Health

Australian researchers have developed a new treatment for deadly childhood cancer using engineered immune cells.  The research, published on Wednesday, was led by a team from the University of Queensland (UQ) that developed a new therapeutic strategy for paediatric sarcomas, Xinhua news agency reported. Sarcomas are cancers that develop in the bones and soft tissues, including muscles, fat, and blood vessels. In children, the tumours tend to grow aggressively and spread throughout the body, making treatment difficult. According to the new study, sarcomas account for 5-10 per cent of all childhood cancers but are responsible for more deaths than brain cancer, skin cancer, leukaemia, and lymphoma. The new treatment uses engineered immune cells -- also known as "killer cells" that have be...

A second-hand or passive exposure to cigarette smoke could change how children`s genes express themselves, similar to that in active smokers, thereby making them more vulnerable to disease as adults, according to a study. The findings, published in the journal Environment International, highlighted why children`s exposure to second-hand smoke needs to be reduced. "Our study shows that second-hand smoke during childhood leaves its mark at the molecular level and can alter the expression of genes that influence disease susceptibility in adulthood", first author Marta Cosin-Tomàs, a researcher at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), said. While genes in one`s DNA act as an instruction manual for the body, environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, can affect `gene expre...

Chronic constipation is not only discomforting but also has serious health consequences. Approximately, 20 per cent of people between the ages of 45-65 suffer from this chronic constipation and have the chance of suffering from complications like piles (hemorrhoids) and anal fissures. In severe cases, excessive straining due to constipation can cause blood clotting, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Addressing constipation is essential to enhance the quality of life. Chronic constipation means infrequent, difficult, or painful bowel movements lasting for weeks or longer. Symptoms are bloating, abdominal pain, straining during bowel movements, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. If left untreated, the excessive pressure can damage rectal tissues, causing hemorrhoids (pi...

A Mumbai hospital has successfully treated a 26-year-old foreign national suffering from super obesity, showcasing its expertise in advanced bariatric and metabolic care.  The patient, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 86.44—over three times the normal range of 18 to 24—and weighing 232.5 kg, was battling life-threatening health conditions due to her excessive weight. The patient had been experiencing severe health complications, including back pain, obstructive sleep apnea causing disrupted sleep, irregular menstrual cycles, and breathlessness during minimal physical activity. Despite numerous weight loss attempts, her condition progressively worsened, heightening her risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases. "This was an extraordinary and complex case. With a BMI of 86.44, the pati...

A team of Israeli researchers have exposed the brain mechanisms involved in recognising the emotional states of others, with potential implications for treating social disorders such as autism.  Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction. People with the condition often have restricted interests and repetitive behaviour. The study, published in Current Biology, highlighted the role of the brain`s medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in emotional recognition and behavior, Xinhua news agency reported. Recognising emotions is crucial for empathy, allowing people to relate and respond appropriately to others. For individuals on the autism spectrum, the ability is often impaired, making social interactions difficult....

A new study reveals that while 71 per cent of Indians believe they get enough rest, nearly half struggle with stress as a major disruptor.  From shared sleeping spaces and bedtime rituals to napping habits, the IKEA Sleep Uncovered uncovers the unique factors shaping sleep across the country. These insights are part of their largest global study, surveying over 55,000 people across 57 countries pulling back the covers on how the world sleeps. Gender disparity in stress and sleepWhile 71 per cent of Indians feel they get enough sleep, stress is holding many back. Almost half (48 per cent) say stress is the main reason they can`t sleep well. Whether it’s from personal life or work, stress affects sleep for many. 30 per cent of Indians report general stress disrupting their sleep, while 18 ...

Celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar, who often shares nutrition tips and busts myths about diet fads, recently took to Instagram to share a video discussing easy-to-implement ways for women to get the right nutrition during their perimenopause or menopause phases. This phase can bring several physical and mental changes in women, and nutrition can play a role in maintaining health and boosting mood. “I am going to suggest three sensible, but not sensational, ways to get calcium, protein, fibre and good fats in your diet, and also some happiness and peace,” she says in the video. “Three real foods for real women, especially around peri-menopause and menopause,” the caption reads.           View this post on Instagram                    ...

Every year, World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 to raise awareness about the life-threatening disease. While finding a cure and the treatment for the many different types of cancer are still underway, the journey is often difficult for many cancer patients and their families.  During this time, listening to people who have gone through the same journey may help. It inspiring and makes one reflect, raise awareness and honour the strength of those affected by cancer.  This curated selection of audiobooks and podcasts provides a deeper understanding of cancer - from deeply personal accounts of resilience and healing to expert insights on treatment, prevention and innovation in care. Whether you`re looking for support, information about the disease or some inspiration, these titles p...

The resilience of humans is very inspiring and a Ghatkopar woman who has successfully been treated for a bleeding brain has just proved that after walking out after surgery to attend her granddaughter`s wedding. The team led by Dr Viswanathan Iyer, brain and spine surgeon at Zynova Shalby Hospitals in Ghatkopar successfully treated the nonagenarian with a bleed on both sides of the brain. The woman’s courageous journey through surgery to attend her granddaughter’s wedding showcases the power of family determination and expert medical care.  Despite advanced age, a successful brain surgery enable her to walk out of the hospital, healthier and more vibrant than ever. Vimlaben Shah (94), a resident of Ghatkopar, was rushed to Zynova Shalby Hospital with a severe headache and difficulty in ...

Over 14.6 crore women across the country have been screened for breast cancer and 57,184 were diagnosed with the disease while 50,612 are receiving treatment, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Friday. Citing the national NCD portal data, he said in a written response to a question in Lok Sabha that more than nine crore women have been screened for cervical cancer out of which 96,747 were diagnosed with the disease and 86,196 are under treatment. The National NCD Portal was rolled out by the government in 2018 under NP-NCD for non communicable diseases (NCDs) screening and management and ensuring continuum of care for five common NCDs, including breast and cervical cancer. In order to prevent and control major NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervica...