Health

Playing online games can help boost the social skills of people with autism -- a neurodevelopmental disorder, according to a study on Tuesday.  Researchers from the University of Plymouth in the UK in a small study engaged eight people with autism in a popular role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons played both in person and online. The study, published in the journal Autism, sought to investigate whether placing people in a social setting where they felt at ease could improve their performance. “There are many myths and misconceptions about autism, with some of the biggest suggesting that those with it aren’t socially motivated, or don’t have any imagination. Dungeons and Dragons goes against all that, centering around working together in a team, all of which takes place in a completely...

Time of day when medications are administered can have a significant impact on cancer treatment outcomes, claimed a study.  Researchers at Charite-Universitatsmedizin Berlin, Germany explained that it is because human bodies follow the cycle set by their internal clock, also known as circadian rhythm. To tailor medication schedules to an individual patient’s body clock, the team developed a method for determining the optimum time of cancer treatment. The method, based on certain breast cancer cell lines, is described in the journal Nature Communications. The internal clock in the human body sets the rhythm for different bodily functions and metabolic processes, such as sleep and digestion. In addition to organs that depend on the body’s clock, individual cells also follow the cycle and...

While consuming sugar-sweetened beverages like sodas, fruit punch, and lemonade, at home or outside is quite a norm, these may lead to significant harm to health -- from infections in teeth, and kidneys to heart disease, said experts on Monday. Sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) are drinks that contain added sugar or other sweeteners, such as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), sucrose, or fruit juice concentrates. These include: non-diet sodas, flavoured juice, sports or energy drinks, sweetened tea, and coffee, among others. “These sweeteners are a major concern that can cause multiple health complications like weight gain, obesity, and diabetes. Along with this, it also leads to a long-lasting impact on the heart, and kidney and also results in dental complications,” Dr. Manish Mittal, Con...

People who sleep poorly are likely to experience greater levels of fatty triglycerides -- a type of blood cholesterol -- and abdominal fat that can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and other health issues, according to research. The study, led by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in the US, finds that maintaining sleep hygiene, such as putting your screen away at night or going to bed when you`re exhausted, can make a person healthier. The study builds support for the importance of good sleep habits. Good sleep habits, such as putting your screen away at night or going to bed when you`re tired, can help to promote good overall health, said Brooke Shafer, a postdoctoral researcher at the Sleep, Chronobiology and Health Laboratory at the OHSU School of Nursing. ...

As Dahi Handi approaches on August 27, Govinda pathaks are geared up to form human pyramids to break pots of curd, butter, etc., as a part of Janmashtami celebrations. However, this tradition can also result in injuries. In an initiative aimed at ensuring safety and timely intervention during Dahi Handi celebrations, AIMS Hospital, Dombivli, has announced an emergency helpline specifically for the injured Govindas. People can call on the emergency helpline number 7506274959 in case of orthopedic or traumatic brain injuries for immediate medical assistance and ambulance services. “The Dahi Handi festival sees participation from Govindas of all ages, from children to adults, who dedicate 3-4 months to creating human pyramids to reach a clay pot filled with curd. However, Govindas can face ...

As NASA delays the return of Indian-Origin Sunita Williams and Butch Willmore to Earth from the International Space Station (ISS), health experts pointed the risks to the human body because of prolonged stay in microgravity. Williams and Willmore became the first to ride Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5. The eight-day mission to the ISS has now extended to more than two months in space for the duo. NASA officials have expressed concern that technical glitches on Starliner may pose risks while de-orbiting on Earth. The space agency is expected to decide on Starliner`s safety levels. If it deems Starliner unfit, the astronaut duo will likely return onboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025. However, the extended mission is likely to increase their exposure to microgravity an...

Minor brain injuries at a young age that lead to concussion even for a short period may impact the brain later, and raise the risk of dementia, finds a study.  The study, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge in the UK, aimed to learn more about the impact of concussions -- classified as traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) -- or other minor brain injuries on dementia. Previous research has suggested that some forms of dementia could be related to some types of brain injuries. In the paper, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, the team analysed MRI scans of 617 people aged 40 to 59. They also studied their medical histories, focusing most specifically on whether they had had brain injuries anytime during their life. About 36.1 per cent of the participants reported having...

Mumbai doctors in Mumbai Central have successfully treated a 26-year-old pregnant woman suffering from severe cardiac complications. The patient, in her seventh month of pregnancy, was initially admitted to a hospital in Kurla with high blood pressure and vaginal bleeding. Despite being treated with medication, her condition worsened, leading to the premature birth of her baby at 28 weeks, weighing just 598 grams.  Post-delivery, she experienced severe breathlessness, elevated blood pressure, and hypoxia, along with an increased respiratory rate. The initial hospital recommended transferring her to at Wockhardt Hospitals, Mumbai Central for advanced care, where they successfully treated her. Upon arrival, the medical team, which includes Dr. Gandhali Deorukhkar, OB-GYN, Dr Kedar Toraskar...

As the festival of Janmashtami approaches, the streets of Mumbai are about to witness vibrant celebrations of Dahi Handi. However, with this tradition comes the risk of injuries. There is an increased likelihood of orthopedic and traumatic brain injuries being experienced by Govindas while forming human pyramids, health experts in Mumbai have warned.  They emphasise the necessity of wearing protective equipment like helmets, knee and elbow pads, wrist supports and safety harnesses and incorporating stretching and strength training exercises to reduce the risk of these significant injuries that can make one bedridden, cause life-long disabilities or even lead to loss of life. Each year, numerous Govindas and participants face possibilities of fractures and traumatic brain injuries, indica...

Ozempic, the diet pill that took the world by storm has been under the public scanner for long, is found to be more devastating than what was originally speculated.  A study conducted at St. Vincent`s University Hospital (SVUH) in Dublin has challenged the prevailing belief that weight loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Monjaro primarily work by promoting satiety and reducing food intake. The randomised controlled trial, led by Professor Donal O`Shea of SVUH and the UCD School of Medicine, involved 30 patients and focused on medications based on the hormone Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The findings, published today in the Journal of the Obesity Society, reveal a strong relationship between increased metabolic activity caused by daily GLP-1 treatment and the amount of weight l...