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The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Study of gut genomes finds how antibiotic resistance can differ between genders
A recent study analysing gut genomes found that trends of antibiotic resistance differ between genders. For instance, in high-income countries, women may have more antibiotic-resistant genes, while in low- and middle-income countries, men may have more. Led by researchers at the University of Turku, Finland, the study analysed over 14,600 gut genomes from across 32 countries, taken from a publicly available dataset. Study findings Antibiotic resistance, in which infection-causing germs become immune to the drugs designed to kill them, is a significant public health challenge and is estimated to claim over 39 million lives in the next 25 years, a study published in The Lancet journal in September 2024 said. Furthermore, differences in antibiotic resistance related to gender were found to emerge in adulthood. "This suggests that lifestyle, biological differences or healthcare-related factors may influence these differences more in adulthood than in childhood," author Katariina Parnanen, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Turku said. "We observed that the association between ARG (antibiotic resistant gene) load and gender was inverted between HICs (high-income countries) and LMICs (low- and middle-income countries): women had higher ARG load in HICs and lower ARG load in LMICs than men," the authors wrote in the study published in the journal npj biofilms and microbiomes. The findings also reveal that in high-income countries, women had an average of nine per cent higher amount of genes related to antibiotic resistance compared to men. Women may be more frequently exposed to antibiotics, bacteria resistant to antibiotics, or are more often carriers of resistant bacteria, the researchers suggested. Additionally, women in these countries were found to have a slightly higher diversity of antibiotic resistance genes compared to men, suggesting a broader variation in resistance in the gut microbiomes, the team said. "Understanding gender differences in antibiotic resistance is key to designing equitable and effective healthcare interventions. Our study will lay the groundwork for further research to reduce health inequalities related to antibiotic resistance," Parnanen said. The researchers also found a strong association between age and country of residence and the number and diversity of genes involved in antibiotic resistance. These were particularly high in infants and the oldest age group, they said. High antibiotic use was associated with higher resistance gene loads and greater diversity. High levels of resistance were also found in low-income countries, which may be explained by factors such as poor hygiene and sanitation, the team said. "Our data-driven analyses shed light on global, gendered antibiotic resistance patterns, which may help guide further research and targeted interventions," the authors wrote. The study used data publicly available from datasets 'Sequence Read Archive' (SRA) and European Nucleotide Archive (ENA).
United News of India
5 days ago
- Health
- United News of India
Study reveals unequal gender impact of ‘Superbugs' across the globe
New Delhi, June 17 (UNI) As the world grapples with the growing health threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a first-of-its kind study has revealed that even Superbugs don't affect everyone equally-- antimicrobial resistance shows gender disparities too. AMR occurs when microorganisms (Superbugs) like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to become less susceptible or completely resistant to antimicrobial medicines, including antibiotics, anti-virals, anti-fungals, and anti-parasitics. Led by Professor Leo Lahti at the University of Turku, the study analysed the DNA of over 14,000 gut metagenomes from 32 countries and it found that women in high-income countries carry, on average, 9% more antibiotic resistance genes than men, suggesting they may be more frequently exposed to antibiotics or resistant bacteria. In contrast, men in low- and middle-income nations showed higher resistance gene loads, though these differences were not statistically significant when factors like age and living conditions were accounted for. The study titled 'Gender Differences in Global Antimicrobial Resistance', published in the latest issue of npj Biofilms and Microbiomes also found that women in wealthier nations had a broader diversity of resistance genes, possibly due to differences in gut microbiota, and that age and country of residence were major factors in resistance levels. The highest resistance was noted in infants and the elderly, while poor sanitation and high antibiotic use in low-income countries also contributed to higher resistance levels. These findings highlight the intricate interaction of gender, socio-economic status, geography, and age in the spread of antibiotic resistance. With AMR already responsible for over 1.3 million deaths annually, researchers argue that understanding these gender differences is crucial for developing equitable and effective healthcare strategies to combat this escalating threat. The study observation is especially critical for India, as it bears the world's highest burden of antibiotic-resistant TB. In 2019 alone, nearly 300,000 people in the country died from AMR-related infections, as per various reports. "By recognising these disparities, we can tailor interventions that address the specific needs of different populations and help reduce health inequalities related to antibiotic resistance," said Katariina Parnanen, one of the study's lead researchers. As per various reports, AMR is predicted to contribute to 39 million deaths by 2050. UNI AJ SSP
Hindustan Times
12-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Madhuri Dixit's husband Dr Shriram Nene says 'staying calm under pressure isn't easy'; reveals his trick
In an Instagram video he posted on June 11, Dr Shriram Nene, a cardiothoracic surgeon, who is married to actor Madhuri Dixit, dropped his go-to tip for staying calm under pressure. He said by taking a moment to breathe, observe, and then respond thoughtfully, we can maintain our composure and keep our power. According to him, when we're calm, we can think more clearly and make better decisions. Also read | Madhuri Dixit's husband Dr Shriram Nene reveals 'biggest health mistake' he made in his 30s while working in US Dr Nene said in the video, 'One mindset that keeps me calm under pressure – be the Zen in the storm. My partner taught me this in the operating room, when he said 'No matter what is happening in the hurricane around you, you have to be the eye of the hurricane and the Zen in the storm'. You know that inside you, you are burning. But outside, you have got to be calm. This is how I stay calm.' He added, 'You don't know what is going on inside, but I can tell you that from the outside, you will never know.' In his caption, Dr Nene wrote: 'Be the zen in the storm. Staying calm under pressure isn't easy — but it changes everything. Breathe. Observe. Respond. Not react. That's how you keep your power. Drop your go-to tips for staying calm under pressure in the comments — I'd love to know what works for you.' Check out his post: A post shared by Dr. Shriram Nene (@drneneofficial) Stressed and anxious? There is a simple mental trick that can lower your heart rate, calm your body instantly. A June 2024 study states that simply imagining natural landscapes and scenarios can also have a similar relaxing effect on the mind and body. To understand how this works, researchers Mika Koivisto (University of Turku, Finland) and Simone Grassini (University of Bergen, Norway) conducted a study on 50 students. Click here to know more. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
South China Morning Post
07-06-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Keep fit and trim in midlife to age well – how diet that avoids weight gain pays dividends
Curbing or preventing middle-aged spread – the tendency to gain weight in midlife – could be key to avoiding serious medical problems in later life, doctors say. Advertisement The type and quality of carbohydrates a person consumes in their forties and fifties is likely to be a determining factor in how healthily they age, research shows. 'Sustained weight loss from overweight to healthy weight in midlife was associated with decreased risk of chronic diseases,' according to a team of doctors and scientists at the University of Helsinki and the University of Turku in Finland, and University College London in the United Kingdom. Achieving this weight loss without having surgery or taking drugs means 'long-term health benefits beyond its associations with decreased diabetes risk ', said the researchers, whose study covering around 23,100 people was published by the American Medical Association (AMA). Keeping trim in your forties and fifties, including by eating well, reduces the risk of developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, according to doctors and scientists from Finland and the UK. Photo: Shutterstock The AMA also recently published a study of around 47,000 women carried out by a team from Tufts University and Harvard University, both in the US state of Massachusetts, in which the researchers say fibre and carbohydrates are 'favourably linked to healthy ageing and other positive health outcomes in older women.' Advertisement
Time of India
03-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
‘In Finland, schools give children more freedom & make them responsible early on'
Ludhiana: Teachers of govt primary schools in the state who attended a training in Finland found a marked difference in their approach to pedagogy from India. They said they focus on experiential learning, which enhances children's understanding and gives them much more freedom, initiative and responsibility early on. Amandeep Singh, block resource coordinator (Pakhowal), said, "They employ the ELPS model — Experience, Language, Picture, Symbol, especially at the primary level. This method allows children to build understanding through hands-on experiences before introducing abstract concepts. In India, we often start directly with symbols, which can hinder deep comprehension." Singh was among the second batch of 72 schoolteachers to be sent to Finland in March. The ELPS model's emphasis on experiential learning resonated with the teachers, who recognised its potential to transform classroom dynamics in Punjab. By allowing students to engage with materials and concepts actively, the approach fosters a deeper understanding and retention of knowledge. Another significant observation was the Finnish emphasis on child-initiative pedagogy. While the Indian system is child-centric, focusing on the needs of the child, Finland's approach encourages children to take the initiative in their learning. They are given choices and responsibilities, which cultivates independence and decision-making skills from an early age. Manmeet Singh, district resource person, who was among the first batch of teachers sent there last year, said, "The Finnish education system also integrates vocational training and life skills into the curriculum. Teachers observed primary school students engaging in activities like woodwork and blacksmithing, providing them with practical skills alongside academic learning. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped for various life challenges. " The teachers underwent a three-week training programme, of which one week was in Punjab and the rest in Finland, under a partnership with the University of Turku in Finland. The teachers said there is an MoU of three years, as part of which they are adding their observations and learnings for a repository that would then be used for training teachers across Punjab. BOX TAKEAWAYS FROM FINNISH STINT They employ the ELPS model — Experience, Language, Picture, Symbol, especially at the primary level. This method allows children to build understanding through hands-on experiences before introducing abstract concepts. In India, we often start directly with symbols, which can hinder deep comprehension Amandeep Singh, block resource coordinator (Pakhowal), who was among the 2nd batch of 72 govt schoolteachers sent to Finland for a training programme The Finnish education system also integrates vocational training and life skills into the curriculum. We found primary school students engaging in activities like woodwork and blacksmithing, providing them with practical skills alongside academic learning. This holistic approach aims to develop well-rounded individuals equipped for various life challenges Manmeet Singh, district resource person, who was among the first batch of teachers sent there last year
