admin - Page 7 of 17 - First Check

28
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
0
3 min read

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 […]

27
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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4 min read

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, […]

27
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
4 min read

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. […]

27
Aug

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FACT CHECK: Are cockroaches in coffee harmful to health?

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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6 min read

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 […]

26
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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6 min read

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 […]

26
Aug

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

Riyaz Wani / 1 year
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4 min read

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 […]

25
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

25
Aug

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Are your earphones stealing your hearing? This common daily habit could leave you permanently deaf!

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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7 min read

A makeup artist recently took to Instagram to share a terrifying experience that shook her confidence in something as ordinary as earphones. She revealed that during a long journey to Delhi, she had her wireless earphones on continuously for nearly eight hours. The following morning, she noticed some hearing loss in her left ear. At […]

25
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

24
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

22
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

21
Aug

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

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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4 min read

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 […]

21
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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5 min read

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 […]

20
Aug

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Fact Check: Are asymmetric breasts a sign of cancer?

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
5 min read

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 […]

20
Aug

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

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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5 min read

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 […]

20
Aug

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

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

19
Aug

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

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

19
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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4 min read

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, […]

19
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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8 min read

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 […]

18
Aug

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Fact Check: Is it safe to consume moringa daily?

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

18
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

“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 […]

15
Aug

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Why are headaches rising among children and teenagers?

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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4 min read

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 […]

14
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

14
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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2 min read

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 […]

14
Aug

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

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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5 min read

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 […]

13
Aug

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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

Mariyam Alavi / 1 year
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16 min read

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 […]

13
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

13
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
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6 min read

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 […]

12
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

12
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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4 min read

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 […]

11
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

11
Aug

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

Pallav Vyas / 1 year
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6 min read

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 […]

11
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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4 min read

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, […]

08
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

08
Aug

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

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

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 […]

07
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

07
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
7 min read

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 […]

06
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
6 min read

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 […]

06
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

04
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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2 min read

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 […]

01
Aug

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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4 min read

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 […]

31
Jul

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

First Check Team / 1 year
0
5 min read

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 […]

30
Jul

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

29
Jul

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

First Check Team / 1 year
0
2 min read

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 […]

29
Jul

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Over 13 million IVF babies born worldwide since 1978: Study

First Check Team / 1 year
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2 min read

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 […]

28
Jul

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Why some families only have boys, or only girls, Harvard study explains birth sex mystery

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

A baby’s sex at birth is generally considered a coin toss, roughly a 50-50 chance of having a boy or a girl- until now. A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health suggests that biology may have more of a say than mere luck. “If you’ve had two girls or three girls […]

27
Jul

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

25
Jul

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Breathing dirty air may raise risk of dementia: Study

First Check Team / 1 year
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2 min read

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 […]

24
Jul

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

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
4 min read

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. […]

23
Jul

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COVID may have aged your brain by 5.5 months

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

22
Jul

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

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

21
Jul

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

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

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 […]

21
Jul

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RSV vaccine in pregnancy cuts baby hospital risk by 72%

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

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 […]

18
Jul

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Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency: What it means

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

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 […]

18
Jul

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Three-parent IVF brings hope for inherited disorders

First Check Team / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

17
Jul

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Health, caregiving and ‘preparing’ for old age emerge as top concerns at event for senior citizens

First Check Team / 1 year
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5 min read

While life expectancy of the average Indian is now close to 75 years, the number of healthy years they may have may be almost a decade shorter, said Dr K Srinath Reddy at a seminar held in Delhi on Wednesday. Titled “Towards an Inclusive Senior Ecosystem,” the seminar underlined the need to prepare better for […]

17
Jul

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Fact Check: Is incense smoke more harmful than cigarettes?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

16
Jul

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

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

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 […]

16
Jul

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

First Check Team / 1 year
0
3 min read

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 […]

15
Jul

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

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

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 […]

15
Jul

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

First Check Team / 1 year
0
2 min read

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 […]

15
Jul

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Your stomach bugs may help clean out harmful chemicals: Study

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
4 min read

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 […]

14
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can stepping on Indrayan fruit in water cure fatty liver and joint pain?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: A video claims that stepping on Indrayan fruit (Citrullus colocynthis) in a bucketful of water for 5 minutes can relieve fatty liver, joint, or heel pain. FACT: There is no scientific evidence to support the claim. First Check received a tipline request on WhatsApp that inquired about the validity of a video […]

11
Jul

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Barbie gets real: New doll with Type 1 diabetes wins hearts

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
5 min read

Mattel, an American multinational toy manufacturing and entertainment company, recently announced a new addition to its Barbie Fashionistas line: a Barbie doll with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). This Barbie comes with a glucose monitor (CGM) and insulin pump. The point is to destigmatize T1D and help children with the condition feel included. “Introducing a Barbie […]

11
Jul

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Rise of telemedicine: Bridging healthcare’s digital divide

Insha Mushtaq / 1 year
0
10 min read

Telemedicine has emerged as a game-changer in the field of health, enabling remote health consultations across geographical barriers. This ensures a more inclusive, patient-centric and efficient approach to health care. At its heart, telemedicine involves receiving medical and health care over the internet using a computer, smartphone, tablet, and other such smart technological gadgets. Doctors […]

10
Jul

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What’s in a name? What is PCOS, and why is it not the same as PCOD?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

In an old video circulating on YouTube reels, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, opens up about her struggles with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), hormonal issues, and self-acceptance at the #WeTheWomen Festival. She says that she was diagnosed with PCOS when she was younger and that earlier it was known as PCOD or polycystic ovarian disease. Kapoor’s […]

10
Jul

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India faces alarming rise in gastric cancer without H. pylori prevention

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

India could see a dramatic rise in gastric cancer among those born between 2008 and 2017 unless it takes urgent action to eradicate Helicobacter pylori, a new study warns. The research, led by Jin Young Park and colleagues and published this week in Nature Medicine, estimates that “15.6 million (95% uncertainty interval 14.0–17.3 million) lifetime […]

09
Jul

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Can you protect yourself from cancer-causing plastic chemicals?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

The pervasive presence of toxic chemicals in everyday plastics links them to serious health risks, including cancer, a new report from the Australia-based Minderoo Foundation has said. Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, commonly found in food packaging, medical devices, and household products, are under scrutiny for their potential to disrupt hormones and increase cancer risk. […]

09
Jul

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FACT-CHECK: Homeopathy, acupuncture or medicine?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
5 min read

CLAIM: Do not consume medicine or see a doctor for all small issues; instead, try acupressure, acupuncture and homeopathy. FACT: Acupressure and acupuncture may offer modest symptom relief for some conditions but cannot replace qualified medical care. Homeopathy, while popular in India, lacks reliable scientific evidence on its effectiveness. First Check received a […]

08
Jul

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How AI, IoT and drones are winning the mosquito war in Andhra Pradesh

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

The Smart Mosquito Surveillance System (SMoSS), a high-tech approach, is helping combat mosquito-borne diseases in Andhra Pradesh. The initiative launched by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department uses artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IOT) technology to monitor and control mosquito populations across 66 locations in six major municipal corporations: Greater Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kakinada, […]

07
Jul

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FACT CHECK: US Health Secretary RFK Jr claims studies kept hidden prove vaccines lead to autism

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: US Health Secretary RFK Jr claims hidden studies prove vaccines lead to autism. FACT: False. The referenced “study” is an abstract, not peer-reviewed, and follow-up research found no such link. Multiple scientific authorities, including the CDC, reject the claim. The US Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr recently appeared on the The Tucker […]

04
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can the gender of a baby really alter a pregnant woman’s looks?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Kimberly Kardashian stated that a baby’s gender affects a pregnant woman’s appearance, with boys making mothers look prettier and girls “taking” their beauty. FACT: This claim is a myth unsupported by science, as pregnancy appearance changes are driven by hormones, genetics, and health, not the baby’s sex. First Check came across a reel on YouTube that features renowned American […]

04
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Are COVID-19 vaccines behind the rise in heart attacks in Karnataka?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Claim: Karnataka CM hints at COVID-19 vaccines as a cause for sudden heart attacks among people Fact: False. Multiple sources including ICMR, AIIMS have stated that there is no proof linking COVID-19 vaccines to sudden heart attacks A recent tweet from the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has linked cardiac deaths in Karnataka’s Hassan district to […]

03
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can scientists reverse type 2 diabetes by silencing specific brain neurons?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Scientists have reversed type 2 diabetes by silencing specific brain neurons without impacting body weight. FACT: Partially true. Scientists found that inhibiting certain brain cells called AgRP neurons helped bring blood sugar back to normal for months in animals. This could even put type 2 diabetes into remission (and not reversal) without changing […]

02
Jul

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New gene therapy helps deaf children hear for the first time

First Check Team / 1 year
0
3 min read

A gene therapy has restored significant hearing ability in children, teens, and young adults with congenital deafness, a study published in Nature Medicine has revealed. Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV)-OTOF is a new type of gene therapy that helps some deaf people hear again. Ten participants aged 1.5 to 23.9 years across five sites in China were […]

02
Jul

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FACT CHECK: Can 72 hours of fasting cause the body to eat up tumors?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: 72 hours of fasting causes the body to eat up tumors FACT: Insufficient conclusive evidence. There is no conclusive evidence that 72 hours of fasting can make the body “eat up” or eliminate tumors. While fasting may trigger autophagy — a process of recycling damaged cells — tumors are complex and generally require […]

01
Jul

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Global loneliness hits 1 in 6, linked to 100 deaths every hour: WHO

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

One in six people globally are affected by loneliness, which contributes to an estimated 100 deaths every hour—more than 871,000 deaths annually, a new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection has revealed. The report highlights the impact of social connection on health, well-being, and economic outcomes, calling for urgent action […]

01
Jul

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TB countdown begins: Will India achieve TB elimination by deadline in six months?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
6 min read

In 2018, India set a goal to eliminate tuberculosis (TB) by 2025, five years ahead of the global deadline of 2030, vowing to slash TB incidence by 80% and TB mortality by 90% from 2015 levels. However, with only six months left, the nation grapples with formidable challenges, with many questioning if this target would […]

30
Jun

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New HIV gene therapy could end daily pills, say scientists

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Gene therapy could revolutionize HIV treatment, potentially offering a durable, one-time solution for millions of people living with the virus worldwide, a study published in Science Advances by Johns Hopkins University researchers suggests. Led by Associate Professor Fabio Romerio, the study focuses on a molecule within HIV called the antisense transcript (AST), which makes the […]

30
Jun

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Extreme heat could be rewriting your DNA, making you older faster

First Check Team / 1 year
0
3 min read

The ongoing heatwave across the world, including in india, may not just be uncomfortable, they may actually be aging your body from the inside out. A study has found that older adults living in areas with frequent extreme heat show signs of accelerated biological aging, as measured by changes in their DNA. These changes, known […]

29
Jun

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Fact Check: Is using urine as an eye wash safe?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
2 min read

Claim: Using the first urine of the day to wash your eyes is a healthy and beneficial practice. Fact: False. Medical experts have strongly refuted the claim, warning that urine contains waste products and bacteria that can cause serious eye infections and harm. A viral video on social media shows a woman advising people to […]

27
Jun

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Are periodic COVID-19 spikes the new normal?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
6 min read

Recent weeks saw renewed concern as COVID-19 cases were reported across the country. Active cases had surpassed 7,000 earlier this month; it has dropped to less than half that figure now, with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reporting 3,256 active COVID-19 cases in the country as of June 27, 2025. This latest wave […]

27
Jun

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Rethinking obesity: Focus on overall health, not weight loss, urge doctors in BMJ piece

First Check Team / 1 year
0
3 min read

A group of leading experts has warned that focusing solely on weight loss in people with a high body mass index (BMI) may do more harm than good – both medically and psychologically. Writing in The BMJ, Dr Juan Franco, a family doctor at the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, and colleagues argue that the […]

26
Jun

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New Nipah-like viruses found in Chinese bats, scientists warn

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

Scientists have identified two new viruses in bats, closely related to the deadly Nipah and Hendra viruses, which can trigger severe brain inflammation and respiratory illness in humans. The findings of this study, along with other newly discovered viruses, bacteria, and parasites in bat kidneys, were published in the open-access journal PLOS Pathogens by Yun […]

25
Jun

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Fact Check: Can scanning a QR code on medicine packaging confirm its authenticity?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Scanning a QR code on medicine packaging can verify its authenticity by providing details like batch number, serial number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and license number. If it shows “no records found,” this indicates the medicine is fake. FACT: This claim is true. In November 2022, the Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, […]

25
Jun

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From sting to cure? Scorpion venom offers hope against breast cancer

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

A molecule found in the venom of an Amazonian scorpion has shown promising results in killing breast cancer cells in the lab, offering hope for a new treatment against one of the world’s deadliest diseases for women. Promising cancer-curing molecule from an unlikely source Researchers at the University of São Paulo, in collaboration with the […]

24
Jun

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Fact Check: Should kids snack on flaky sea salt?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Claim: Children wanting salt and parents feeding them flaky sea salt is a healthy sign. Fact: Children do crave sodium and nutrients than adults, but it is not advisable to give them salt flakes as snacks. First Check received a query from one of our readers through our tipline +91 9311223141 for a […]

24
Jun

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Silent epidemic: 80% of India’s IT workforce have fatty liver disease

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

Eighty percent of IT professionals in India have fatty liver due to work pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor lifestyle choices, says a recent study. This cross-sectional study involved 345 IT employees in Hyderabad, India, who responded to a questionnaire on their occupational sitting, shift work, stress, sleep duration, smoking, physical activity, and food habits. […]

23
Jun

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Salman Khan battles Brain Aneurysm, Trigeminal Neuralgia, and AVM: What these mean

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

During an appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show recently, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan disclosed his battle with three serious neurological conditions- trigeminal neuralgia, brain aneurysm, and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The 59-year-old actor was answering a question about his marriage on the show when he candidly talked about enduring excruciating pain yet continuing to […]

23
Jun

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Fact Check: Is sitting down to pee better for men?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Urinating in a squatting position benefits men’s health, and standing urination contributes to various health issues, including urinary tract infections (UTIs), bladder stones, prostate enlargement, prostate cancer, and kidney problems. FACT: Insufficient scientific evidence. Sitting can promote more complete bladder emptying, lessen pelvic floor strain, and enhance hygiene. But the decision to stand […]

20
Jun

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Over 2 lakh Indians have sickle cell disease, true count likely higher

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

More than 2.1 lakh people in India are living with sickle cell disease (SCD), with over 16 lakh carrying the trait, figures that experts warn may be just a fraction of the country’s true burden, latest government figures reveal. As India faces prevalence and childhood mortality rates comparable to Africa, the government has intensified its […]

20
Jun

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Overusing ChatGPT may erode your brain’s thinking power: MIT study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

The LLM (Large Language Model) has reduced friction in our work, but it has come at a cost. Over-reliance on ChatGPT for writing could severely impair cognitive abilities, introducing a phenomenon termed “cognitive debt,” a new study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has revealed. Conducted over four months with 54 participants, the research […]

19
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Is using the air conditioner overnight harmful to health?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Using the air conditioner overnight can cause respiratory problems, dry skin and eyes, muscle stiffness, and fatigue, among other health issues. FACT: True. Prolonged exposure to air conditioners, be it overnight or during the day can exacerbate respiratory issues. But precautions can be taken to ensure safety. As summer temperatures soar in India […]

18
Jun

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Singapore scientists create cheaper blood test to track cancer

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Artificial intelligence (AI) can now detect circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in small blood samples. Fragle, a new AI tool, can detect very small amounts of cancer remaining after treatment, known as minimal residual disease (MRD), helping doctors identify potential relapse at an early stage. Scientists at the ASTAR Genome Institute of Singapore (ASTAR GIS) have […]

18
Jun

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Autistic Pride Day: How to interact with autistic people with kindness, respect and dignity

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
5 min read

Every June 18th, the world celebrates Autistic Pride Day, an occasion to recognize autistic people’s unique skills, creativity, and perspectives. This day, founded in 2005 by the autism solidarity and campaigning group Aspies for Freedom, is inspired by the gay pride movement and encourages us to consider autism as a thriving element of human diversity […]

17
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Are birth control pills a cure for PCOD?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Birth control pills are not a permanent solution for PCOD. FACT: True. Birth control pills are not a permanent solution for PCOD but are effective for managing symptoms, with potential side effects like weight changes and mood swings. Lifestyle changes can significantly improve PCOD and may reduce reliance on medications, but a complete resolution […]

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