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Mutant flies lose sleep over restless leg syndrome

Mutations in the gene BTBD9 which is believed to be associated with restless legs syndrome (RLS) in humans has been found to disturb sleep in fruit flies.

The mutant flies wake up more often during sleep periods, which resembles a key feature of human RLS.

The same mutations also reduce levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the flies.

Read more at Emory University

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