Each school's student nutrition group elects a representative to the BMSCoN committee. The group is led by a chair elected by school representatives and members.ResultsBMSCoN created a yearly lecture series highlighting nutrition topics in medicine with open attendance to all students. Themes included “Eating by Example – Empowering Future Doctors to be Healthy Role Models” and “Socioeconomic Issues in Nutrition”. Participation in nutrition interest groups is rising from 78 (2011) to 86 (2012). Lecture attendance increased from 28 (Jan 2012) to 38 (Oct 2012). An average of 35 students from all 3 schools attend each lecture.ConclusionStudent interest in nutrition medicine is increasing. By forming an intercollegiate alliance of students, a network to further enhance nutrition medicine education now exists. We will continue our lecture series and create more opportunities for student nutrition involvement.