Young Patients Motivate Researchers' Work (IMAGE) University of Maryland Caption University of Maryland Asst. Prof. Kan Cao (front row, center left) and her research team met with progeria patients like Devin Scullion (front row center), age 16, at the Progeria Research Foundation International Workshop in April 2013. The fatal genetic disorder causes children to age prematurely and die of heart attacks or strokes. "It's a lot of motivation for us to work quickly," said Cao. Credit Courtesy of Kan Cao Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.