Health

In a first, a team of scientists has introduced a flagship AI dataset from a study of biomarkers and environmental factors that might influence the development of type 2 diabetes.  Since the study participants include people with no diabetes and others with various stages of the condition, the early findings hint at a tapestry of information distinct from previous research, according to the report published in the journal Nature Metabolism. “We see data supporting heterogeneity among type 2 diabetes patients — that people aren’t all dealing with the same thing. And because we’re getting such large, granular datasets, researchers will be able to explore this deeply,” said Dr Cecilia Lee, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in the US. For exampl...

Almost a week after Diwali, Delhi still continues to battle with air pollution because it is still in the ‘very poor’ category as of November 9 with an AQI of 360. Mumbai, on the other hand, is now in the ‘moderate’ range, after recording ‘poor’ just after the festival. While air pollution is known to harm the respiratory report, it does a lot more to the body, and particularly the digestive system, which you may not even be aware of shunning it for a regular bout of stomach issues.  A recent report by IANS highlighted how Delhi doctors had noted there were rising cases of digestive issues like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Irritable Bowel Disorder (IBD). While Mumbai doctors say there have been cases in the last few years, there is a possibility of them increasing in the future with...

A 56-year-old man who suffered from chronic back pain for over 30 years due to Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) has found relief after a successful treatment at a Mumbai hospital. Diagnosed with the condition at the age of 35, the patient experienced severe back pain that he managed with steroids, leading to harmful side effects like weight gain and osteopenia. After years of self-medication and loss of hope, the patient sought medical help. The patient marked an improvement in his condition within just three months, following a long dependency on steroids and painkillers. Dr. Dipti Patel, Consultant Rheumatologist at Wockhardt Hospital, said, “This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and the effectiveness of biologic medications in treating Ankylosing Spondylitis. Within just ...

Winter may be approaching, but Mumbai is still waiting to feel its chill. In a city where weather can be unpredictable, the seasonal transition calls for a renewed focus on health and immunity. This time of the year, superfoods become especially valuable, offering a natural support to keep one energised and protected from seasonal ailments. As Mumbai`s weather shifts, building resilience against temperature fluctuations is key. From boosting immunity to maintaining steady energy, superfoods tailored to different age groups and health needs can help manage this shift. During the current season, when it starts to get cooler, some superfoods offer exceptional benefits. Jinal Patel, Dietician, Zynova Shalby Hospital, suggests, "Trying foods like spinach, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and apples c...

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD), Type 2 diabetes, or both were predicted to have elevated cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk from eight to 28 years sooner than someone without those conditions, according to a preliminary study on Monday. Scientists from Northwestern University in Chicago conducted a simulation study to estimate the impact of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction. They found that people with CKD alone would have high heart risk eight years earlier than those without the disease. Among diabetics, the risk can hit about a decade sooner than those without it. Among people with both diabetes and CKD, women were predicted to reach elevated risk for CVD 26 years earlier and men 28 years earlier than those with ne...

In a recent interview, Arjun Kapoor opened up about his health issues, revealing that he is suffering from an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto’s disease, which has led to weight concerns for the actor. “I have something called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Your antibodies fight against you. It’s almost like I can take a flight and gain weight because the body goes into stress,” he told The Hollywood Reporter. The actor also revealed that the condition runs in his family. What is this autoimmune disorder? How does it affect the body? What are its symptoms? Let’s find out. Hashimoto’s disease and its impact on the body Hashimoto’s disease is a common yet often overlooked condition that can impact a person’s quality of life if left untreated. Explaining the condition, Dr. Sonali Shivaji Ka...

A team of US researchers has developed a new genetic model for breast cancer that could help scientists better understand why and where cancer metastasises.  Professor Eran Andrechek from Michigan State University in the US has been researching the E2F5 gene and its role in the development of breast cancer. Based on findings from Andrechek’s lab, the loss of E2F5 results in altered regulation of Cyclin D1, a protein linked to metastatic breast tumours after long latency. The study, published in the journal Oncogene, also demonstrated that the removal of E2F5 in the mammary gland leads to tumour formation. As scientists better understand how genes impact breast cancer, they could also learn why cancers metastasize and where cancers are likely to spread. According to Andrechek, while a ...

In a world-first, Swiss scientists have developed 3D cell models using lip cells, an advance that can help develop new treatments for injuries and infections.  To date, models using lip cells -- which perform differently from other skin cells -- have not been available. “The lip is a very prominent feature of our face,” said Dr Martin Degen of the University of Bern in Switzerland. “Any defects in this tissue can be highly disfiguring. But until now, human lip cell models for developing treatments were lacking,” Degen added. To fill the gap, the scientists successfully immortalised donated lip cells. This enabled them to develop clinically relevant lip models in the lab, The team selected skin cells from tissue donated by two patients: one undergoing treatment for a lip laceration, an...

While the brain is commonly known to work for and store memories, a new study showed that other parts of the body can also store memory. The study, which appears in the journal Nature Communications, may pave a new way for treating memory-related afflictions. Nikolay V. Kukushkin, lead author from the New York University in the US stated that “other cells in the body can learn and form memories, too” The researchers found that similar to brain cells, the non-brain cells also turn on a "memory gene" -- in response to new information. Brain cells turn on the "memory gene" -- when they detect a pattern in the information and restructure their connections to form memories. Further, to monitor the memory and learning process in the non-brain cells, the team engineered these to make a glowin...

Amid a report on high lead levels found in turmeric sold in Asia, including India, doctors on Saturday warned that lead exposure through contaminated turmeric can impair kids’ cognitive functions, and raise heart disease, and stroke risk in adults. The study, published in the journal Science of The Total Environment, found that turmeric sold in India’s Patna; Pakistan’s Karachi and Peshawar; and Nepal had lead levels in turmeric exceeding 1,000 micrograms/gram. This is about 200 times more than the limit set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) -- 10 micrograms/gram. Researchers led by the University of Stanford in the US, along with those from India, found that turmeric sold in Guwahati and Chennai also exceeded the regulatory limit. “Turmeric, widely recognised ...