Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Parkinson’s Disease around Lakes in Northern New England, Northern Ohio, and Vancouver: Association with Glacial Sediments and Mineral Exposure

Scientists have observed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease clusters around certain lakes in the regions of northern New England and northern Ohio. A Parkinson’s disease cluster has also been observed in Vancouver. Cyanobacteria toxin exposure has been considered as a potential risk factor to explain this association. It is reported here that these regions have several commonalities in their environment, including a notable geologic history, the presence of abundant glacial sediments, and possible mineral and bentonite exposures. The possible association with and significance of these risk factors in ALS and Parkinson’s disease is discussed.

A “House of the Lord” in Kirtland, 1831–1844

This chapter argues that early Mormons created temple spaces to gain special blessings of God's spirit beyond the conversion experience. The Kirtland Temple fulfilled this function but remained in infrequent use after most of the Saints in northern Ohio left the area in 1838. New temples were built by subsequent Mormon communities in places like Nauvoo, Illinois, and later in the intermountain West. New theologies of human redemption were enacted in these spaces that went well beyond the neo-evangelical Mormon theology of the Kirtland era. No early Latter Day Saint systematized the emerging temple theology practiced in Kirtland. However, as a vernacular theology, their temple cultus can in part be approached as the outworking of an iconic reading of the scripture.