The centromere is a unique chromosomal locus responsible for the faithful segregation of chromosomes during cell division. Disruption of centromere integrity frequently causes aberrant chromosome segregation and chromosome instability, a hallmark of cancers. The function of G9a/GLP-mediated H3K9me2 at (peri)centromeric heterochromatin remains elusive. A study published in Science Bulletin carefully investigated this topic and revealed an important role of H3K9me2 in protecting the centromeric chromatin landscape and thus ensuring accurate chromosome segregation.

A new study from the Department of Public Health at Aarhus University shows that a significant amount of mothers experience strong symptoms of worry and insecurity.

A joint Technion–Reichman University study has revealed that bacteria carried on desert dust storms from the Sahara and Egypt can survive by forming microscopic biofilms on dust particles. These protective layers shield them from dehydration, radiation, and nutrient scarcity during long atmospheric journeys. Published in Communications Earth and Environment, the research highlights how airborne bacterial communities can travel thousands of kilometers, influencing ecosystems, disease patterns, and even antibiotic resistance. The team isolated beneficial Bacillus strains, suggesting that natural selection in dust storms favors innovative bacteria with potential applications in agriculture, construction, and medicine, while broadening our understanding of the airborne microbiome.

A new study published in the journal Nature Genetics maps out the timeline of DNA damage for multiple myeloma. The findings may lead to better ways to group patients by the state of their DNA and define new subtypes of disease to better predict treatment strategies and outcomes.