Centromeres play virtually the same central role across the entire tree of life: They ensure the faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Yet the striking diversity in centromere architecture – from large, repeat-rich DNA arrays to the minimalistic “point” centromeres in yeast – combined with their rapid evolution has puzzled scientists for decades. A research team led by Andrea Musacchio, Director at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology in Dortmund, and Jef Boeke from the NYU Grossmann School of Medicine have now solved the enduring mystery about the yeast centromere’s origin and evolution. They have identified a “proto-point” centromere that bridges the gap between the actual tiny “point” centromere and its more elaborate ancestor that incorporated fragments of parasitic DNA. This discovery reveals one of the most dramatic evolutionary transitions at DNA level

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to treat narrowing of the aortic valve (aortic stenosis).

The feasibility and safety of same-day hospital discharge was studied in selected patients after day-case TAVI based on defined eligibility criteria.

Around 1 in 5 patients were successfully discharged on the same day as their day-case TAVI procedure, without increased risk of adverse outcomes.

Given the benefits for patients and for the healthcare system, same-day discharge after day-case TAVI may be implemented more widely in clinical practice.

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have reported promising findings that may help redefine treatment for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer, a potentially aggressive form of the disease traditionally treated with surgical removal of the bladder. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, demonstrates that ultra-sensitive testing of tumor-derived DNA in blood and urine may help identify patients who can safely preserve their bladder without compromising cancer outcomes.

Researchers at The Jackson Laboratory and the University of Pennsylvania found that endurance gains from exercise are driven not just by muscles, but by specific neurons in the brain’s hypothalamus. Reporting in Neuron, the team showed that mice lacking activity in these neurons failed to build endurance, even with intense training. Conversely, artificially activating the neurons after exercise enhanced endurance gains. The findings challenge the traditional view that muscle adaptation alone explains improved fitness, highlighting a critical brain–body connection in how exercise builds stamina.

A study of over 50,000 pregnant women in Norway during the 2023/24 influenza season found that only 29.9% were vaccinated against influenza and 12.1% against COVID-19 during pregnancy, falling short of recommended vaccination targets.

Pain related to sickle cell disease (SCD) increases during menstruation, as do emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations, for many women and girls — according to a new, nationwide study led by researchers at UC San Francisco.