Recognizing autism spectrum disorders early will ultimately improve the lives of children with ASDs and their families. Two new guides help. Most children, at some time during early development, form attachments with a stuffed animal, special pillow or blanket. Children with ASDs may prefer hard items (ballpoint pens, flashlight, keys, action figures, etc.). They may insist on holding the object at all times.

A new knee-surgery device that will help to repair meniscus tears, which were previously defined as irreparable, has been approved by the FDA for use in humans. Previous treatment options forced surgeons to completely remove the damaged portion of the meniscus. Typically the removal of the meniscus leads to painful, debilitating arthritis in the knee.

CD-ROMs and DVDs and the hardware used to play these popular audio and video compact discs (CDs) have "enormous" potential as a new generation of portable, inexpensive instruments for home health monitoring and laboratory-based testing, scientists are reporting. CD technology could be adapted for tests ranging from the measurement of environmental toxins to at-home disease diagnosis, their report said.

Although bumper pads are theoretically designed to prevent injury to a baby while in the crib or bassinet, the risk of accidental death or injury to an infant from using them outweighs their possible benefits, according to a new study by pediatric researchers.

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

Recall that motion-sensing patent from the Big N just, oh, two days ago? Turns out that may have a thing or two to do with the recent slide controller accessory unveiled for the Japanese market. Bundled in with the game Slide Adventure: Mag Kid, the device plugs directly into the GBA cartridge slot of the DS / DS Lite and essentially allows you to set the handheld on a flat surface and slide around 'til your heart's content. Unfortunately, there's no dirt on whether or not this peripheral will ever be released outside of Japan (sound familiar?), but for those making their home in Tokyo, you can become the envy of us all by picking the bundle up for ¥5,800 ($49). Click on for some closer shots of the slide controller itself, and check out a videoed demonstration here.

[Via GameSpot]

Continue reading Nintendo DS slide controller add-on revealed in Japan

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