Feb 26, 2025 01:00 AM
Microplastics in ocean linked to disabilities for coastal residents
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074746
INTRO: Tiny bits of plastic found in the ocean may be tied to a higher risk of disability for people who live in coastal areas with high levels, according to a preliminary study released today, February 25, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025. The study looked at disabilities affecting memory and thinking, mobility and a person’s ability to take care of oneself.
The study does not prove that microplastics cause disabilities; it only shows an association.
Marine microplastics are microscopic pieces of plastic, less than 5 millimeters in length, found in oceans and seas. They come from broken-down plastic trash or products like face scrubs, fishing nets and food wrappers or take-out containers.
“The environment can play a crucial role in our health, and factors such as pollution may impact a person’s risk of developing cognitive decline and other neurological disabilities,” said Sarju Ganatra, MD, of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. “Our study found in coastal communities with higher levels of microplastics in the water, there were higher rates of disabilities that can affect a person’s life in many ways through thinking and memory, movement and their ability to take care of themselves and live independently.”
The study looked at 218 coastal counties in the United States across 22 states... (MORE - details, no ads)
(UK) We need a new definition of dyslexia, research says
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074672
INTRO: A new definition of dyslexia is needed to more accurately describe the learning disorder and give those struggling with dyslexia the specific support they require, says new research. Dyslexia has had several different definitions over the years and this murky and complicated history means it can be a postcode lottery for children who may have dyslexia, or those who have been diagnosed but can’t access the support they need.
The first step to fixing this issue, new research has argued, is to redefine dyslexia and adopt the new definition across the UK. The research was conducted by the University of Birmingham, the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), Kings College London, and the University of Oxford. It is published today (25th Feb) in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Julia Carroll, Professor of Psychology in Education at the University of Birmingham who led the study, said: “There has not been a new attempt to define dyslexia since the Rose Review in 2009. The review provided a definition and argued for specialist teachers to help identify and support dyslexia. Despite the Rose definition significantly influencing practice, it has gathered criticism over the last 15 years and has not been universally accepted.
“In addition to this, there is no clear universal pathway for the assessment of children with dyslexia in England, Wales and Northern Island, and the process for identifying learning needs and interventions can vary massively from place to place. Adopting a universal definition for dyslexia is the first step to improving support for children experiencing the challenges of dyslexia.” (MORE - details, no ads)
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074746
INTRO: Tiny bits of plastic found in the ocean may be tied to a higher risk of disability for people who live in coastal areas with high levels, according to a preliminary study released today, February 25, 2025, that will be presented at the American Academy of Neurology’s 77th Annual Meeting taking place April 5–9, 2025. The study looked at disabilities affecting memory and thinking, mobility and a person’s ability to take care of oneself.
The study does not prove that microplastics cause disabilities; it only shows an association.
Marine microplastics are microscopic pieces of plastic, less than 5 millimeters in length, found in oceans and seas. They come from broken-down plastic trash or products like face scrubs, fishing nets and food wrappers or take-out containers.
“The environment can play a crucial role in our health, and factors such as pollution may impact a person’s risk of developing cognitive decline and other neurological disabilities,” said Sarju Ganatra, MD, of Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. “Our study found in coastal communities with higher levels of microplastics in the water, there were higher rates of disabilities that can affect a person’s life in many ways through thinking and memory, movement and their ability to take care of themselves and live independently.”
The study looked at 218 coastal counties in the United States across 22 states... (MORE - details, no ads)
(UK) We need a new definition of dyslexia, research says
https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074672
INTRO: A new definition of dyslexia is needed to more accurately describe the learning disorder and give those struggling with dyslexia the specific support they require, says new research. Dyslexia has had several different definitions over the years and this murky and complicated history means it can be a postcode lottery for children who may have dyslexia, or those who have been diagnosed but can’t access the support they need.
The first step to fixing this issue, new research has argued, is to redefine dyslexia and adopt the new definition across the UK. The research was conducted by the University of Birmingham, the SpLD Assessment Standards Committee (SASC), Kings College London, and the University of Oxford. It is published today (25th Feb) in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
Julia Carroll, Professor of Psychology in Education at the University of Birmingham who led the study, said: “There has not been a new attempt to define dyslexia since the Rose Review in 2009. The review provided a definition and argued for specialist teachers to help identify and support dyslexia. Despite the Rose definition significantly influencing practice, it has gathered criticism over the last 15 years and has not been universally accepted.
“In addition to this, there is no clear universal pathway for the assessment of children with dyslexia in England, Wales and Northern Island, and the process for identifying learning needs and interventions can vary massively from place to place. Adopting a universal definition for dyslexia is the first step to improving support for children experiencing the challenges of dyslexia.” (MORE - details, no ads)