http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/07/140714100122.htm As you know, the involvement of Neural Crest genetic variants and neoteny (childlike characteristics carried into adulthood), extraneous spots (usually white), ease of domestication, and possible alterations to at least one adrenal cortex function (less hair-trigger release of epinephrine/ adrenaline) have been discussed as being connected many times on F-G, FHL, and FML. Yes, this is the topic sometimes inaccurately called the "Star Gene" which is a very outdated term since multiple types of neural crest genetic variants at more than one genetic locus can each cause such changes and some can be cumulative due to occurring T different genetic locations (loci). In ferrets the topic usually comes up in relation to worsened rates of some medical problems like increased rates of cardiomyopathy, of jaw malformations, of deafness, of GI innervation deficits, etc. in ferrets w extraneous white patches such as pandas, blazes, mitts, etc. It is a little strange to see something we have discussed for so very many years on these three ferret lists being presented as if it were a new hypothesis, though the facial features portion at least somewhat is, and the possible adrenal cortex involvement had only one or two papers in the past if my memory serves. Then again, the actual paper in the issue of Genetics may do a far better job on that score, getting across what already has had studies and papers, than the PR write up did, a situation which is sadly not unusual. I would love to see the paper from Genetics but am not a subscriber. [Posted in FML 8151]