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Science News for May 1, 2011


Mayo Clinic finds new genetic cause of neurodegeneration

Researchers identified two mutations responsible for hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 (HSAN1), causing cognitive decline, hearing loss, and sensory impairments in young adults. The study provides insights into the disease's mechanisms and potential future research directions.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Genetics·DateMay 1, 2011

Dirty mouths lead to broken hearts

A new oral hygiene approach called Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction (MOUTh) has been developed to help nurses care for dementia patients who resist care due to perceived threats. The technique focuses on making the patient feel comfortable and reducing threat perception, resulting in improved oral health outcomes.

SourcePenn State·JournalSpecial Care in Dentistry·DateMay 1, 2011

Little fingers, big trouble

A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics reveals that children under 6 years old often unbuckle themselves from car seats while in motion, tripling their injury risk. Parents frequently pull over and re-buckle their children, but this behavior highlights a need for safer restraint devices.

Solar-thermal flat-panels that generate electric power

Boston College and MIT researchers created high-performance nanotech materials on a flat panel platform, demonstrating seven to eight times higher efficiency than previous solar thermoelectric generators. The innovation enables the simultaneous generation of hot water and electricity, potentially shortening payback time by one-third.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 1, 2011

Hard to arouse, hard to calm down

A new scale used to assess newborn behavior may help identify children who were exposed to methamphetamine prenatally and are at risk of developing problems later in life. The Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle (IDEAL) Study found that these children were hard to arouse but had difficulty calming down once awakened.