Chromatin compartmentalization regulates the response to DNA damage This recent study sheds light on the role of chromosome folding in DNA repair and genome stability. When double-stranded breaks occur in mammalian cells, a process driven by ATM (a protein involved in DNA repair) leads to the creation of a new chromatin compartment called the “D…
Unraveling the functional dark matter through global metagenomics Scientists have discovered an immense variety of proteins encoded within metagenomes, which are collections of genetic material from diverse microorganisms. Traditionally, researchers have compared these proteins to known references, limiting their exploration. However, a new computational approach was developed to identify protein families without relying on reference…
How Do Households Respond to Job Loss? Lessons from Multiple High-Frequency Datasets Researchers have used data from a large bank and government sources to understand how households cope with job loss. Over a two-year period, households reduce their spending by 30% of the income they lose due to job loss. The primary method of self-insurance…
Red Blood Cell Transfusion in the Intensive Care Unit A global study conducted in 30 countries on six continents between March 2019 and October 2022 evaluated and described red blood cell (RBC) transfusion practices in 233 intensive care units (ICUs). Among 3,643 adult patients, 25% received one or more RBC transfusions during their ICU stay,…
Ceftobiprole for Treatment of Complicated Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia A phase 3 clinical trial compared two antibiotics, ceftobiprole and daptomycin, as treatments for complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either ceftobiprole or daptomycin, and the primary outcome measured success in treatment after 70 days. Both antibiotics showed similar results in terms of overall treatment…
This was a double-blind, randomized trial involving HIV-positive adults with tuberculous meningitis in Vietnam and Indonesia examined the effectiveness of dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug, as an adjunct treatment. Participants received either dexamethasone or a placebo in addition to antituberculosis therapy. The study found that dexamethasone did not significantly improve survival rates or secondary outcomes, such…
Global health burden and cost of lead exposure in children and adults: a health impact and economic modelling analysis Despite significant reductions in lead exposure, it remains a global health threat. A recent study estimated the worldwide burden and cost of intelligence quotient (IQ) loss and cardiovascular disease mortality due to lead exposure. Findings revealed…
Chronotype, Unhealthy Lifestyle, and Diabetes Risk in Middle-Aged U.S. Women This study was conducted among 63,676 middle-aged nurses from 2009 to 2017. It found that nurses who identify as evening persons, or “night owls”, tend to have unhealthier lifestyles and are at a higher risk of diabetes than those who are morning persons, or “early…
Design and testing of a humanized porcine donor for xenotransplantation Recent studies have explored the potential of using pig organs for human transplantation. Before moving to human trials, genetically engineered pig donors need to be created, and their organ transplants must be tested in nonhuman primates. In this study, researchers describe the development of kidney…
Hobby engagement and mental wellbeing among people aged 65 years and older in 16 countries As the world’s aging population grows, it presents challenges to mental and social well-being. Many countries encourage people to engage in hobbies to improve their mental health, but it’s unclear if this approach works consistently worldwide. Researchers studied 16 nations…
