Health News - Page 9

Is the Covid 'lab-leak' theory incorrect? What new study reveals

5 months ago

A study by the University of Edinburgh suggests Covid-19 did not originate in China's Wuhan but evolved naturally in the bat population in northern Laos and China's Yunnan province. The study, now published in the peer-reviewed journal Cell, challenges the 'lab-leak' theory championed by US President Donald Trump. Here's what it says

How new infrared contact lenses can help people see in the dark

5 months ago

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed special infrared contact lenses that allow people to see in the dark. Unlike night vision goggles, these lenses require no power and can even function with closed eyes. The researchers of the study said that the technology could also benefit people with colour blindness

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, & more: Where are Covid cases rising in India?

5 months ago

Following a rise in Covid-19 cases in Asia, Indian states such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat have also reported a steady surge in infections. Local authorities have begun stepping up surveillance and implementing precautionary measures to stop the spread. Here's what the situation looks like

California doctors pull off world’s first bladder transplant. Here’s how they did it

5 months ago

Doctors in California earlier this month conducted the world’s first successful bladder transplant. The eight hour procedure involved taking a kidney and bladder from an organ donor, transplanting them into the patient, and connecting them. But what do we know about the operation which gives hope to millions around the world?

Swapping shots for shows? Are we drinking less because we are watching more?

5 months ago

Alcohol has long been a go-to for celebrations or relaxing at adult gatherings. But Gen Z now appears to favour digital entertainment, like video games, streaming platforms, and social media, as their primary source of leisure. Atsushi Katsuki, the head of Japan’s Asahi brewery, has said these digital platforms have influenced drinking habits far more than Gen Z’s health concerns

What’s behind the Covid-19 surge in Asia? Will vaccines work?

5 months ago

Singapore, Hong Kong, China, and Thailand are witnessing a spike in Covid-19 cases. In Singapore, the surge in infections is driven by LF.7 and NB.1.8 — both descendants of JN.1 variant, which is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variety. JN.1 can evade immunity and is more transmissible. Is this a cause of concern?

Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer: How serious is he?

5 months ago

Amid rumours of his health, news broke on Sunday (May 18) that Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer, with a statement adding that it has spread to his bones. How deadly is prostate cancer? What does this diagnosis mean for the former US president?

Doctor Explains: How lifestyle changes can prevent hypertension from turning deadly

5 months ago

Hypertension is rapidly becoming one of India’s most urgent non-communicable health challenges. The interplay of dietary habits, stress, physical activity and comorbid conditions makes managing high blood pressure complex across different age groups. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on how to deal with them and live a healthier life

From tobacco to tumours: How India’s chewing habit is fuelling a cancer crisis

5 months ago

Oral cancer is a rising but largely preventable threat in India, driven by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor hygiene and HPV infection. In this report, Firstpost highlights expert insights on early warning signs, key risk factors and the vital role of timely screening and lifestyle changes in improving survival outcomes.

Europe has a new problem with mosquitoes. Here's why its serious

5 months ago

New research shows that dengue and chikungunya could soon become endemic in Europe. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, was conducted by researchers in Sweden and Germany and examined the spread of dengue and chikungunya in Europe for over three decades. Here's what it showed and why it blamed climate change

Covid cases rise in Singapore, Hong Kong as new wave spreads in Asia. Should you be worried?

5 months ago

Covid cases are rising again in parts of Southeast Asia, with Hong Kong and Singapore reporting a sudden spike. China and Thailand are also seeing an increase in infections. In Singapore, the first update in nearly a year reported a 28 per cent jump, with 14,200 cases recorded in the week ending May 3. The surge is reportedly part of a fresh wave spreading across several regions in Asia. Notably, high-risk groups have been advised to take extra precautions

Nine to forever? How long work hours could be changing your brain

5 months ago

A new study suggests that working over 52 hours a week may alter the brain’s structure, particularly in regions tied to emotions, memory and decision-making. Researchers observed ‘significant changes’ in the brains of those who worked for long hours, with increased volume in areas such as the middle frontal gyrus, insula and superior temporal gyrus

How the UK will track obese children using 'spy scales'

5 months ago

The UK’s state-run National Health Service (NHS) is rolling out 'spy scales' to monitor severely obese children from afar and send motivational texts to help them lose weight. While some are calling it a ‘game-changing tool’, others criticise it for tracking children, likening it to a ‘nanny state’

'Everyone is a cousin': What is Spoan syndrome, the genetic disorder plaguing a Brazilian village?

5 months ago

For years, families in a small Brazilian town, Serrinha dos Pintos, watched their children slowly lose the ability to walk, and no one knew why. Thanks to biologist Silvana Santos and her research of 20 years, the village now has an answer: Spoan syndrome. The disorder manifests when a person inherits the same mutated gene from both parents

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