Health

Prediabetic patients, who lower their blood sugar levels and can achieve remission, can effectively reduce the likelihood of serious heart problems by nearly 60 per cent, according to a study.  The research, published in the journal The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, showed that bringing blood glucose back to normal levels -- effectively reversing prediabetes -- cuts the risk of death from heart disease or hospital admission for heart failure. People who had achieved remission from prediabetes had a 58 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalisation from heart failure. This effect persisted decades after normalising glucose levels, suggesting a lasting impact on regulating blood glucose, said researchers from King`s College London, UK. This finding is especially imp...

A collaborative Indo-German research team has identified a clear biological mechanism linking disturbances in gut bacteria to impaired memory, learning, and cognitive function, CUSAT said on Thursday. The study, published in the latest issue of `BMC Biology`, demonstrates how disruption of the gut microbiome, commonly triggered by prolonged antibiotic use or dietary imbalance, initiates systemic inflammation that ultimately affects the neural circuits responsible for memory formation, CUSAT said in a statement. `BMC Biology` is an open-access scientific journal publishing original, peer-reviewed research across all fields of biology. The research was conducted under a program supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). Th...

A study has found gene variants that impact both addiction and education attainment in opposite directions -- a higher genetic risk for addiction was related with an increased chance of a lower education level. The analysis published in the journal `Addiction` also showed that the genetic link between addiction and education level could increase chances of substance use disorder by up to 66 per cent. "We have long known that substance use problems and school difficulties often appear together and make each other worse. Our research shows that part of this connection is explained by shared genetic factors," lead author Judit Cabana-Domínguez, from the Vall d`Hebron Research Institute in Spain, said. Over 1,400 participants with substance use disorder involving use of cocaine, opiates, ca...

Just as respiratory infections and heart ailments tend to increase during winter, experts are also witnessing a noticeable surge in brain stroke cases. The drop in temperature can trigger several physiological changes that elevate stroke risk, including higher blood pressure, thickened blood, dehydration, and reduced physical activity. Doctors are urging people, especially those with hypertension, diabetes, or heart disease, to be extra cautious during the cold season. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. The most common type, ischemic stroke, happens due to a blood clot blocking a vessel, while hemorrhagic stroke results from a ruptured blood vessel, causi...

Self-driving Waymo taxis have gone viral for negative reasons involving the death of a beloved San Francisco bodega cat and pulling an illegal U-turn in front of police who were unable to issue a ticket to a non-existent driver. But this week, the self-driving taxis are the bearer of happier news after a San Francisco woman gave birth in a Waymo. The mother was on her way to the University of California, San Francisco medical centre on Monday when she delivered inside the robotaxi, said a Waymo spokesperson in a statement on Wednesday, December 11. The company said its rider support team detected "unusual activity" inside the vehicle and called to check on the rider as well as alert 911. Waymo, which is owned by Google`s parent company, Alphabet, declined to elaborate on how the vehicle...

Throat infections are becoming a growing matter of concern in Mumbai this winter, with doctors reporting a sharp rise in cases across all age groups.  Experts are reporting a noticeable rise in people experiencing throat pain, difficulty swallowing, persistent coughing, and irritation.  Cold air, sudden temperature changes, and high viral activity during winter make the throat more sensitive, while pollution further worsens symptoms. Many people also ignore early signs, which leads to prolonged discomfort and repeated infections. Experts advise staying hydrated, having warm fluids, steam inhalation, and timely medical care to avoid complications. Winter throat infections are usually caused by viruses, bacteria, or irritation from cold and polluted air. Many people across Mumbai experien...

Doctors in Bengaluru have achieved a major medical milestone by successfully performing a rare and highly complex robotic double valve replacement using the latest-generation Da Vinci Xi Surgical System on an elderly woman giving her a new lease of life. The procedure was led by Dr Sathyaki Nambala, renowned cardiac surgeon and chief of Robotic Cardiac Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. This landmark surgery marks a significant advancement in bringing complex multi-valve replacement into the domain of minimally invasive, robotic-assisted cardiac care in India. Although robotic double valve replacement was reported in India over a decade ago, those early attempts were limited to first-generation robotic systems. The patient, a 53-year-old elderly woman, presented with severe destruc...

Integrating universal screening for depression in India`s primary healthcare system could be expected to generate a net savings of Rs 291 billion to Rs 482 billion, a study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia has estimated. Researchers, including those from the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh and National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) in Bengaluru, said the savings is equivalent to 0.19 per cent to 0.32 per cent of the country`s gross domestic product. People aged 20 and older would be cheaper to screen than those above 30, the study found. The researchers also noted that the screening programme could save money if at least 60 per cent of patients receiving treatment go through public healthcare ...

The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday stayed the state government`s notification mandating one-day menstrual leave a month for working women. The November 9 notification made provision for one day paid menstrual leave per month to women employees aged between 18 and 52 years working in permanent, contractual and outsourced jobs. The stay was granted by a bench of Justice Jyoti M based on a petition filed by Bangalore Hotels` Association and Avirata AFL Connectivity Systems. The petitioners contended that the Karnataka government did not consult them before making such provisions. The menstrual leave was meant for women working in all industries and establishments registered under the Factories Act, 1948, Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1961, Plantation Workers Act, 195...

From limited exposure to sunlight to reduced physical activity, there are a number of changes in lifestyle during the colder months, that lead to an increased susceptibility to illness especially among seniors. As winter grips the nation, it becomes critical to maintain a balanced diet to ensure the well-being of seniors.  With the winter season underway, health experts outline the common nutritional deficiencies, and dietary challenges faced by seniors, such as decreased appetite, limited mobility, and dehydration. They also delve into the importance of key nutrients to focus on, and practical tips that can be incorporated in daily routines. Common nutritional deficienciesDuring these colder months, our body`s ability to fight off infections can weaken, increasing the risk of various ai...