Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease affecting certain geographical areas around the world. The disease arises when rare gene mutations cause the formation of abnormally long chains of proteins which accumulate in the brain and damage the cerebellum; eventually, it causes patients to lose control over their movements. The disease mainly affects areas with groups that practice endogamy — marriage within one’s ethnic group, caste, religion, or other affiliation — like Hindu trader communities, which might explain the higher prevalence of SCA as people marry among themselves. Read full article here
Technology
The First Solar-Powered Car Comes at a Hot Price
The Lightyear O is a revolutionary electric car powered by the sun. Developed by a Dutch startup, the four-door sedan has over 50 square feet of solar panels on its roof and hood, generating up to 43 miles of energy a day. With production now underway in Finland, the car does come with a hefty price tag at $262,000, but the company hopes to introduce a more affordable version, the Lightyear 2, by 2025. Read full article here