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See how this boy with autism speaks to his dad without saying a word
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Shawn Garans son Max rarely speaks, and if he does, it's mostly through screaming and yelling, but they still find a way to have a conversation. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Jan 27, 2016, 8:10 AM
Shawn Garans son Max rarely speaks.

But the father and sons latest exchange left Garan speechless.

Garan, who hails from Stamford, Connecticut, and is in the process of becoming an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ, recently ran an errand with his son.

While in the car, Garan's son who has autism and often yells or makes mmm sounds when he tries to respond back" had a back-and-forth exchange with his dad. Garan asked the questions and Max responded with screams and kicks.

This was one of those rare times that he stay engaged long enough for me to have a quality back and forth, Garan wrote in the description to the YouTube video of the exchange.

Garan also shared his story on Autism Speaks, an organization that provides information on autism. He said he hopes this video will help people learn to communicate with those who have autism, especially when they have a difficult time speaking.

I explained to Max that he should try to learn our language because it will make life easier on him. Daily, I challenge Max to push a word or two out, Garan wrote in a blog post for Autism Speaks. Its actually unbelievable that weve come this far, but here I am, talking with Max, listening to what he might be saying, and doing what I believe all of us should do who are affected. Engage autistic people in the hope that they will engage with you."

About 1 in 68 children has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its five times more common among boys than girls, as well.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.