PLUK News feed

Device Allows People To Put Controls On the Tips of Their Tongues

Link: Magnet

A tiny magnet may soon help people with severe physical disabilities operate computers or drive their wheelchairs with their tongues, say researchers at the Georgia Institute of Technology. "This device could revolutionize the field of assistive technologies by helping individuals with severe disabilities, such as those with high-level spinal cord injuries, return to rich, active, independent and productive lives," said assistant professor Maysam Ghovanloo. "An individual could potentially train our system to recognize touching each tooth as a different command."

Experts, Parents Worry About Adult Drugs for Children

Links: Drugs

Prescription data from three major groups show that an increasing number of children take drugs to treat Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and other obesity-related problems. The data -- obtained at The New York Times' request -- confirm concerns about putting young patients on adult medications. While some experts and parents said many drug studies for children have not been sufficiently extensive, some drugmakers have begun reformulating adult treatments for young patients.

Research Finds Gene Variant Linked to Congenital Eye Disorder

Link: Eye Disorder

U.S. and British scientists working on chick embryos have found a genetic mutation that causes Duane syndrome, a congenital disease that affects nerve growth in the eye. The findings could shed light on the development of the visual system and boost hope for the discovery of gene therapies for eye disorders, a neuroscience expert said.

Experimental Fragile X Medications May Hold Promise for Autism

Link: Medications

Small trials of drugs meant to treat the underlying Fragile X disorder rather than its symptoms are alleviating behavioral problems and reducing seizures, but have not yet been approved by the FDA for larger trials. Some researchers say such drugs may also be effective for treating children with autism, which is closely tied to Fragile X.

Children's Anxiety May Mask Underlying Disorders

Link: Anxiety

While many children experience anxiety, the feeling doesn't pass for up to 10% of children. While some cases are easily treatable, others may be symptomatic of learning disabilities, physicians say.

Depression More Likely Among Girls Who Fail School

Link: Depression

Girls who fail in school are much more likely to suffer depression than their female peers who don't experience this difficulty, while boys who fail apparently are no more likely to be depressed, according to a new University of Washington study. "For girls there are broader implications of school failure," said Carolyn McCarty, the study's lead author. "While school failure is more atypical for girls it appears to have more severe consequences when it does occur."

Heating Milk May Kill Allergens

Link: Milk

A new report says 75% of children with cow's milk allergies may be able to tolerate the product if the milk is heated. The researchers say the common proteins that result in the allergic reaction can be destroyed by higher temperatures.

Diabetic Mothers May Pass Risk to Children

Link: Diabetes

A new study found that the children of women who are obese and diabetic during pregnancy have an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes in adolescence. The researchers said working to reduce obesity and diabetes among pregnant women could help prevent "youth-onset" Type 2 diabetes cases.

Free Screen Reader Makes a Big Splash

Link: Reader

A free Web-based application, WebAnywhere, that allows people with visual disabilities to surf the Internet with greater freedom than ever is quickly gaining users. The program was created by a computer science graduate student with help from a classmate with visual impairments.

NIH Researchers Find That Rett Syndrome Gene is Full of Surprises

Link: Rett Syndrome

A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has transformed scientists' understanding of Rett syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes autistic behavior and other disabling symptoms. Until now, scientists thought that the gene behind Rett syndrome was an "off" switch, or repressor, for other genes. But the new study, published today in Science, shows that it is an "on" switch for a startlingly large number of genes.