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Science News for April 29, 2002


Mastiffs could aid treatment of retinitis pigmentosa

Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation in English mastiffs that causes retinal dysfunction and degeneration, mirroring human dominant retinitis pigmentosa. The study aims to find treatments and cures for inherited forms of blindness in humans by testing therapies first in dogs.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2002

Yale study reinforces theory that babies count

Researchers found that 5-month-old infants can determine the number of collective entities, moving groups of items, when non-numerical factors are controlled. This suggests that infants can represent numbers and perform simple arithmetic operations, challenging existing theories about mathematical knowledge development.

SourceYale University·JournalCognition·DateApr 29, 2002

Yale researchers report on brain activity believed related to sudden infant death syndrome

A Yale research team proposes that serotonin neurons play a crucial role in detecting carbon dioxide levels during sleep and triggering arousal. This response is absent in infants who die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially leading to fatal consequences. The study's findings shed new light on the underlying causes of SIDS.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateApr 29, 2002

Scientists discover gene in human egg that may be necessary for female fertility

Researchers have identified a human gene that appears to be the counterpart to the mouse Mater gene, essential for fertilized egg development. The discovery may lead to new approaches in studying and treating female infertility, as well as understanding the role of the immune system in premature ovarian failure.

The paper chase

A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal suggests that journals' practices for accelerating publication may be inconsistent. General internists rated articles from The Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine, finding case articles scored higher on importance, ease of applicability, and health outcomes than contr...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 29, 2002

Autoimmunity in autism

Researchers have discovered abnormal immune regulation and autoimmunity in children with a form of autism characterized by sudden regression. The study reveals distinct autoimmune features in the epithelium of the small bowel, which may contribute to bowel symptoms and cognitive regression in autistic children.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateApr 29, 2002