Health News - Page 17

Study that promoted Trump's 'miracle drug' as Covid treatment retracted

In the retraction notice, Elsevier mentioned that its integrity and publishing ethics team, as well as the journal’s co-owner, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found multiple issues with the study

Is flesh-eating bacteria that disfigure the body likely to spread in Australia?

A flesh-eating bacteria known as Buruli ulcer has become a growing concern in Australia. This comes as the coastal town of Batemans Bay in New South Wales reported two cases, whereas the southern state of Victoria reported 347 confirmed cases in 2024 so far, and is now reporting new cases every day. Why is this disease appearing in areas hundreds of kilometres away from one another?

Russia’s cancer vaccine is ready. Here’s why it matters

Russia has reportedly developed a vaccine against cancer that it will launch early next year. The jab, which will be free of cost, will treat patients instead of preventing the disease in the general population

Don't replace home-cooked meals with ready-to-eat foods. Here's why

As the demand for convenience foods and ready-to-eat snacks grows rapidly in India, a study published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One raises red flags over its consumption on long-term health. The nutrition scientists analysed over 400 popular food items in the Indian market and called for a redesign of the convenience food matrix

What is 'Dinga Dinga', the excessive body-shaking disease leaving people in Uganda sick?

A bizarre disease known as 'Dinga Dinga' has taken hold in Uganda, leaving hundreds of people, mostly women and children sick. 'Dinga Dinga' which means 'shaking like dancing' causes uncontrollable body shaking and difficulties in walking. Authorities are yet to find its cause

India sets up the first diabetes biobank in Chennai. Here's why this is significant

India has set up the country’s first-ever diabetes biobank in Chennai. The initiative, a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), aims to boost scientific research and treatment for diabetes in the country. As per a study, India has over 10 crore diabetes cases and 13.6 crore prediabetes cases, one of the highest in the world

What is Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, lung disease that Zakir Hussain suffered from?

Artist Zakir Hussain on Monday passed away at age 73 because of complications arising from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). A disease of the lungs, IPF impacts the tissue around the air sacs in the lung known as the alveoli – which makes it harder and harder to breathe. While there is no cure for IPF, several medicinal, rehabilitative and other procedures can help sustain quality of life

Is intermittent fasting bad for your hair?

Intermittent fasting permits individuals to consume the daily calorie intake in eight to twelve hours, with the remainder of the day being spent fasting. However, the diet may not be as healthy as it may seem. A new study suggests that the diet could also slow down hair regrowth

Can drinking raw milk cause bird flu? US health officials probing a child’s case to find link

A child in California's Marin County fell ill after drinking raw milk and was later diagnosed with bird flu. Health authorties have urged people not to consume raw milk until their probe is complete

Bowel cancer, second deadliest, rising faster among 25-49 age group: Study in Lancet

In several countries, cases of bowel cancer are rising among younger people in the 25-49 age group as compared to older adults who are traditionally more prone to developing cancers

Chuck the chips: How consuming ultra-processed food can lead to cancer

A recent study, published in the journal Gut, drew a concerning link between ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and an increased risk of colon cancer. The study adds to growing evidence that these foods, while easy to access, could be far more harmful than we realise. The findings come as colon cancer cases have been seeing a steady rise, especially among younger adults in the US

Could bird flu trigger another pandemic?

The deadly bird flu variant H5N1 is spreading more widely than ever before. In March, the virus began spreading among dairy cows across the US in a first. Fifty-eight people have also tested positive in the country. Now health experts are warning about a potential pandemic threat posed by bird flu

Can CrossFit help people with long-term health conditions?

A study in the UK of around 1,200 people found that CrossFit helped many suffering issues like chronic pain manage their symptoms. Of the participants who reported taking painkillers prior to starting CrossFit, particularly to manage arthritis or back pain, over half reduced their medication. Some even postponed or cancelled surgeries for joint or muscular issues due to the strength and fitness they had gained

In Graphics | How do we catch a cold in winter?

As the chilly winds blow past and the mercury plummets, there is an uptick in cases of people experiencing body aches and fever with a runny nose and cough. As the temperatures dips, it causes the air to dry up, weakening the human body's immune system. Moreover, viruses tend to survive longer in low temperatures, making the onset of winter an ideal time for them to spread

Isn't that sweet: How eating dark chocolate can reduce the risk of type-2 diabetes

A study, published in the British Medical Journal, has found that those who consume a little dark chocolate — about five servings a day per week — have a 21 per cent lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes

Hairy tales: How babies in Spain are developing werewolf syndrome

Cases of hypertrichosis is being diagnosed in babies in Spain as a side effect of their parents taking anti-baldness medications, namely minoxidil. Experts found 11 infants with the unusual condition, also known as werewolf syndrome. This disease results in excessive hair growth in undesirable areas

Prescribing calmness: Could a pill provide the benefits of yoga?

There may soon be a revolutionary pill for those with anxiety and stress disorders that simulates the calmness of yoga. Researchers have made significant progress in understanding how our brains regulate breathing, putting them on the path of creating this fascinating drug

Why FSSAI has put packaged drinking water in 'high-risk' category

India's apex food safety regulator, FSSAI, has declared packaged drinking and mineral water a 'high-risk' food item. This move aims to enforce stricter quality control for its manufacturers who will have to pass annual inspections and audits before their licences are granted

What is the ‘bleeding eye’ virus that has killed 15 in Rwanda?

A deadly outbreak of the Marburg virus, also known as the 'bleeding eye virus,' has claimed the lives of 15 people in Rwanda. With hundreds more believed to be infected, 17 countries have issued travel advisories for their citizens. The Marburg virus poses a terrifying 50/50 risk of death and is thought to be one of the worst illnesses on the planet

Being mindful: Do brain training games really help improve cognitive function?

Many people are increasingly turning to brain-training games, which claim to optimise your brain’s efficiency and capacity at any age. However, research states that specific skills learned in these games often do not translate to more general, real-world applications

World Aids Day 2024: How the red ribbon became a global symbol for Aids

Today, the red ribbon is globally recognised as the symbol of support in the fight against Aids. But how did this folded little piece of six inches of ribbon become an international sign?

Worried about microplastics? You should fear lead way more for your health

Lead exposure poses a more immediate and well-documented threat to human health compared to microplastics. In children, it can result in low IQ, stunted development, and other issues. In adults, it can cause hypertension and reproductive failure

First treatment for asthma attack in 50 years. Here's what you need to know

Benralizumab, the first new treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is being called a ‘game-changer’ by researchers. Initially reserved for severe cases, new studies suggest it may soon benefit more patients

Biden wants to make weight-loss drugs more accessible. Will it pass the Trump test?

The Biden administration has announced a new proposal to include weight-loss drugs under Medicare and Medicaid programmes. While the plan will help more than seven million Americans struggling with obesity, will it find support under Donald Trump?

Doctor in China, patient in Morocco: How world's longest remote surgery was performed

A French doctor in China successfully performed prostate cancer surgery on a patient in Morocco, located 12,000 kilometres away. Using a Chinese-made robot, the doctor performed the world’s longest remote surgery in just two hours

What are the squid-inspired pills that can replace injections?

Researchers have come up with capsules, modelled on cephalopods like squids and cuttlefish, that directly release drugs inside the stomach and other parts of the digestive system. These pills can be an alternative to injections

Experts link lung cancer risks to air pollution, passive smoking

Lung cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally, with 2.5 million new cases, representing 12.4% of all cancer diagnoses. Firstpost consults leading experts to shed light on the causes, risks and preventive measures.

Delhi’s toxic air drives surge in nebulizer sales, one-third for children

Experts highlight that the toxic air, laden with harmful pollutants such as ozone, carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide is impacting not just the lungs but multiple organs, causing severe health issues among adults, children and even unborn babies.

Israeli strikes kill 120 Palestinians in Gaza within 48 hours

Israel says Hamas uses hospitals and civilians as human shields, and has made public videos and photos to support that claim. Hamas rejects the allegations and says it does not use the civilian population or facilities for military purposes.

Delhi sees rise in ‘walking pneumonia’ cases: What is it, how is it different from pneumonia?

Delhi’s air quality has been oscillating between ‘severe’ to ‘severe-plus’ categories for the past few days. There has also been a rise in cases of ‘walking pneumonia’, a mild case of pneumonia that results in swelling of the airways and accumulation of mucus in the lungs’ air sacs. Though the condition isn’t serious, severe pollution has exacerbated its symptoms among patients