12% of cancers linked to infections: What India needs to know

An estimated 2.3 million new cancer cases worldwide in 2024, accounting for 12% of the total, were linked to infections, according to an analysis by researchers at the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the World Health Organization’s cancer research agency, published in The Lancet Oncology. “Infectious agents are an important preventable cause of […]

vaccination

Are adults missing critical vaccines? Experts discuss immunisation across life stages

Vaccination is often seen as a childhood matter. In India, that view may be leaving many adults without protection against diseases that can be prevented. A 2025 study in BMC Public Health screened 7,097 adults in New Delhi between April 2021 and August 2022. It found that 93.3 percent of them reported “not receiving even […]

vaccination

The shots that protect two: Why vaccination during pregnancy deserves more attention

For decades, pregnancy and vaccination have shared an uneasy relationship in the public imagination. Many expecting mothers still associate vaccines with risk rather than protection, worried that anything injected during pregnancy could somehow harm the baby. Doctors say this fear, while understandable, often works against the very outcome it is trying to protect: a healthy […]

El Niño

A ‘very strong’ El Niño is coming. What it could mean for India’s health

India could see a rise in heat-related illness, along with shifting patterns of dengue, malaria and waterborne disease, as a very strong El Niño takes hold over the coming months, doctors have warned, pointing to a fresh assessment by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) that flags an extended and intense event lasting into 2027. “A […]

Health and medical trips costliest domestic journeys in India: survey

Health and medical trips were the most expensive overnight journeys undertaken by Indian households, costing an average Rs 32,167 per trip, according to a new National Statistics Office (NSO) survey, conducted across India, excluding villages in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that remain difficult to access throughout the year. The findings are part of the […]

heart

“We did a bypass on a 35-year-old”: Mumbai surgeon on why heart patients are getting younger

Dr Swarup Pal is senior consultant and chief of cardiothoracic and vascular surgery at Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, with nearly three decades of experience in cardiac surgery. His work spans bypass, valve, minimally invasive and robotic cardiac procedures, as well as vascular surgery and heart transplantation. First Check spoke to Dr Pal about the increasingly younger […]

FACT CHECK: Does skipping breakfast really raise your risk of diabetes and heart disease?

CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel by entrepreneur Raj Shamani claims a healthy breakfast lowers type 2 diabetes risk by 28%, heart disease risk by 27%, and improves cognitive performance by 15%. It also claims skipping breakfast raises these risks by 20-35%.   FACTS: Multiple recent studies have linked skipping breakfast to a higher risk of […]

FACT CHECK: Kunal Kapoor eats more carbs on training days. Here’s what that means

CLAIM: Actor Kunal Kapoor says he eats fewer carbohydrates on rest days and more on training days. He also says he has one “refuel” meal a week, which he does not call a cheat meal. FACT: Research offers limited support for the approach. Eating more carbohydrates on training days helps active people, but total daily […]

women

Do women really get autoimmune diseases because they’re “too nice”?

CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims 80% of autoimmune diseases occur in women due to personality traits like people-pleasing, suppressing anger, and prioritising others’ needs over their own. It states these behaviours cause chronic stress, weakening immune regulation and triggering autoimmune disease.  FACTS: Studies show that autoimmune diseases are significantly more common in women, largely […]

When Kartik Aaryan revealed he went from 39% to 7% body fat

Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan, who recently won the National Film Award for Best Actor for his performance in Chandu Champion, has spoken about the drastic change in his body composition during the making of the film. In an Instagram post, Aaryan said his body fat had gone from 39 percent to 7 percent over the […]

goitre

Goitre down by two-thirds. But thyroid autoimmunity is up

A new nationwide study of Indian schoolchildren has found that goitre, a condition where the thyroid gland swells up in the neck, has dropped sharply over the last two decades. But the same study also found that thyroid autoimmunity, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland, has more than doubled in […]

autism

FACT CHECK: Does the father’s age matter when it comes to autism?

CLAIM: Autism spectrum disorder has a complex, multifactorial origin. A viral Instagram post claims Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) “may begin before pregnancy,” citing paternal age and sperm genetic changes as factors “associated with higher likelihood”, while noting association isn’t causation.  FACT: Studies show that advanced parental age, including that of fathers, mothers and even grandparents, […]

exercise

Can 30 minutes of exercise really keep 13 cancers at bay?

CLAIM:  An Instagram reel claims that exercising 30 minutes daily lowers the risk of 13 cancers and improves survival after diagnosis in breast, prostate and colon cancer. The speaker also says exercise brings natural killer cells into tumours, cutting off their blood supply and stopping cancer from spreading further.  FACT:  Research and experts suggest regular […]

almond

The soaked-almond fertility hack is going viral. But does it actually work?

CLAIM: An Instagram post claims soaked almonds (8-10 daily) improve egg quality and hormonal balance in women, citing reduced phytic acid, better mineral absorption, healthy fats, vitamin E, and magnesium. It also claims benefits for cognitive function, bone health, and sleep.  FACT: Scientific studies show almonds support heart health and may reduce inflammation, with some […]

brain

Do seed oils really cause brain damage and fatty liver? Here’s what studies say

CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that seed oils, including corn oil, canola oil, vegetable oil and cottonseed oil, are more dangerous to the body than alcohol, sugar, meat or butter. It states that these oils contain hexane, “a chemical that’s actually found in gasoline,” and that they cause brain damage, fatty liver and inflammation, urging […]

What is targeted therapy? What Nafisa Ali’s cancer treatment means

Veteran actor and former beauty queen Nafisa Ali Sodhi has revealed that her ovarian and peritoneal cancer has progressed, with a recent PET/CT scan showing new deposits on the surface of her liver. Ali, who was crowned Miss India in 1976 before going on to a career in films, took to Instagram to share that […]

stem cell

Centre tightens rules on stem cell therapy, restricts use to approved conditions

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has directed states and Union Territories to strictly regulate stem cell therapy, making clear that the treatment can be offered as routine clinical care only for diseases and conditions approved by the government. The advisory, issued on September 17, follows a January 30, 2026, Supreme Court judgment […]

vaccines

Flu, COVID and RSV vaccines cut risk of hospitalisation, new review finds

A new research  has found that flu, COVID-19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines continue to give strong protection against hospital admission and death, especially among older adults, infants and pregnant women. The review was carried out by the Vaccine Integrity Project, which is based at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research […]

diet coke

Does one Diet Coke a day really triple your dementia risk?

CLAIM: An Instagram post claims drinking one Diet Coke daily makes people nearly 3x more likely to develop dementia, citing a 2017 study. It notes possible links via gut bacteria, insulin response, and eating habits, while acknowledging the studies show association, not proof of direct causation, and that other lifestyle factors may contribute.  FACTS: Scientific […]

cancer

Colon cancer deaths are rising in younger adults in the US: What does this mean for India

Colorectal cancer has overtaken every other cancer as the leading cause of cancer death among Americans under the age of 50, according to a major new report released by the American Cancer Society.  The report, published in March 2026 in the journal CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, paints a troubling picture of a disease […]

turmeric

Does this turmeric and ginger drink really kill parasites?

CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that a morning drink made of warm water, turmeric, black pepper, cayenne, lemon juice, and grated ginger, taken daily on an empty stomach, can “detox” the entire body of parasites within seven days by giving the gut a complete reset.  FACT: Recent research shows ginger and turmeric can shift the […]

Pankaj Tripathi

Pankaj Tripathi spends 30 minutes eating every meal: Is there a health benefit?

CLAIM: Actor Pankaj Tripathi, in an FSSAI “Eat Right India” video, says he now takes 30 minutes to eat, focusing solely on food, savouring each bite mindfully, and treating meals with gratitude and reverence, like worship. He claimed that slow, distraction-free, mindful eating for a set duration benefits health and digestion. FACT: Research shows that […]

Twinkle Khanna

Twinkle Khanna says this DIY wash removes pesticides. Does it?

CLAIM: A viral reel by Twinkle Khanna suggests a DIY pesticide wash: mix 1 cup vinegar + 2 cups water + 1 tbsp baking soda, soak 5–10 minutes, scrub, then rinse. FACT: Studies show pesticide residue reduction varies by method, ranging from under 50% to over 90%. Running water and boiling tend to work best, […]

nutrition

National Nutrition Week: India’s child malnutrition gains mask a deeper diet crisis

As India observes National Nutrition Week, the latest government survey shows that child malnutrition remains widespread, even as some indicators have improved over the past five years. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6), released this year and covering 2023-24, found that 29.3% of Indian children under five are stunted, or too short for their age. […]

headache

FACT CHECK: Does salt under the tongue cure a headache in 5 minutes?

CLAIM: An Instagram post claims that placing a pinch of sea salt under the tongue, then drinking water, cures headaches in 5 minutes, claiming sodium restores electrolyte balance, reduces brain blood vessel swelling, and stops migraine pain signals. It also links dehydration/electrolyte loss to headaches generally.  FACTS: There is no evidence that salt under the […]

cinnamon

FACT CHECK: Can a cinnamon, lemon and honey drink fix your blood sugar and energy levels? 

CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that a morning drink of cinnamon, lemon juice, and raw honey mixed in water can lower blood sugar, restore energy, and help “your clothes fit better.”  FACT: Studies show cinnamon may modestly affect insulin and glucose responses under controlled dosages, not through water infused with a teaspoon of it. Experts […]

medicine

10-minute medicine delivery: How safe is it to order prescription drugs from Blinkit and Zepto?

Ash, a 22-year-old gender studies student from South Delhi, has been receiving psychiatric treatment and taking medication as part of it. “I have been a long-time consumer of medicines related to my anxiety,” he said. “Although I don’t get the medicines prescribed by my doctor online, sometimes I do order over-the-counter medicines, which I used […]

Can turmeric really erase years of knee pain?

CLAIM: An Instagram post by longevity physician Dr Darshan Shah claims warm turmeric paste on knees nightly can break down years of joint inflammation, enabling pain-free movement. It cites “15 randomized trials, 1,670 patients” showing curcuminoids significantly reduce knee pain versus placebo, rivalling anti-inflammatory drugs, calling this “not folklore.” FACT: Turmeric supplements, taken orally, may […]

cancer

Does sleeping with your phone near you cause brain cancer or lower sperm count?

CLAIM: An Instagram post claims phones emit radio frequency (RF) energy that increases brain cancer/tumour risk and lowers sperm counts, especially when kept near the head or on the bed while sleeping. It advises keeping phones off the bed.  FACT: False. Large-scale research has consistently found no link between mobile phone use and brain cancer. […]

 Air pollution

 Air pollution linked to millions of cancer cases worldwide, study finds 

A large international study has found that long-term exposure to common air pollutants is linked to millions of cancer cases worldwide each year, with women facing higher risks than men for many types of the disease. The research, published in the journal Nature Health, looked at more than 100 million cancer cases recorded across 952 […]

Positive beliefs about ageing linked to better mental and physical health in older adults: study 

A new study has found that older adults who had more positive beliefs about ageing were more likely to show improvement in their cognitive and physical functioning over time, challenging the widespread assumption that growing old means inevitable decline.  The study published in the journal Geriatrics, conducted by researchers at Yale University, tracked about 11.314 […]

kidney

Chronic Kidney Disease diagnosed too late in India, says Parliament report; nephrologist explains why 

A parliamentary committee has said that Chronic Kidney Disease has become one of the fastest-growing non-communicable diseases in the country, with a large number of patients diagnosed only after the disease has reached an advanced stage. The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare, headed by Rajya Sabha member Ram Gopal Yadav, presented […]

heart

FACT CHECK: Can ice cream really protect your heart?

CLAIM: An instagram post claims that eating ice cream can be a healthy food. It suggests that moderate consumption of it as part of a balanced diet might even help protect against heart disease.  FACT: False. While ice cream contains some nutrients, studies suggest that high consumption can raise the risk of cardiovascular disease. Doctors […]

brain

Why billions are living with undiagnosed brain disease

More than 3 billion people worldwide are living with a neurological condition, and fewer than one in three countries has a national policy to deal with the problem, according to the World Health Organisation’s first Global Status Report on Neurology, released in October 2025. The report estimates that in 2021, neurological disorders affected close to […]

Sleep

 FACT CHECK: Two kiwis before bed: Can this fruit really help you sleep faster?

CLAIM: An Instagram post claims that eating two kiwis before bed helps people fall asleep nearly 35 minutes earlier. It cites a Taipei Medical University study in which people with sleep problems eat kiwis nightly for four weeks and experience faster sleep onset, longer sleep duration and better sleep quality. FACT: False. Studies link kiwi […]

Apollo

Apollo Hospitals launches 7-Day OPD services, extends doctor consultations to Sundays

Apollo Hospitals has announced a new initiative called “Always Open. Always Here.” that will make outpatient services available on all seven days of the week, including Sundays. The private hospital chain said its emergency, critical care and inpatient services have always run round the clock. What changes now is that outpatient consultations, diagnostic tests, preventive […]

allergy

Could giving babies eggs earlier cut allergy risk? New study says yes

Introducing eggs to babies earlier, rather than delaying them, may help reduce the risk of developing an egg allergy, a new Australian study has found.  The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that egg allergy prevalence among infants fell from 9.2% before updated feeding guidelines to 7.6% after recommendations began encouraging earlier introduction of eggs […]

sleep

FACT CHECK: Do warm feet really help you fall asleep 15-20 minutes faster? 

CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel claims warming the feet before bed, via socks or a heating pad, helps you fall asleep 15-20 minutes faster by triggering heat loss through dilated blood vessels, which lowers core body temperature. It claims cold feet delay sleep by 25 minutes and shorten deep sleep, citing “Swiss researchers from the […]

doctors

Doctors are seeing more patients, but fewer want to quit: survey

More doctors and nurses are treating a larger number of patients than they were a year ago, yet a smaller share of them are thinking about leaving their jobs, according to a new global survey by Elsevier, a health information company. The report, called Clinician of the Future 2026, surveyed 2,757 doctors and nurses from […]

milk

FACT CHECK: Does mixing fruit with milk curdle it and make it unhealthy? 

CLAIM: A popular podcast claimed that mixing most fruits with milk is unhealthy because fruit acids (like vitamin C) curdle milk, citing apples, oranges, and berries as examples, with an apple milkshake reportedly separating into layers after 30 minutes. It claimed only sweet, buttery fruits like mango and avocado are safe exceptions. FACT: Curdling occurs […]

hair

FACT CHECK: Does hair on toes and knuckles really indicate healthy blood circulation? 

CLAIM: An Instagram post claims toe and knuckle hair is a positive indicator of healthy peripheral circulation and strong heart pumping to extremities. It states consistent blood flow keeps hair follicles active, signaling cardiovascular health and absence of arterial blockage.  FACT: Toe or knuckle hair is not a reliable indicator of heart health or peripheral […]

rice

Can rice water really help with heavy periods and UTIs?

CLAIM: An Instagram reel promotes a rice water drink, mixed with roasted cumin, dried mint, rock salt, lemon juice, and coriander, as an Ayurvedic remedy for “aggravated Pitta dosha.” It claims to help with heavy periods, painful urination, recurrent UTIs, excess body heat, sweaty hands/feet, and perimenopause symptoms, positioning it as a natural, low-cost alternative. […]

nap

 FACT CHECK: Do daytime naps really give you a bigger brain? 

CLAIM: A 2023 UK Biobank study published in Sleep Health, involving genetic data from 378,932 adults, found that habitual daytime nappers had a slightly larger total brain volume than non-nappers—equivalent to an estimated 2.6 to 6.5 years of younger brain ageing. However, daytime napping was not significantly associated with memory or reaction time. FACT: Multiple […]

noodles

FACT CHECK: Does eating noodles regularly affect your fertility?

CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims daily instant noodle consumption can silently harm fertility, citing high sodium, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats alongside low zinc, folate, omega-3s, and antioxidants. It suggests these deficiencies impair sperm/egg development and hormone balance, while a nutrient-rich diet improves fertility outcomes in both men and women.    FACT: Animal studies […]

 FACT CHECK: Can drinking clove water on an empty stomach really clear skin, boost immunity, and heal your liver? 

CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel recommends drinking clove water (4-6 cloves soaked in filtered water) daily on an empty stomach, claiming benefits for skin, digestion, immunity, joint pain, and liver health. It warns eugenol in cloves can be liver-toxic in excess, limits intake to 1 cup/day, yet calls it “safe” for a 7-day challenge.  FACT: […]

Chandipura virus: Why outbreaks keep returning and what doctors know about the disease

With Gujarat recording 35 laboratory-confirmed cases of Chandipura virus out of 184 suspected patients tested, with 22 deaths among children under 15, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare sent a National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT) to the state on August 5 to strengthen the response to the contagion. The team has also […]

FACT CHECK: Do diet drinks really raise heart disease risk by 20%? 

  CLAIM: A viral Instagram post cites a Chinese/UK Biobank study claiming 2+ litress/week of diet drinks raises atrial fibrillation risk by 20%, sugary drinks by 10%, while 1 litre/week of pure juice lowers risk by 8%. FACT: Studies have linked diet drink consumption to health risks beyond weight gain, including heart changes, kidney issues, […]

depression

FACT CHECK: Does creatine really cut depression symptoms in women by 45% in just two weeks? 

CLAIM: An Instagram post cites a 2012 study claiming women on creatine plus antidepressants saw depression symptoms drop 45% in 2 weeks, 65% in 4 weeks, and 80% in 8 weeks, with 52% reaching remission. It also claims women store 70-80% less creatine than men, depleted further by menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. FACT: Creatine, long […]

Nearly 9 in 10 Delhi schools sit near a toxic site, making it the world’s most exposed capital: Report

Ninety-one per cent of schools in Delhi were located within five kilometres of a documented toxic site, the highest proportion among the ten capital cities studied across the developing world, according to a new working paper from the Center for Global Development (CGD), a Washington and London-based research organisation. The report matched the locations of […]

FACT CHECK: Does chronic mouth breathing reduce oxygen delivery by 18% and age your face?

CLAIM: An Instagram post claims chronic mouth breathing reduces oxygen delivery by 18%, causing dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. It also links mouth breathing to snoring, sleep apnea, daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and altered jaw/facial development in children, urging early evaluation by dentists or paediatric specialists.    FACT: False. Studies indicate […]

cancer

WHO’s cancer body classifies blood pressure drug hydrochlorothiazide, voriconazole and tacrolimus as carcinogenic to humans

Three widely prescribed medicines have been classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research branch of the World Health Organization. The drugs are hydrochlorothiazide, a common blood pressure medicine; voriconazole, an antifungal drug; and tacrolimus, which is given to organ transplant patients to prevent rejection. The […]

Fact Check: Can humans really ‘think through the gut’ as Ravi Kishan claims?

CLAIM: A viral podcast clip features MP Ravi Kishan claiming the gut, once called the “second brain,” is now the “first brain.” He says people think through the gut, that eating involves a form of “thinking” originating there, and that the phrase “gut feeling” reflects this. The claim is widely shared on social media.  FACT: […]

The great Fanta divide: Same drink, different countries, different ingredients?

CLAIM: A viral video alleges that the Indian version of Fanta contains artificial colours and flavourings instead of real orange juice, has nearly 2.5 times as many calories, and contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar per 300 ml, compared with four teaspoons in the French version, suggesting weaker food regulation in India. FACT: Label checks […]

Adolescent health: Experts call for early intervention to build healthy lifestyles in teens 

India is home to an estimated 253 million adolescents, the largest in the world, making their health and well-being a critical public health priority. Yet, evidence suggests that many young people continue to face preventable health risks while lacking awareness about healthy lifestyles.  A 2025 comparative study published in the Journal of Public Health Research […]

FACT CHECK: Can wearing copper bracelets on wrists and ankles really cure joint pain and inflammation? 

CLAIM: Wearing copper bracelets or anklets cures joint pain and inflammation by allowing copper to enter the body through the skin. FACT: False. Copper does not enter the bloodstream through healthy skin, and research shows copper bracelets do not relieve joint pain or inflammation better than placebo bracelets.   A viral Instagram post claims that […]

juice

FACT CHECK: Can gulping sugarcane juice in one go cause diseases?

CLAIM: An Instagram reel claims that drinking sugarcane juice slowly acts like medicine, while gulping it or water in a hurried manner can cause diseases. FACT: False. There is no scientific evidence that drinking sugarcane juice slowly makes it act like medicine, or that gulping it causes diseases. The speed of consuming sugarcane juice or […]

After two decades of decline, Karnataka’s HIV numbers are climbing again

HIV prevalence among pregnant women in Karnataka has risen for three consecutive surveillance rounds, reversing a trend that had held for nearly twenty years, according to the state’s own annual report for 2025-26 released by the Karnataka State AIDS Prevention Society (KSAPS). The finding is significant because it comes from the HIV Sentinel Surveillance of […]

Surgery

FACT CHECK: Does a German gel regrow joint cartilage without surgery or implants? Here’s what doctors say 

CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims Germany invented a new injectable collagen gel that regrows joint cartilage without surgery, implants, or extended recovery. It says the body’s cells grow into the gel to form healthy cartilage, offering a natural alternative to joint replacement for arthritis, joint pain, and cartilage injuries.  FACT: Collagen-based hydrogels for cartilage […]

Stairs

Why climbing stairs leaves you breathless—And when it could signal something serious

Feeling out of breath after climbing a few flights of stairs is common, but it isn’t always just a sign of poor fitness. According to fitness coach Sumit Dubey, breathlessness can have several causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions. “Being out of breath when climbing stairs can happen due to multiple reasons. […]

Fact Check: Does a half-baked sweet potato really provide 400% of your daily vitamin A?

CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims that eating a half-baked sweet potato provides 400% of your daily vitamin A, due to its high beta-carotene content, which it says supports healthy skin and eyes FACT: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body turns into vitamin A. Experts say one sweet potato can […]

Hepatitis B vaccination is up in India, So why are deaths still rising?

India has significantly expanded hepatitis B vaccination among newborns between 2023 and 2024, with nearly eight in ten babies now receiving the crucial birth-dose vaccine. Yet the country continues to be one of the world’s biggest contributors to hepatitis B deaths because millions of people living with chronic infection remain undiagnosed and untreated, according to […]

FACT CHECK: Does drinking 3 litres of water really ‘flush out’ alcohol?

CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel claims that drinking 3 litres of water the day after alcohol consumption helps “flush alcohol” from the body, that antioxidant-rich foods (berries, amla, leafy greens) reduce alcohol-related oxidative stress, and that garlic, turmeric, and fatty fish boost liver enzymes to break down acetaldehyde faster, effectively “detoxing” the body.    FACT: […]

Meditation calms the brain in just 3 minutes: Harvard study

Within just two to three minutes of starting meditation, the human brain shows measurable signs of calm, with the effect peaking between the seventh and tenth minute—even among people who had never meditated before, according to a new study published in the journal Mindfulness in March 2026. Participants in the study wore a cap fitted with 128 […]

Nearly 9 in 10 Indian adults have unhealthy cholesterol levels, finds national study 

Almost nine out of every ten adults in India have some form of unhealthy fat or cholesterol level in their blood, with the condition, known medically as dyslipidemia, being more common in cities than in villages and more common among women than men. The findings come from the ICMR-INDIAB study, one of the largest health […]

cancer

WHO’s alarming cancer warning: 1 in 5 people will get the disease

One in five people worldwide will develop cancer in their lifetime, and nearly everyone will feel its impact through a loved one, the WHO’s 2026 global cancer report warns. With 20.6 million diagnoses in 2024 and cases projected to hit 35 million by 2050, survival still hinges starkly on wealth, ranging from over 85% in […]

Safdarjung Doctor’s Association seeks President’s intervention over Sonam Wangchuk’s hospitalisation

The Resident Doctors’ Association (RDA) of Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital has written to President Droupadi Murmu seeking an “independent, impartial, and time-bound inquiry” into the circumstances surrounding the continued hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk, the security arrangements at Safdarjung Hospital, and the alleged use of force against protesters at Jantar Mantar. In […]

Sonam Wangchuk’s health: What more than 3 weeks of fasting can do to the body

As activist Sonam Wangchuk remains under close medical supervision after more than three weeks of fasting, doctors say his condition underscores the profound physiological stress that prolonged fasting can place on the human body. Research shows that going without food for extended periods can trigger major changes in metabolism, hormones, inflammation and electrolyte balance, with […]

climate change

Climate change is costing India sleep, southern cities worst hit: study

Southern India is among the hardest-hit regions in the world when it comes to sleep loss from hot nights, according to a new report by Climate Central, a US-based nonprofit of scientists and communicators. “Climate change-linked sleep losses were also high in other already-hot places: people in southern India and several countries in Southeast Asia […]

Cyclospora

Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell lettuce sickens over 1,600 across five US states

A Cyclospora outbreak linked to shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants has sickened more than 1,600 people and hospitalised 94 across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, prompting an investigation by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No deaths have been reported, and no recall had been issued as […]

cancer

The workout supplement found in millions of homes may hold clues for future cancer treatments

A supplement best known for helping athletes build strength may also help the immune system fight cancer, according to a new study. Researchers found that creatine, a naturally occurring compound widely used as a fitness supplement, can strengthen key immune cells that detect tumours and activate the body’s cancer-fighting response. The findings suggest creatine could […]

diabetes

From diabetes pills to heart drugs: Govt fixes prices of 39 medicines

The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed the prices of 39 medicines sold across India, revised the price of an anti-rabies injection, exempted a patented pneumococcal vaccine from price control for five years, and approved new brands of intravenous (IV) fluids under existing price orders. The decisions were issued through a series of Gazette […]

IVF

Paying more for IVF? Most costly add-ons lack proof of success

One in seven couples worldwide struggle to conceive. For many, in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) becomes the last resort. And where there is desperation, there is an industry ready to supply hope, at a price. But a study has found that most of the extra treatments routinely sold to IVF patients lack proven scientific benefit. The review, led […]

Leptospirosis: The monsoon disease we often mistake for a common fever

Monsoon brings a spike in waterborne diseases like dengue and cholera, but leptospirosis, spread through contaminated floodwater, often goes undiagnosed until complications develop. Globally, a person dies of leptospirosis roughly every nine minutes. According to data, an estimated 59,000 deaths occur per year from the disease. It spreads through something as ordinary as walking through a […]

PMOS? Experts explain why strength training may be better

CLAIM: A viral Instagram reel claims excessive cardio worsens PMOS by raising cortisol levels and increasing insulin resistance, while advocating for strength training as a more effective approach for women managing the condition. FACT: True. Research suggests that exercise, including both cardio and strength training, plays an important role in managing PMOS. Doctors caution that […]

hiv

World’s first HIV-to-HIV lung transplant offers new hope for patients awaiting organs

The world’s first lung transplant between two people living with HIV in New York City on March 21, 2026, is now expected to reshape organ allocation policies for people living with HIV in the United States, where about 1.2 million individuals are estimated to be living with the condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control […]

Born after 1965? Study suggests your body may be ageing faster

People born in more recent decades showed signs of faster biological ageing than earlier generations, and this faster ageing was linked to a higher risk of certain cancers occurring before the age of 50, according to a new study published in Nature Medicine. The study, conducted by researchers from institutions including Washington University and Harvard, examined data […]

Scientists find the “off switch” that could stop your body from storing fat

Imagine a switch inside every cell in your body that decides: burn this fat now, or save it for later. Scientists just found it and flipping it off seems to turn cells into fat-burning machines that also lose the ability to make new fat cells in the first place. The discovery comes from researchers at […]

brain

Think your brain only declines with age? This study says otherwise

A three-year study tracking adults aged 19 to 94 has found that the brain can continue improving well into old age, challenging one of medicine’s most persistent assumptions. For decades, it was widely accepted that cognitive decline was an inevitable part of ageing. A new study published in Scientific Reports suggests that this assumption may […]

FACT CHECK: Does staying up too late at night really increase the risk of early death?

CLAIM: A viral Instagram post claims that late-night scrolling significantly raises the risk of early death, as blue light and disrupted sleep cycles damage cardiovascular health and interfere with cellular repair.    FACT: While studies suggest that disrupted sleep cycles might lead to risks of cardiovascular diseases, there are no direct links that it raises […]

babies

Premature babies face risk of blindness from ROP: Early screening can save vision

Every year, thousands of babies in India are born prematurely, before their eyes have fully developed. A condition called retinopathy of prematurity, or ROP, threatens to steal their sight before they have even had a chance to see the world. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, ROP is an eye disease that primarily affects […]

grapes

FACT CHECK: Can eating grapes daily help in protecting your skin from sun?

CLAIM: Grapes help protect skin cells from UV-related damage and may also help prevent premature ageing.  FACT: Several studies have found that grapes possess anti-inflammatory properties that aid skin repair and help protect against UV-related damage. However, doctors recommend combining grape consumption with other sun-protection measures such as sunscreen, umbrellas, protective clothing and sunglasses, along […]

AI

Should you worry about ChattyBear? The risks of AI toys for kids

A voice greets you cheerfully, “Hello, my buddy!” The voice belongs to ChattyBear, a soft, brown-furred teddy bear powered by the same engine that runs ChatGPT. The toy can tell stories, discuss current events, and adapt to what a child likes. The toy is being marketed to children as young as three as an educational […]

WHO

As Kerala battles Shigella threat, WHO warns unsafe food sickens 866 million people worldwide

Unsafe food causes an estimated 866 million illnesses and 1.5 million deaths worldwide each year, with young children bearing a disproportionate share of the burden, according to the latest report from the World Health Organization. The report found that children under the age of five, who make up just 9 per cent of the global population, […]

diabetes

West Bengal’s diabetes numbers are worse than India’s average. Here’s why

West Bengal has seen a sharp rise in the number of cases with higher blood sugar levels that outnumber the national average among both men and women, according to the latest National Family Health Survey.   As per the NFHS-6, 9.4 per cent of women in West Bengal fall in the ‘high’ blood sugar category (141–160 […]

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