gst

GST cut to 0% on health & life insurance: What it means and why coverage matters

In a major relief for health insurance policyholders, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council on Wednesday decided to exempt all individual life and health insurance premiums from tax. The revised rates will take effect from September 22, the first day of Navratri, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced after the 56th Council meeting. Currently, insurance […]

dinner

FACT CHECK: Is going to bed immediately after dinner harmful?  

CLAIM: Going to bed immediately after dinner is harmful.   FACT:  Going to bed immediately after dinner can trigger indigestion, bloating, acidity, and disturbed sleep. Doctors advise finishing dinner earlier, walking for 10–20 minutes, and maintaining a 2–4 hour gap before bedtime for better digestion and sleep quality. The moment we return home, we’re busy planning […]

protocols

Govt rolls out uniform treatment protocols across 28 specialties

In a move aimed at standardizing healthcare across the country, the Union government has introduced 157 Standard Treatment Workflows (STWs) covering 28 specialties, including cardiology, pulmonology and dermatology.  Hospitals and medical colleges have been directed by the National Medical Commission to adopt these evidence-based protocols, developed jointly by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), […]

amoeba

Kerala on alert as ‘Brain-Eating Amoeba’ claims 19 lives

Kerala has sounded the alarm after a spike in infections from the rare but deadly “brain-eating amoeba,” with 19 people losing their lives, including nine in September alone. The state has reported 72 cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by Naegleria fowleri, compared to 36 cases last year, of which nine proved fatal. State’s […]

chia seeds

Fact Check: Are chia seeds dangerous if not consumed properly? What you need to know

CLAIM:  Chia seeds can be dangerous if not consumed properly. FACT:  Chia seeds are nutritious and beneficial, but if consumed dry or in large amounts, they can cause choking, digestive issues, or allergic reactions. Experts suggest soaking them before eating and limiting intake to 10–20 g per day to stay safe. We try to experiment with […]

AI

Which diseases will you face in 20 years? AI tool offers early forecasts

A new artificial intelligence tool can peer two decades into a person’s medical future, predicting their risk of developing more than 1,000 diseases.  The model, called Delphi-2M, was trained on the health records and lifestyle data of 400,000 participants in the UK Biobank. According to a study published in Nature on Wednesday, it can “forecast […]

who

WHO report: Tobacco use identified as major driver of child stunting globally

Every parent wants their child to grow healthy. From balanced nutrition to regular health check-ups, families take every step to ensure children reach their full potential. Yet, despite these efforts, a silent threat continues to undermine child growth—tobacco use.  In a recent report, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted the alarming impact of tobacco […]

women

Do women need more sleep than men? 

In a viral Instagram post, Dr Manan Vora, an orthopedic surgeon with 549K followers, claims that women need more rest than men because of hormonal changes that disrupt their sleep cycles.   “Because of hormones. periods, pregnancy and menopause mess with their sleep. It gets harder to fall asleep, and they wake up more often. Even […]

student mental health suicide

Rising student suicides: Are we failing our young?

I am sorry papa. Main is saal bhi nahi kar paaya  (I couldn’t do it this time either). A young adult preparing for the Indian national medical entrance exam said this in a note he left behind when he died by suicide last year. Every year more and more young students are dying by suicide in India, […]

exercise

Single exercise session found to slow cancer cell growth, study shows

Exercising muscles can release substances that help suppress the growth of breast cancer cells, according to a new study published in PubMed. The research, published last month, involved 32 women who had survived breast cancer. After a single session of high-intensity interval training or weightlifting, their blood contained higher levels of certain molecules that slowed […]

white bread

Fact Check: Can consuming white bread and packaged juices cause cancer? 

CLAIM:  Eating bread, especially white bread, and packaged juices (which contain adulterated mixtures and chemicals) causes cancer.  FACT:  There is no direct evidence that eating white bread or drinking packaged juices causes cancer. While they are not “poison,” experts suggest that regular consumption may increase the risk of cancer indirectly by contributing to nutritional deficiencies, […]

depression

Bollywood’s silent battles: Actors who spoke about their struggles with depression

Behind the Bollywodd’s bright lights, several leading actors have been confronting private battles that few could imagine. In recent years, stars like Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Manisha Koirala, Bobby Deol, and Nushrat Bharucha have opened up about their struggles with depression and setbacks, conversations that are slowly reshaping the way mental health is viewed […]

Towel

Why paper towels might be your best bet for hygiene

Hot-air hand dryers are a staple in most public restrooms in urban India now. Most people reach for these dryers over paper towels to dry their hands for a myriad of reasons— for some, it is the greener option, for others, it might even seem more hygienic.   However, a viral reel on Instagram calls for […]

student mental health suicide

The pressure cooker effect: Student mental health under siege in India’s education system

At just 22, Arijit Gupta, a postgraduate student at Jamia Millia Islamia, navigates a world defined by endless assignments and tight deadlines. The constant pressure to excel has left him exhausted and mentally drained. “As a master’s student, work pressure is expected, but sometimes it gets too much and you are so overwhelmed that you lose track […]

AI

From stethoscopes to digital twins, AI Is rewriting medicine

With every passing day, the role Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is becoming more prominent, advancing from buzzword to real-world impact. A host of innovations, from diagnostics and treatment to drug discovery and wearable tech, is reshaping how we approach patient care. Streamlining Cancer Treatment At Addenbrooke’s Hospital in the UK, Dr. Raj Jena has […]

bmi

Does waist-to-height ratio offer a better measure than outdated BMI?

For years, doctors, healthcare practitioners, and researchers have used the Body Mass Index (BMI), which is a ratio based on one’s weight and height, to determine whether one is overweight and to look at health outcomes. However, a new study has now found that a waist circumference to height ratio is a better measurement for […]

cancer

Russia’s cancer vaccine ready for use: report

Russia has developed a cancer vaccine that has successfully completed preclinical trials and is now ready for use, Veronika Skvortsova, head of the Federal Medical and Biological Agency (FMBA), announced at the 10th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), held in Vladivostok from September 3–6 under the theme “The Far East: Cooperation for Peace and Prosperity,”  TASS […]

heart attack

Is there a specific time of day when heart attacks are most likely to occur?

India has been witnessing a worrying surge in heart-related cases, with incidents being reported not just among the elderly but also, shockingly among children and young adults. On July 16, 2025, a nine-year-old girl in Rajasthan’s Sikar collapsed at school and later died. Doctors reportedly concluded that she suffered a “heart attack.”  Also, in Karnataka’s […]

piles

Fact Check: Can longer toilet breaks lead to piles and infection risks?

CLAIM: Sitting for extended periods in a toilet can cause piles. FACT:  Prolonged sitting on the toilet does increase pressure on rectal veins and can contribute to piles. Experts advise limiting toilet time to 2–3 minutes, avoiding straining, and skipping phone use to reduce both hemorrhoid and infection risks.   An Instagram reel by fitness […]

intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting: Is the popular diet trend harming your heart?

When Britain’s former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak casually revealed that he often begins his week with a 36-hour fast, it caught global attention. He wasn’t alone in promoting the practice. Hollywood celebrities, tech leaders, fitness influencers, and politicians across the world have spoken about how intermittent fasting has transformed their lives, often attributing it to […]

medicine

Fact Check: Is dark chocolate truly a medicine? Here’s what you need to know

CLAIM: Dark chocolate is a medicine. It gives us resilience, strength and also improves brain health.   FACT:  Eating dark chocolate (70% cocoa or above) in moderation may support heart, skin, and short-term brain health, but doctors warn it is not a medicine and overconsumption can cause risks due to high sugar, calories, caffeine, fat, and […]

ozempic

Ozempic faces $2 billion lawsuit amid weight-loss craze

Ozempic, once celebrated as a breakthrough treatment for type 2 diabetes, is now in the dock over its soaring popularity as a weight-loss shortcut. The drug’s Danish manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, faces lawsuits worth more than $2 billion in the United States, with patients alleging severe side effects including stomach paralysis, uncontrollable vomiting and vision loss. […]

silver

Kangana Ranaut’s silver glass claim: Does it truly boost your immunity?

CLAIM: Drinking from silver glass boosts immunity.  FACT:  There is no scientific evidence that drinking water from a silver glass boosts immunity; an expert we spoke to suggests that while silver has some antimicrobial properties, long-term or excessive intake can be harmful. Boosting immunity is one of the most popular promises made by wellness hacks […]

ageing

Scientists find new clues to slowing down ageing

A study of how ageing reshapes human genes has produced the most comprehensive “epigenetic atlas” ever assembled, and it may point the way to new anti-ageing treatments. An article published in the Nature analyzed more than 15,000 human tissue samples, mapping DNA methylation changes – chemical tags that regulate gene activity – across 17 types […]

temperature

FACT CHECK: Can colder office temperatures significantly reduce women’s productivity?

CLAIM: Women feel colder in air-conditioned rooms.  FACT:  Women do feel colder than men in air-conditioned rooms, largely due to lower metabolic rates, hormonal factors, and outdated temperature standards designed around men. Ever noticed how women in offices are often wrapped in shawls, sneaking out for a dose of warmth, or requesting colleagues to turn […]

teeth

FACT CHECK: Are viral DIY teeth whitening hacks safe for your smile?

We are all on the lookout for quick ways to whiten our teeth, scrolling endlessly through the internet for home hacks that promise instant shine. From kitchen ingredients to DIY pastes, these remedies often spark curiosity, and sometimes, controversy.   In a viral post, actress Nia Sharma, who has 8.2 million followers on Instagram, attempted a […]

heart

Is two pegs of alcohol good for your heart? Here’s what experts say

Alcohol has long carried mixed perceptions — often linked to health risks, yet casually justified in everyday conversations. A recent viral reel has once again put the spotlight on this controversy.   In a viral video, posted by entrepreneur Abhishek Vvyas, who has 1.2 lakh followers on Instagram, Bollywood actor Govinda’s wife, Sunita Ahuja, opens up […]

PCOS

Let’s talk about PCOS!

Acne. Facial hair. Weight gain. Irregular periods. Infertility. These are the struggles of many women of menstruating age across the world. Many of them have a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS; not be confused with PCOD). With the WHO estimating that 6-13% of reproductive-aged women are affected by PCOS globally, many of us would […]

adhd

ADHD drugs may offer broader life benefits: Study 

Medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may deliver wider benefits beyond symptom control, according to a large study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). Researchers found that people newly diagnosed with ADHD who began drug treatment were less likely to engage in harmful behaviour or meet with serious misfortune. Among those starting medication, […]

skin cancer

What is Michael Clarke suffering from? The risks and dangers of skin cancer 

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke, one of the country’s most decorated batters, is once again facing a difficult battle off the cricket field—skin cancer. The 43-year-old recently revealed on Instagram that he had another cancerous growth removed from his nose. Sharing a picture after the surgery, Clarke posted: “Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. […]

PCOS

What is PCOS? The hidden struggle of one in five Indian women | Explainer

Simran Mudgal was 21 when she first began noticing unsettling changes in her body. Her periods grew irregular and painfully delayed, fatigue made even simple tasks exhausting, and coarse facial hair appeared along her chin and jawline. “I felt like there was a lot of imbalance in my body,” she recalls. In 2023, doctors finally […]

Is dancing during pregnancy safe? Debunking myths and expert guidelines

Earlier this year, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, broke the internet when she shared a video of herself and her husband, Prince Harry, dancing while pregnant with their second child. The Duke and Duchess appeared to be recreating a TikTok Challenge in the video that has had over 7 crore views. However, it also […]

attention span

Is your phone destroying your brain? The shocking truth about attention span

In a classroom overlooking the valley in Dehradun, Archana S. Chhetri, a PGT-English teacher, has been noticing a worrying trend. Over the past few years, she has observed that the attention span of her students has sharply declined with the rise of social media.   According to her, long hours spent on the internet and gaming […]

surgery

Fact Check: Can kidney stones be removed without surgery?

A viral Instagram reel posted by content creator Sanjeev Kumar Sharma has sparked queries online — can kidney stones really be removed without surgery?  In the reel, a person asks him about his claim, to which he confidently responds that even large, 2–3-year-old stones can be removed. What is a kidney stone, its symptoms and […]

heart attack

Can your anger lead to a heart attack?

An Instagram reel by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has sparked widespread discussion online over claims that anger significantly raises the risk of a heart attack. Mehta, who has 976,000 followers on Instagram, cites a Harvard study and warns viewers about the dangers of frequent anger.  The post has received over 10,700 likes, more […]

chatgpt

“Still listening. Still your friend”: US family sues OpenAI, says ChatGPT pushed teen toward suicide

A lawsuit filed in California has accused OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT, of deepening a teenager’s depression and driving him toward suicide, raising urgent questions over the emotional risks of artificial intelligence. Sixteen-year-old Adam Raine began using ChatGPT in late 2024, like many of his classmates, to finish homework. But over time, his chats took a darker […]

rabies

Does relocating vaccinated stray dogs truly worsen rabies outbreaks and public health?

An Instagram reel by community feeder and animal welfare advocate Jananee (Instagram handle:@the_dog_lady_), who has 2,570 followers, has gone viral amid the growing debate over the Supreme Court’s recent order to relocate stray dogs to shelters. In the video, she argues that removing vaccinated and sterilized street dogs from their territories could dismantle herd immunity, […]

lipstick

Are your lipsticks responsible for delayed periods and messed up hormone levels?

For many women, this is a familiar scenario—you start your day with freshly applied lipstick, which disappears after a few hours. More often than not, you would have eaten some bits of it. Well, now social media posts claim that this is not just a fashion faux pas; it could also be harming your health.   […]

cockroach in coffee

FACT CHECK: Are cockroaches in coffee harmful to health?

CLAIM: Cockroaches in coffee are harmful to health.     FACT: Experts suggest that small traces of cockroach fragments in coffee are harmless for most people but may trigger reactions in those with cockroach or shellfish allergies.    You must be sipping your daily cup of coffee while reading this. Mornings, evenings, homes, or office corners—coffee […]

eating

Fact Check: Can eating sprouted potatoes be deadly? What you need to know

CLAIM: Sprouted potato packed in a tiffin kills children. FACT:  False. Eating one or two sprouted potatoes will not kill children; solanine poisoning is rare and only dangerous when large amounts of heavily sprouted or green potatoes are consumed. Potatoes are among the most commonly used vegetables in Indian households—be it in parathas, curries, or […]

ai

The AI race to automate healthcare: Can we keep the human touch?

Picture this: you walk into a hospital and, instead of spending nights waiting for paperwork, you’re out the same afternoon, because an AI system already drafted your discharge note. Or imagine an AI assistant flagging a dangerous spot on your scan before any human doctor has even looked at it. This isn’t any science fiction […]

92-year-old sprinter’s muscle cells look like those of someone in their 20s, scientists find

 The Italian sprinter Emma Maria Mazzenga holds four world records for women over 90, and scientists are now studying her to understand how she keeps moving so fast for so long. “In Italy, it’s just me,” Mazzenga said, as quoted by The Washington Post. “At the world championships, it was me and an American.” Last […]

hair

Fact Check: Can consumption of makhana with milk cure hair loss?

Hair fall is a common woe that many of us face, and we often turn to DIY remedies and home cures for quick fixes. The internet is filled with simple hacks, miracle cures, and kitchen remedies that can give you the tresses of your dreams. Now, an Instagram reel, posted by the handle globallifesaniya, offers […]

cancer

Declare cancer notifiable nationwide, tax tobacco to fund research: Parliament panel

A parliamentary committee has recommended that cancer be declared a notifiable disease across India, warning that inadequate data is undermining efforts to tackle one of the country’s fastest-growing health crises. In its 163rd report presented to the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the Committee on Petitions headed by Narain Dass Gupta said, “Given India’s rising cancer […]

study

Peer reviewers more likely to approve articles that cite their own work, study finds

Reviewers are more inclined to approve scientific articles that cite their own research, according to a new study of thousands of peer-reviewed manuscripts published in the journal Nature. The study, which examined 18,400 articles from four open-access platforms, found that “reviewers who were cited were more likely to approve the article after the first review […]

diabetes

IIT study reveals collagen’s hidden role in worsening type 2 diabetes; should we be worried?

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, may exacerbate type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition affecting over 500 million people globally, a study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has revealed.   Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the research highlights how collagen I, a key structural protein in […]

brain

3 deadly ‘brain-eating amoeba’ cases reported in Kerala, what you need to know

Kerala’s health department has sounded an alert in Kozhikode district after three back-to-back cases of the rare but deadly brain infection primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) were reported. One of the victims, a nine-year-old girl, died on August 14, while a three-month-old baby and another patient continue to battle for their lives. The health department is […]

breasts

Fact Check: Are asymmetric breasts a sign of cancer?

Dr Tanaya Narendra, a doctor, sexual health educator, embryologist, and scientist popularly known as Dr Cuterus with 1.8 million followers on Instagram,  in a recent post addressed a common concern: Is one breast being bigger than the other a cause for worry? Her answer—not always. She explained that if asymmetry has always been present, it […]

weight

Want to lose weight? Reducing food cravings and controlled snacking could be the key

Getting those pesky kilos off and maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge that is all too familiar to many of us. Every day, there is new advice that streams in about what one needs to do to shed those extra kilograms—from new fad diets to workout regimes. But can controlled snacking on sweets be […]

broiler

Fact Check: Does eating broiler chicken cause early puberty and cancer in girls?

A YouTube video uploaded by the channel “Experiment_bhaiya” claims that consuming broiler chicken can cause early puberty in girls. With over 39 million views and more than a million likes, the video has got people talking about the claims. “So today we have broiler chicken, which is consumed as a non-vegetarian staple food in the […]

noodles

Can adding protein make instant noodles healthy? Experts debunk the viral claim

A recent YouTube video with over 5 million views was all about how instant noodles can be made into a healthy alternative. “I have the universe’s healthiest food,” the vlogger says, holding a packet of a renowned instant noodle brand.  To counter the issue of high glycemic index (GI), he suggests balancing it by adding […]

cancer

Myths debunked: Does wearing a bra at night cause cancer?

An Instagram reel by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has sparked widespread discussion online, with claims that wearing a bra at night can cause breast cancer. In the video, Mehta warns women to “stop wearing bras at night” to avoid potential health risks.  The reel, presented as a dialogue between Mehta and a woman, […]

contact lens

Contact lens complications: What you need to know to protect your vision

Television actor Jasmine Bhasin’s ordeal last year is a stark reminder that eye health should never be taken lightly. While in Delhi for work, she wore contact lenses despite feeling painful sensations in her eyes. Determined not to delay her commitments, she masked the discomfort with sunglasses. As the day progressed, her vision blurred until she […]

Let’s pledge to save lives, let’s pledge to donate organs!

Earlier this month, the Union Health Minister, Jagat Prakash Nadda, highlighted how India had achieved a milestone that we can all truly be proud of. “Due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. […]

moringa

Fact Check: Is it safe to consume moringa daily?

CLAIM:  Moringa is safe to consume every day. FACT: Moringa offers multiple health benefits; however, nutritionist advises against its daily consumption without consulting a qualified expert first.  You might have come across various reels, posts, and articles about the benefits of ‘moringa’- the drumstick and its leaves, or supplements or powders. This green leafy vegetable […]

brain

‘Less and less science fiction’: Scientists edge closer to editing the human brain

“The data have never looked so good,” says Monica Coenraads, founder and CEO of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust, quoted by the journal Nature. “This is less and less science fiction, and closer to reality.” Scientists are closing in on a formidable new target for genome editing, the human brain, an article published in the […]

headaches

Why are headaches rising among children and teenagers?

Shriya Koul, a media student, was just 10 years old when she first experienced the strange, throbbing pain on one side of her head. Her mother and maternal grandfather had both suffered from migraines – and in 2018, Koul too was diagnosed with the condition. “It wasn’t as acute as theirs, but it was still […]

anxiety

Do magnesium supplements work for sleep, anxiety, and period cramps?

An Instagram reel by doctor and influencer Yokesh Arul has brought magnesium supplements into the limelight, with claims of transformative health benefits. In the video, Arul—who has over 1 million followers on the platform, shares his personal experience of taking magnesium for 21 days.  “I took magnesium for 21 days and it literally changed my […]

health

They risked not just prison walls, but their own lives and health

The towering figures who fought for India’s freedom from the British empire did it against heavy odds. They battled not just British persecution, and jails but also their health issues. But this hardly dampened their spirits and they pressed on in their quest for freedom until they achieved it, some losing their lives in the […]

MSG

Is MSG addictive? What scientific studies really say about monosodium glutamate

In October 2023, during a press conference at King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Prof Narsingh Verma, head of KGMU’s physiology department, said that Ajinomoto triggers glutamate pathways in the brain and spinal cord, which are interconnected with various other neurotransmitter pathways, leading to addiction.   The idea that monosodium glutamate (MSG), present in […]

Organ Donation

World Organ Donation Day: ‘Don’t take your organs to heaven; heaven knows we need them here,’ says leading liver transplant surgeon Dr Arvinder Singh Soin

According to the Union Health Ministry, India has made unprecedented progress in the field of organ transplantation — performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024 alone, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a sharp rise from fewer than 5,000 such surgeries in 2013, placing India third in the world after the […]

eye

Ditch your glasses? FDA approves  eye drops to fix your near sight 

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved VIZZ™ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44%), a first-of-its-kind prescription eye drop for adults with presbyopia – the age-related condition that makes it difficult to focus on near objects. According to the newly released prescribing information, “VIZZ is a cholinergic agonist indicated for the treatment of presbyopia in […]

donation

World Organ Donation Day: India’s organ transplants hit a record high, yet thousands are still waiting; here’s why

On August 2, Union Health Minister JP Nadda lauded India’s progress in the field of organ transplantation, marking a record-breaking year. “Due to the unwavering dedication of our transplant professionals, India achieved a remarkable milestone of performing over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024, the highest ever recorded in a single year. This is a significant […]

donation

World Organ Donation Day: Here’s what you need to know

India’s organ transplantation numbers have reached a record high, yet the need still far outweighs the supply. Speaking at the 15th Indian Organ Donation Day earlier this month, Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda announced that the country performed over 18,900 organ transplants in 2024 — the highest ever in a single year, and a […]

donation

World Organ Donation Day: The top 5 myths around organ donation

Donating an organ is the greatest gift one can give—the gift of life. Yet, India still faces a shortage of donor organs. According to official estimates, 2.5 lakh people need kidneys, 1 lakh need corneas, 80,000 need livers, and 50,000 people need hearts every year in the country. In fact, officials have said that the […]

garlic

Soha Ali Khan’s latest health trend: Is chewing raw garlic on an empty stomach good for you?

A viral Instagram video posted by Bollywood actress Soha Ali Khan has stirred a fresh health trend online—chewing raw garlic on an empty stomach for a myriad of supposed health benefits that range from boosting immunity and improving gut health to reducing inflammation. The reel, which has close to 70,000 likes and about 1 crore […]

heart

Fact Check: Are heart attacks more common on Mondays and during winter holidays?

CLAIM: Heart attacks are more likely to occur on a Monday. This phenomenon is known as “blue Monday.” People also die the most from heart attacks in the last week of December. FACT: Indeed! one is most vulnerable to a heart attack on a Monday morning and during cold winters. But more research may be […]

coffee

FACT CHECK: Could drinking coffee regularly protect against thyroid disease, including cancer?

Coffee is the largest traded food and beverage commodity in the world, which makes it a popular drink, worldwide. While many may enjoy the drink for its taste, oblivious to the health benefits associated with their favourite morning cuppa. One such apparent coffee lover has taken to the popular social media platform X, formerly Twitter, […]

Mosquito

FACT CHECK: Mosquito coils can be as harmful as ‘100 cigarettes’

CLAIM: One mosquito coil can be as harmful as 100 cigarettes   FACT: Multiple research studies have shown that mosquito coils emit harmful pollutants, comparable to multiple cigarettes.   Mosquito coils are a staple in many Indian households, with many people burning it through the night to keep those pesky little blood sucking flies away […]

Sleep

Fact Check: Does your body only repair itself during sleep between 11 PM and 4 AM?

Claim: Optimal time for sleep is 11 PM to 4 AM as that is the time for body repair   Fact: False. Every person’s body has its own circadian rhythm and the body repairs itself at all times when a person sleeps, not just during a specified time.   First Check came across a reel […]

alzheimer's

New Alzheimer’s study: Lithium supplement reverses memory loss in mice, raises human hopes

A new study published in Nature suggests that replenishing the brain’s natural lithium reserves could not only protect against Alzheimer’s disease but potentially reverse its debilitating effects as was witnessed in mice. The study, led by geneticist Bruce Yankner of Harvard Medical School, found that “when lithium concentrations in the brain decline, memory loss tends […]

breastfeeding

World Breastfeeding Week is here, but have we checked on our mothers and the data?

Shadia Hassan, a PhD scholar at IIT Delhi, gave birth to her first child, a beautiful, healthy boy, in November 2024. She recalls how the early months of motherhood were a delicate balance of science, emotion, and inherited advice.  “I delivered my baby via C-section at Trident Hospital in Nehru Place, and initially, the doctors […]

ai

Move over Google, AI is the new doctor in town!

Who would have thought that for every minor inconvenience or health concern – be it a skin rash, a persistent cough, or a random ache—we’d be turning to ChatGPT for answers? In an era where artificial intelligence is at our fingertips, AI chatbots are fast becoming the new front line for health queries.   Patients are […]

microgreens

How microgreens have become the new superfood on your plate | Explained

They began as a chef’s secret weapon in the Californian fine-dining scene of the 1980s, prized for their vibrant colour, intense flavour, and delicate texture. However, over the past few decades, microgreens have evolved from garnish to a global phenomenon.  According to a 2024 review published in Current Research in Food Science, the global microgreens […]

World Breastfeeding Week: Ignore the noise, listen to the experts!

Hello, When I was pregnant with my first child a couple of years ago, I thought I had done everything I could do to prepare myself for this beautiful journey. I had researched, I had planned, and I was convinced I was able to determine what is best for my child. One of the first […]

aging

Aging not linear: Study finds human body ages faster after 50

A major study published last week in Cell has mapped, for the first time that aging accelerates sharply around the age of 50, with some organs, especially blood vessels, growing old much faster than others. “We present a comprehensive proteomic and histological analysis of 516 samples from 13 human tissues spanning five decades,” the researchers […]

lyme disease

Justin Timberlake has Lyme disease: 5 celebs you didn’t know are suffering too

Pop superstar Justin Timberlake has revealed that he has been battling Lyme disease, a condition he described as “relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically.” The announcement came just after the conclusion of his Forget Tomorrow world tour, which began in April in Vancouver and wrapped this week in Turkey. The revelation followed a wave of […]

pharma

Explainer: What Trump’s 25% tariff could mean for India’s pharma exports to the US

India’s pharmaceutical industry has long been a lifeline for global healthcare, supplying affordable generics, vaccines, and complex drugs to over 200 countries. But with US President Donald Trump slapping a 25% tariff on all Indian exports, including pharmaceutical products, the sector faces one of its most significant external threats in recent years. The tariffs threaten […]

health

U-MAS: The AI tool helping public health officials fight online misinformation

Being under development since 2022 by researchers at the University of Waterloo, the UbiLab Misinformation Analysis System (U-MAS) has quietly emerged as one of the most robust AI tools in the fight against health misinformation online. Now in active use, the system is helping researchers and public health officials monitor the ever-growing tide of false […]

diabetes

Type 2 diabetes may lead to debt, bankruptcy, foreclosure: Study

Chronic illnesses don’t only badly affect your health, they can also wreck your finances. A new study has found that patients with type 2 diabetes face significantly greater financial hardship compared with those without the condition The study published in JAMA Network Open examined 166,285 adult patients at a Midwestern medical center in Ohio found […]

study

Over 13 million IVF babies born worldwide since 1978: Study

More than 13 million infants have been born globally through assisted reproductive technology (ART) since the birth of the first “test-tube baby” in 1978, a global study has revealed. Published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, the study is based on 40 years of systematic data collection by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive […]

flu

Swiss scientists resurrect century-old flu virus, offer clues for future pandemics

Researchers from Switzerland have reconstructed a complete genome of the 1918 Spanish flu virus from preserved lung tissue of a young man who died more than a century ago, providing new insights into how pandemics evolve and how deadly viruses adapt to humans. The findings, published this week in BMC Biology, mark the first-ever fully […]

air

Breathing dirty air may raise risk of dementia: Study

A major new study has found that breathing polluted air for long periods of time may increase your chances of developing dementia.  The research, published this week in The Lancet Planetary Health, brings together data from over 24 million people around the world, and it confirms what scientists have suspected for years: air pollution isn’t […]

turmeric

Turmeric supplements cause liver damage: US woman’s case exposes dangers of unverified health advice

A woman in the US was hospitalised due to severe liver damage, after she started taking turmeric supplements regularly, once again highlighting the dangers of unverified health advice. The case quickly made headlines and sent ripples through the fitness and health communities across the US, particularly those who are consumers of herbal drinks and products. […]

Covid

COVID may have aged your brain by 5.5 months

Even if you never contracted COVID-19, the pandemic may still have aged your brain. A major study using UK Biobank data has found that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated brain ageing in healthy individuals, regardless of whether they were ever infected with the virus. “Our findings reveal that, even with initially matched brain age gaps […]

sleep

Prolonged delay in REM sleep may signal higher risk of Alzheimer’s: Study

A new study published in the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia has found that people who take longer to enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, a stage of sleep linked with dreaming and memory, could be at higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). The study, a result of collaboration between Chinese and […]

vaccine

Aluminium in vaccines safe for children, says study, countering anti-vaxxers

The anti-vaxxing community has long claimed that Aluminium used in vaccines for children leads to detrimental effects for them as they grow up. The post from X.com makes the same claim: “Injecting aluminum into our children should be considered a crime.” The post responds to an attached video  statement by Dr Scott Gottlieb, former United […]

vaccine

RSV vaccine in pregnancy cuts baby hospital risk by 72%

A new UK study has confirmed that vaccinating pregnant women against RSV, a major cause of serious lung infections in babies, can dramatically reduce the risk of hospitalisation for their newborns, a study published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health on Sunday has revealed. RSVpreF, as the vaccine is called, was introduced across England […]

TRump

Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: What it means

The White House recently announced that US President Donald Trump, now 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a prevalent vascular condition, following speculation sparked by viral photos showing bruises on his hand. During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explained that the diagnosis was made after a routine medical […]

ivf

Three-parent IVF brings hope for inherited disorders

In a major scientific breakthrough, eight babies have been born in the UK using a pioneering IVF technique designed to prevent life-threatening mitochondrial diseases. The treatment, known as pronuclear transfer, combines DNA from three people – two parents and a female donor – to reduce the risk of passing on harmful mutations carried in mitochondrial […]

Fact Check: Is incense smoke more harmful than cigarettes?

CLAIM: Smoke from incense sticks can be more harmful to the lungs than cigarette smoke, potentially causing cancer and DNA damage.   FACT: True. Incense smoke contains harmful PM2.5 particles, benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide, contributing to indoor air pollution and potential health risks like cancer, DNA damage, and chronic lung issues. But its overall […]

HIV

WHO recommends a twice-a-year injection for HIV prevention

Imagine protecting yourself from HIV with just two injections a year—no daily pills, no complicated routines. That’s now possible, thanks to a new recommendation by the World Health Organization, which has endorsed lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) that offers near-complete protection against HIV. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a preventive method, meant for people […]

USAID

USAID cuts could trigger over 14 million preventable deaths by 2030: Lancet

A study published in The Lancet has warned that the US decision to suspend and defund USAID health programs could lead to more than 14 million avoidable deaths, including over 4.5 million children under the age of five, by the year 2030. The study, titled “Evaluating the impact of two decades of USAID interventions and […]

obesity

India targets obesity with visual alerts on junk food in public institutions

 In a major push to tackle India’s growing obesity crisis, the Union Health Ministry has directed all government ministries, departments, and autonomous bodies to display newly designed “oil and sugar boards” in canteens and public eating areas within their premises. The directive, issued on June 21 by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, aims to […]

fruit

Smart devices now track your fruit intake, and warn about allergies

Imagine a device that not only knows which fruit you’re eating but also tells you how healthy it is. What’s more, it also warns you if you’re allergic to it. A new study has introduced just that. Researchers have developed two automated tools – FruitPAL and FruitPAL 2.0 – designed to make fruit consumption both […]

chemicals

Your stomach bugs may help clean out harmful chemicals: Study

Scientists have identified certain species of human gut bacteria that can absorb and store toxic “forever chemicals,” suggesting a new avenue for reducing the health risks posed by these persistent pollutants, according to new study published July 1 in Nature Microbiology.   Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in products ranging from waterproof […]