A recent study involving hibernating brown bears has revealed a factor that safeguards them from thrombosis during six months of immobilisation.
The study, which also looked at people who can't move for long periods, found that having lower levels of a specific protein called HSP47 in blood cells helps protect against blood clotting.
This discovery, backed by research in pigs and mice, shows the protection is found in many different mammals and could help create new blood clot prevention treatments.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE), a cardiovascular condition in which blood clots form in veins, can cause death or severe disability.
Individuals who experience short-term immobility due to illness or injury face an increased risk of VTE, while those with chronic paralysis from spinal cord injuries do not.
Hibernating brown bears, despite being immobile for months at a time, also do not show an increased risk of thrombosis during hibernation.
These observations suggest a molecular mechanism that defends against the condition during extended immobilisation periods in both species.
To investigate this protection, researchers led by Manuela Thienel analysed blood samples from hibernating brown bears and chronically immobilised humans.
By using a technique called mass spectrometry-based proteomics, the researchers discovered that blood cells from hibernating bears have a unique pattern that helps prevent blood clotting.
This pattern is marked by lower levels of a protein called HSP47 and fewer signs of inflammation.
This pattern was also observed in immobilised humans, with additional support from pig and mouse studies.
To further examine the effect of immobilisation, the researchers subjected healthy individuals to bed rest, noting a significant reduction in HSP47 after 27 days.
The results suggest that the reduction in HSP47 during long-term immobilisation offers protection from thrombosis.
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Chinese Grand Prix schedule (in UAE time)
Friday: First practice - 6am; Second practice - 10am
Saturday: Final practice - 7am; Qualifying - 10am
Sunday: Chinese Grand Prix - 10.10am
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
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Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday, May 16 (kick-offs UAE time)
Borussia Dortmund v Schalke (4.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Freiburg (4.30pm)
Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin (4.30pm)
Fortuna Dusseldorf v Paderborn (4.30pm)
Augsburg v Wolfsburg (4.30pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt v Borussia Monchengladbach (7.30pm)
Sunday, May 17
Cologne v Mainz (4.30pm),
Union Berlin v Bayern Munich (7pm)
Monday, May 18
Werder Bremen v Bayer Leverkusen (9.30pm)
