Abstracts » Retail industry

UK: SCIENTISTS LOCATE ALZHEIMER'S GENE

Article Abstract:

Geneticists from the University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, are set to reveal the results of a study on 429 pairs of siblings over the age of 65, who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. It was found that those with the condition shared a gene on an area of chromosome 10 although the scientists are not ready to isolate the gene yet. The findings should eventually enable doctors to tell patients whether they will suffer with Alzheimer's in old age, although ethical questions have been raised as to whether people will be able to cope with the knowledge, and whether insurance companies should be notified. It is thought that a "genetic underclass" could be created as a result, and that people could be labelled wrongly as a test result might not be 100% accurate.

Neurological R&D, Brief Article, Genetic aspects, Alzheimer's disease, Neurological research

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A window on the world

Article Abstract:

The Picture Exchange Communications System (PECS), developed in the US by a psychologist and a speech therapist, is being tested in Brighton, England, in a project run by the Children's Society. PECS is designed to help autistic children, who become very frustrated because they cannot communicate their feelings and needs properly. It uses a book containing pages of cards showing various images. The autistic child can hand the cards to his or her carer and then receive a reward. It has been found in the US that this approach can play a valuable role in encouraging autistic children to talk.

Medical Research, Care and treatment, Autistic children

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