Health

Working memory, which allows one to juggle multiple tasks at the same time, may have its limits, according to a new study published in the journal eLife. A learning process involving `chunking` or grouping related pieces of information, rather than capacity, is the real driver of working memory, according to co-author of the study, Aneri Soni, a graduate student at Brown University, US. The capacity of one`s working memory -- how many tasks can be performed simultaneously -- is considered to be limited. However, there are competing theories as to why or how this might be true, the researchers said. In this study, the team ran trials of everyday human tasks on a computer model of the basal ganglia and the thalamus -- brain regions relevant to the functioning of working memory. The model ...

Doctors in Navi Mumbai have successfully saved the life of a 33-year-old woman who became pregnant just seven months after a C-section delivery.  The patient had a history of complicated pregnancies, including an ectopic pregnancy, and her rare cornual ectopic pregnancy went unnoticed until a routine check-up.  Due to timely diagnosis and laparoscopic surgery, the team led by Dr Surabhi Siddhartha, consultant obstetrician and gynecologist at Motherhood Hospital in Kharghar, was able to address the cornual ectopic pregnancy, ultimately saving her life and preventing serious complications. Harshali Shriniwas Palsodkar, a 33-year-old IT professional and resident of Navi Mumbai, endured a challenging journey to motherhood. In 2020, she suffered a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, which led to the...

Caring for a sick child can be overwhelming for parents, especially when childhood illnesses like colds, fevers, and stomach bug cases are on the rise. The symptoms range from mild discomfort to more serious conditions requiring medical attention. With seasonal illnesses on the rise, it is the need of the hour for children to stay hydrated, eat home-cooked food, stay up-to-date with vaccinations, and maintain personal hygiene. Dr Sanjay Wazir, medical director (NCR)- Neonatology and Paediatrics, Motherhood Hospitals, Gurgaon said, “Currently, a large number of children are falling sick due to sudden weather changes, eating outside food, and poor sanitation. The child’s immune system is still developing, making them more susceptible to infections. 7 in 10 school-going children aged 5-12 co...

Three in every five people in India succumb to cancer following diagnosis with women bearing a "disproportionate burden" compared to men, an analysis of global cancer data has estimated. The incidence to mortality ratio in the US was found to be about one in four, while in China it was one in two, according to the results published in `The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia` journal. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study found that India ranked third highest in cancer incidence, after China and the US, and accounted for over 10 per cent of the world`s cancer-related deaths, ranking second after China. Researchers also projected that in the coming two decades, India will face a formidable challenge in managing deaths related to cancer incidence, with a yearly increase of...

Developing optimism and learning how to flexibly cope can help maintain and improve mental health in diverse situations, according to a new study. With social isolation, health concerns and economic uncertainty, fear and anxiety have become a daily reality for many, said the study published in the Journal of Research in Personality. A team of researchers from Syracuse University and Michigan State University recently explored the personal characteristics that help people handle prolonged stressors, such as the pandemic. Led by Jeewon Oh, assistant professor of psychology in Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences, the group delved into optimism and pessimism and how those mindsets influence well-being. The group utilised data from the Health and Retirement Study, a large-sca...

Here comes another warning for those who love to spend hours on digital screens. According to a new study, spending as little as one hour per day on tablets or smartphones could significantly increases the risk of myopia or nearsightedness. In the systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis, a daily 1-hour increment in digital screen time was associated with 21 per cent higher odds of myopia (nearsightedness), according to the study published in JAMA Network Open. The dose-response pattern exhibited a sigmoidal shape, indicating a potential safety threshold of less than 1 hour per day of exposure, with an increase in odds up to 4 hours. “These findings can offer guidance to clinicians and researchers regarding myopia risk,” said researchers. There has been a surge in nearsightedn...

A new study led by researchers from Oxford Population Health has shown that a variety of environmental factors, including lifestyle choices (such as smoking and physical activity) and living conditions, have a more significant impact on health and premature death than our genes. The study, which analysed data from nearly half a million UK Biobank participants, examined the influence of 164 environmental factors and genetic risk scores for 22 major diseases on ageing, age-related diseases, and premature death. The findings were published today in Nature Medicine. As per the key findings, the environmental factors explained 17 per cent of the variation in risk of death, compared to less than 2 per cent explained by genetic predisposition (as per the present). Of the 25 independent environ...

Indian eye hospital chain Dr Agarwal`s Eye Hospital has roped in Sachin Tendulkar as its new brand ambassador to promote eyecare wellness.The hospital has been performing free eye surgeries on 100 patients annually under its ‘100 Centuries, 100 Patients’ programme — a tribute to the cricketing legend. This is in addition to the two lakh surgeries performed in a year while serving two million patients annually. The collaboration commenced with two television commercials that were well-received by the masses. The first advertisement play’s on one of Sachin’s biggest fan confusing him with his lookalike only for the real Sachin to step in and save the day for his fan. In the second advertisement,  The Master Blaster is paired with the renowned Australian cricketer Glenn McGrath, which evokes...

A team of Chinese virologists has identified a new bat coronavirus, HKU5-CoV-2, that could potentially infect humans. Led by Shi Zhengli, a renowned scientist known as "Batwoman" for her extensive research on coronaviruses, the discovery raises concerns about the possibility of another zoonotic spillover.  According to the South China Morning Post, researchers found that HKU5-CoV-2 can bind to human ACE2 receptors, the same entryway used by SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. This similarity suggests a potential risk of human transmission, though further research is needed to determine its real-world impact. HKU5-CoV-2 belongs to the merbecovirus subgenus, which includes the MERS-CoV virus that caused the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome outbreak. The study, cited by Newswe...

Scoliosis causes abnormal curvature of the spine, and is increasingly affecting children between the ages of 10-15. Early diagnosis is crucial as untreated scoliosis can lead to long-term complications, including chronic pain and breathing difficulties. Recognising early signs such as uneven shoulders, an abnormal posture, or one hip appearing higher than the other can help in seeking timely treatment and preventing further progression. Dr Sameer Ruparel, spine surgeon, Lilavati Hospital in Bandra, said, ‘‘Scoliosis is a spine condition commonly seen in children. The spine of the child with scoliosis will bend laterally or sideways to form a C or S-shaped curvature (middle part) and lumbosacral (lower part) spine. In 3-4 months, 2-3 children aged 10-15 come with abnormal spine curvature. ...