Health

Every 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air increase in annual exposure to fine particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) is associated with an 8.6 per cent increased risk for mortality across India, finds a study on Thursday.  The study, published in the journal Lancet Planetary Health, revealed that long-term exposure to PM2.5 pollution concentrations higher than the 5 micrograms per cubic meter annual average recommended by the WHO is potentially associated with 1.5 million deaths a year in India. The findings showed that the 1.4 billion people in India live in areas with PM2.5 concentrations above that recommended by the WHO guidelines. "High levels of annual PM2.5 exposures are observed in India causing a huge mortality burden (not limited to cities that are highlighted during the extreme poll...

Developing antidepressant medications that target cells in the gut may open a novel path towards effective treatment of mood disorders like depression and anxiety, finds a study. Targeting gut cells may open new ways to reduce depression and anxiety.  These gut-targeting medications may also lead to fewer cognitive, gastrointestinal, and behavioral side effects for patients and their children than current treatments. “Antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft that raise serotonin levels are important first-line treatments and help many patients but can sometimes cause side effects that patients can’t tolerate,” said Mark Ansorge, Associate Professor of clinical neurobiology at Columbia University Vagelos. Ansorge noted that the study, published in the journal Gastroenterology, suggests tha...

Mulund resident Babu Michael received a new lease of life after a team of Mumbai doctors from Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre successfully performed a complex surgery, in what they are calling a groundbreaking medical achievement. The doctors conducted a simultaneous coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) on 63-year-old Michael. It is a complex dual procedure, which they say is a first in India, and highlights the hospital`s expertise in complex medical procedures. The case also underscores the growing challenge of managing coexisting cardiovascular and liver diseases, a trend on the rise globally. Michael was diagnosed with cirrhosis seven years ago after secondary to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition affecting on...

India has seen significant progress in reducing malaria incidence and mortality rates, according to the latest World Malaria report, from the World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday. Malaria is a life-threatening disease spread to humans by female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. The report showed that the number of estimated malaria cases in India decreased to 2 million cases in 2023 from 6.4 million in 2017 (69 per cent decrease). Similarly, the estimated malaria deaths decreased to 3,500 from 11,100 (68 per cent decrease) during the same period. As a result, “India exited the High Burden to High Impact (HBHI) group officially in 2024”, the WHO said. The HBHI approach is a targeted malaria response that is used in several countries to accelerate the pace of ...

In a significant feat, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras on Tuesday released the most detailed 3D high-resolution images of the foetal brain.  For the first time in the world, 5,132 brain sections were digitally imaged at cell resolution using cutting-edge brain mapping technology developed by the team at Sudha Gopalakrishnan Brain Centre at IIT. The research is critical for India as the country accounts for nearly one-fifth of the world’s childbirths at 25 million each year. This makes it vital for the country to understand brain development from the foetus to a child, to adolescence, and a young adult, and developmental disorders like learning disabilities and autism. “This study will pave the way for new scientific discoveries, allowing quantification of...

The winter weather can significantly affect the skin, leaving it dry, flaky and sensitive. The cold air and low humidity can worsen skin health while causing a range of skin-related issues. The seasonal shift calls for a change in skincare practices and routines. “During winter, people are often seen complaining about worsening skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. The lower levels of sunlight in winter can impact your skin leading to vitamin D deficiency,” informs Dr Rinky Kapoor, Consultant Dermatologist, Cosmetic Dermatologist and Dermato-Surgeon at The Esthetic Clinics. Skincare tips for winter She shares the following tips to keep your skin healthy, hydrated and glowing during the cold weather: Stay hydrated from within: If you want healthy and glowing skin, make sur...

A large-scale Swedish study on Monday suggested that drinking sweetened drinks can significantly increase your risk of serious cardiovascular diseases like stroke, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. The study also showed that eating too much-added sugar can increase the risk of stroke or aneurysm. However, limited consumption of treats can be safe. “Consuming sweet drinks was worse for your health than any other form of sugar," noted the study published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health. Suzanne Janzi, a doctoral candidate at Lund University said that the sweetened beverages, which contain liquid sugars, "typically provide less satiety than solid forms" Janzi said this makes people feel less satiated "potentially leading to overconsumption”. Moreover, unlike treats that a...

Adopting a healthy diet can reduce the severity of chronic pain, an Australian research has found.  In a new study, researchers from the University of South Australia found a direct link between greater consumption of food within the federal government`s Australian Dietary Guidelines and lower levels of body pain, particularly among women, reports Xinhua news agency. "It`s common knowledge that eating well is good for your health and well-being. But knowing that simple changes to your diet could offset chronic pain could be life-changing," Sue Ward, a co-author of the study, said. Previous research has found that over 30 per cent of people globally suffer from chronic pain, with women and people who are overweight or obese more likely to be affected. The new study found that higher con...

Crores of devotees are set to assemble for the world`s largest religious event Mahakumbh beginning on January 13, 2025, on the holy banks of Sangam in Teerthraj Prayagraj. Besides ensuring a robust pilgrimage framework for pilgrims, the Yogi Adityanath government has placed strong emphasis on their health through the establishment of Netra Kumbh, a special initiative dedicated to eye care. Spread over nine acres, Netra Kumbh targets will examine the eyes of more than 5 lakh devotees and distribute 3 lakh pairs of glasses simultaneously. Moreover, eye patients would also be identified during these examinations who require surgical interventions. They will be facilitated to undergo free operations at hospitals near their homes. This will be possible because of state govt inking agreemen...

A team of doctors at Uttar Pradesh`s Lucknow has removed a rare giant gallbladder, sized over 15 cm, from a 35-year-old woman, giving her a new lease of life.  Shalini Tiwari reported to the hospital with severe pain in the abdomen. Her ultrasound revealed a gallstone disease -- hardened deposits in the gall bladder. During her surgery, the doctors found that besides gallstones, her gall bladder was giant-sized. “Per operatively we found out the patient has a giant gallbladder, that is more than 15 cm in size. The normal size of the gallbladder is about 7-8 cm. The surgery called giant cholecystectomy is rare. Only 9 cases have to date been reported worldwide,” Dr. Suramya Pandey, general surgeon at Lucknow Civil Hospital, told IANS on Saturday. The patient was managed efficiently by th...