Health

What was Project Mercury that Meta quietly shut down after it exposed social media harm?

Newly unsealed court filings reveal that Meta quietly ended Project Mercury, an internal study showing that users who took a break from Facebook felt less anxious and socially pressured. The disclosures — part of a sweeping US lawsuit targeting multiple social platforms — raises questions over whether tech giants withheld evidence of potential mental-health risks to young users

What’s the fake-fasting diet? And can it help you ‘age backwards’?

It is that time of the year when you are looking to shed some kilos before the partying begins. The ‘fake fasting’ diet, also known as the fasting mimicking diet (FMD), might be worth a try. Researchers claim it promotes weight loss with age-reversing benefits. But how do you fake fast?

Dr explains: What is epilepsy and why millions in India still go untreated

Seizures can stem from disrupted brain activity, lifestyle habits or missed triggers. Firstpost brings out experts’ views on causes, warning signs, stigma-driven delays and ways to improve epilepsy care and awareness in India.

Silent heart parasite nearly killed her: Why cardiac hydatid disease remains a diagnostic blind spot

A rare parasite can quietly grow inside the heart, imitating everyday cardiac symptoms until it becomes deadly. Few clinicians ever see it, and even fewer can treat it. Read here

UK built its health service on immigrant doctors. Why are they leaving now?

The National Health Service in the UK is facing an accelerating exodus of internationally trained doctors, with new data showing departures at their highest level in a decade. Rising discrimination, limited training opportunities, pay disputes and burnout are contributing to the trend, heightening fears over a shrinking medical workforce

From hobby clubs to themed dinners: How Delhi‑NCR is combating loneliness

The WHO Commission on Social Connection’s flagship report (published June 30, 2025) reveals that one in six people worldwide struggles with loneliness, a phenomenon associated with roughly 100 deaths every hour. Not just that, the Ipsos Global Survey 2021 found that 45 per cent of urban Indians felt lonelier after the pandemic, while 43 per cent reported often feeling friendless.

Could your pregnancy matter? Why autism cases are rising and what parents need to know

Autism rates are rising globally and in India, with challenges in early detection, prenatal influences, and inclusive education. Experts urge routine screening and evidence-based interventions.

Blue light, flashing reels and sleep loss: How smartphones could be fuelling seizure risk

Neurologists warn rising screen time and digital exposure in India may trigger seizures in children and adults with epilepsy. Experts urge sleep hygiene, screen limits and safe device use to reduce seizure risks.

‘Short of breath? Think COPD’: How toxic air triggers respiratory diseases and long-term lung damage

Pulmonologists warn India faces a rising COPD and chronic lung disease crisis, driven by severe air pollution. Experts urge early detection, lifestyle measures, vaccination and indoor air management to protect respiratory health.

Should ultra-processed foods like chips, chicken nuggets be taxed?

There has been increasing concern over the consumption of ultra-processed foods. Now, researchers have argued in the Lancet medical journal that UPFs should be taxed, as the longer countries wait to impose restrictions, the worse will be the effect on consumers' health