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Science News for August 14, 2011


Maternal IV fluids linked to newborns' weight loss

A new study found a positive association between maternal IV fluids and newborn weight loss, suggesting that some weight loss in the first 24 hours may be due to hydration regulation rather than breast milk deficiency. The researchers recommend using weight measured at 24 hours post-birth as a baseline for assessing newborn weight loss.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Breastfeeding Journal·DateAug 14, 2011

New clue to Parkinson's

Researchers discover that alpha-synuclein, key to Parkinson's disease, forms complex folded tetramers in healthy cells rather than a single, randomly-coiled chain. This finding challenges existing disease paradigms and suggests a new therapeutic approach.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNature·DateAug 14, 2011

How fatty diets cause diabetes

A new study found that high levels of fat interfere with key transcription factors, leading to diminished glucose sensing in pancreatic beta cells. This pathway is activated in type 2 diabetes and contributes to metabolic defects, including insulin resistance.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalNature Medicine·DateAug 14, 2011

Toronto researchers first to discover new genetic clue in the development of rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers at Mount Sinai Hospital and University of Toronto identified the PTPN22 gene mutation's impact on immune cells, leading to hyper-immune responses and autoimmune disorders. The study's findings will help develop new diagnostic tests and targeted therapies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

SourceSamuel Lunenfeld Research Institute·JournalNature Genetics·DateAug 14, 2011