admin - Page 7 of 16 - First Check

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: Can arthritis be diagnosed and treated using knee aspiration?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Arthritis can be diagnosed and treated using knee aspiration FACT: The claim is mostly true. Knee aspiration is a recognized procedure for managing arthritis symptoms and aiding diagnosis by analyzing joint fluid. However, it is not a cure, and patients should consult healthcare professionals to understand its role in their treatment plan. An Instagram […]

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 […]

16
Jun

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22-year ordeal ends: Court finds no kidney removal, acquits doctor

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
2 min read

A unique case of medical negligence that went on for 22 years has finally been quashed by the Patna High Court, where the accused, a female gynaecologist, has been found to be innocent. The court found that the gynaecologist was wrongly implicated in allegations of unlawful kidney removal during a 2000 surgery, in which she […]

14
Jun

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World Blood Donor Day: Why the young donate blood

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
4 min read

Blood donation continues to remain a challenge in India, with demand far exceeding the supply. In 2023, then Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, S.P. Baghel had said that the demand for a blood transfusion arises every 2 seconds in India. “On an average, 14.6 million blood (units) is needed every year and […]

14
Jun

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One unit, three lives: Experts urge regular blood donation on World Donor Day

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Voluntary blood donation can save up to three lives with every unit and remains the cornerstone of emergency care, chronic illness treatment, and life-saving surgeries, says leading hematologist Dr Kanjaksha Ghosh, highlighting the critical need for regular donations as India marks 20 years of World Blood Donor Day. “Every year, World Blood Donor Day is […]

13
Jun

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WHO’s ‘Beat the Heat’ initiative aims to shield workers, fans from heatwaves

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

As global temperatures continue to break records, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) ambitious “Beat the Heat” initiative is gaining ground in its mission to protect workers, sports fans and local communities from extreme heat and related environmental hazards. The project, running from January 2025 to June 2026, marks the first phase of collaboration between WHO […]

12
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Do painkillers really cause infertility and heart issues?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

First Check came across a reel in which a popular social media health influencer, Dimple Jangda claims that painkillers can lead to a host of issues from cardiac to infertility. “Painkillers, they increase the risk of heart attack, cardiac health issues by almost 20%,” the influencer says. “So women who would take a lot of […]

10
Jun

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Fact Check: Can putting drops of heated aloe vera into ear relieve ear pain?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
2 min read

Claim: Ear pain can be relieved by putting drops of heated aloe vera gel into the ear. Fact: False. This is unsafe and not recommended. First Check received a fact-check request on our tipline +91 9311223141 from a reader who shared a home remedy for pain relief video. The speaker claims that ear […]

10
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Is kajal really good for your eyes?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Kajal keeps the eyes healthy and prevents infections Fact: False. Experts warn kajal has no health benefits and may even harm the eyes, especially if it contains lead First Check received a fact-check request on our tipline +91 9311223141 from one of our dedicated readers who shared two videos from a channel called Hitaa […]

09
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Does eating too much protein really harm your brain?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
2 min read

CLAIM: Consuming a high-protein diet causes elevated ammonia levels in the brain, leading to memory loss, seizures, and poor sleep FACT: Misleading. The protein study cited in the video is based on a computer simulation involving liver cirrhosis patients, not healthy individuals, and offers no such conclusions for the general population First came […]

06
Jun

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Fact-Check: Can bottle gourd be a viable substitute to blood thinners?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Claim: Bottle gourd (lauki) can be used instead of blood thinners. Fact: False. There is no credible scientific evidence that bottle gourd can replace medically prescribed blood thinners. While bottle gourd has some general health benefits, it does not have proven anticoagulant (blood-thinning) properties in humans. First Check received a fact-check request on our tipline […]

06
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Bryan Johnson claims 60 oxygen therapy sessions reversed his age to that of a 10-year-old

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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4 min read

CLAIM: Completing 60 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) reverses biological age. FACT: Insufficient scientific evidence. Some of Johnson’s claims, such as increased telomere length, are supported by preliminary research on HBOT, but the extent of his reported outcomes may be anecdotal. The claims lack independent, peer-reviewed evidence. In a recent YouTube video, tech […]

05
Jun

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FACT CHECK: Should everyone shampoo their hair every day for a healthy scalp?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Claim: We should shampoo our hair every day for healthy hair and scalp. Fact: Not necessarily. The scientific consensus and expert recommendations do not universally support daily shampooing for everyone. The ideal frequency depends on individual hair type, scalp condition, and lifestyle. A viral reel on social media and advice from many […]

04
Jun

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WHO recommends global rollout of RSV vaccines to save infant lives

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

In response to the global burden of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease among infants, WHO has recommended that all countries introduce either the maternal vaccine, RSVpreF, or the monoclonal antibody, nirsevimab, in order to protect infants from the severe effects of the infection. The recommendations, outlined in WHO’s first-ever position paper on immunization against the respiratory illness, […]

04
Jun

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Breakthrough in CAR T-Cell Therapy in fighting solid tumours

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CAR T-Cell therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment across the world but has been most effective against blood cancer, and not as much against other types of cancers, until now. Now, researchers in China demonstrated that they have successfully concluded an experimental immunotherapy using engineered immune cells which significantly improves survival in people with advanced gastric […]

03
Jun

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Study links fussiness, sleep issues in kids to Long COVID impact

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

As COVID-19 cases rise worldwide, a study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that young children, including infants and preschoolers, are grappling with Long COVID symptoms that differ from those in adults. These findings come at a critical time as new variants fuel a rise in infections, raising concerns about the virus’s lasting impact on the […]

03
Jun

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Depression in your 40s may raise risk of dementia: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Experiencing depression during midlife, particularly in one’s 40s, may increase the risk of developing dementia in later years, a new study published in the medical journal eClinicalMedicine, a part of The Lancet, has found. Conducted by researchers from the Institute of Mental Health and School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, the University of […]

02
Jun

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Antibiotics shortage: Only 6.9% of patients treated for deadly superbug infections in developing nations

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Sneha Richhariya While antibiotic overuse in some regions fuels the rise of antibiotic resistance, millions in low- and middle-income countries face a deadly paradox as they are unable to access life-saving drugs for carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative (CRGN) infections–superbugs that evade powerful antibiotics. The CRGN are a group of bacteria that are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics, which […]

Bihar BIMLI Health Literacy credible health information

02
Jun

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Health Literacy Matters!

Mariyam Alavi / 1 year
0
2 min read

Hello! One often wonders what is the point of a health literacy training. Can we really change attitudes towards health and health information by a few training sessions? Can we ensure that health misinformation doesn’t spread, by just empowering people with the practical tools needed to differentiate between reliable and unreliable sources of health information […]

02
Jun

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Over 60% of breast cancer cases in India diagnosed at Stage 3 or 4: Report

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Breast cancer has emerged as the leading cancer among Indian women, with nearly 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year, according to a new report by the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS). Titled “NAMS Task Force Report on Breast Cancer in India,” the study, published in the Annals of the National Academy of Medical Sciences, […]

30
May

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FACT CHECK: Is the ‘7-Day No Food Challenge’ a safe weight loss method?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

CLAIM: “7-day no food weight loss challenge” can help you lose up to 10 kgs in just 7 days FACT: False. The “7 Days No Food Weight Loss Challenge,” claiming 10 kg weight loss in seven days is dangerous, unscientific, and unsustainable, risking severe health issues like electrolyte imbalances and organ damage, with weight loss primarily […]

30
May

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Grassroots programme in Bihar boosts health literacy, combats health misinformation: The Mercury Project

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

A grassroots training programme designed by The Mercury Project and conducted in partnership with DataLEADS and JEEViKA (Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society) “produced striking effects on students’ abilities to distinguish between true and false information,” especially when it comes to health information. The Bihar Information and Media Literacy Initiative (BIMLI), which targeted almost 14,000 school […]

29
May

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FACT CHECK: Is your gut really a second brain?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Claim: Gut is our second brain Fact: True. The gut contains a complex nervous system and produces mood-related chemicals like serotonin, significantly influencing brain function, though it doesn’t “think” like the brain. The phrase “the gut is our second brain” has become increasingly popular in both scientific circles and social media. First Check […]

29
May

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Each extra 10g of alcohol a day raises pancreatic cancer risk by 3%: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

Alcoholic drinks, especially beer and spirits, may raise the risk of pancreatic cancer, a new study has found. Pancreatic cancer ranks as the 12th most frequent cancer globally and carries a high death rate, particularly when detected late. In 2022, it was responsible for 5% of all cancer fatalities worldwide. Published in PLOS Medicine, the […]

28
May

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FACT CHECK: Is Robert Kennedy Jr. right about no evidence for COVID shots in healthy children?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
5 min read

COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced on Tuesday. In a 58-second video posted on X, he said, “I couldn’t be more pleased to announce that as of today, the COVID vaccine for healthy children and healthy pregnant women has been removed […]

International Day of Action for Women's Health - AI generated

28
May

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International Day of Action for Women’s Health: Tech led solutions that are revolutionising women’s health

Mariyam Alavi / 1 year
0
17 min read

Women’s health has been neglected, poorly studied and underfunded for far too long now. It is now well established that historically, women were excluded from most medical studies. They were conducted on men, and the data collected from them were generalized to women. In fact, many studies conducted on rodents too, excluded female rodents, as […]

28
May

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Fact-Check: Can men’s poor hygiene during urination lead to UTIs in women?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Claim: Poor peeing hygiene habits in men can be a cause of UTIs in their female partners Fact: True. Lack of hygiene in men can cause UTIs in their female partners. Everyone should follow clean and safe sexual practices, and maintain hygiene at all times. Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are among the most common […]

27
May

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Climate change fuels spread of deadly fungi, putting millions at risk: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Climate change is fueling the spread of dangerous fungi, putting millions of people at risk of severe infections, according to a new study from the University of Manchester. The research warns that rising global temperatures and shifting weather patterns are enabling fungi like Aspergillus to thrive in new regions, threatening public health across Europe, Asia, […]

27
May

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Your childhood environment could shape your mental health forever: Study

First Check Team / 1 year
0
2 min read

Early-life stress (ELS) can deeply alter brain development and lead to long-lasting mental health problems, according to a new study published in Neuron. “Early-life stress is common and constitutes a strong risk factor for cognitive and mental health disorders,” says the study adding, however, that much remains unclear about how young brains perceive and respond […]

26
May

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Fact Check: Can a drink made from garlic, lemon, and turmeric cure all diseases?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: A drink made from garlic, lemon, turmeric, and pepper permanently boosts immunity and prevents all diseases, according to Barbara O’Neil FACT: False. No scientific evidence supports this claim, and O’Neil is banned in Australia for spreading dangerous health misinformation First Check came across a video of Barbara O Neil, the controversial Australian naturopath who […]

26
May

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Fresh COVID concern: NB.1.8.1 variant found in US, after China, India surge

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

A new COVID-19 variant, NB.1.8.1, linked to a significant surge in cases in China, has been detected among international travelers arriving at US airports, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) airport screening program. The variant, which has sparked global concern due to its rapid spread in Asia, was identified through the […]

25
May

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Study links social media to teen depression

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

Increased social media use among preteens may contribute to higher levels of depressive symptoms over time, a new study published in JAMA Network Open revealed. This cohort study, conducted by a team led by Jason M. Nagata from the University of California, San Francisco, tracked nearly 12,000 children aged 9 to 13 over three years, […]

23
May

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Fact Check: Does turmeric cause cancer due to lead chromate adulteration?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Turmeric can lead to cancer because it contains lead chromate FACT: Lead chromate’s carcinogenic properties make chronic exposure a concern, theoretically increasing cancer risk over time. However, the assertion that turmeric itself “causes cancer” is misleading, as it implies the spice is inherently dangerous. Proper sourcing and regulation can mitigate risks. First Check came […]

23
May

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Taurine, an energy drink ingredient, doesn’t cause cancer but helps blood cancer cells grow

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Taurine, a popular amino acid found in energy drinks and supplements, could be driving the growth of leukemia, a type of blood cancer, according to a new study from the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute. Published in Nature, the research reveals that leukemia cells rely on taurine to fuel their aggressive spread, raising concerns […]

22
May

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Toxic plastic chemical linked to 1 lakh heart deaths in India: Lancet study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

A common plastic-softening chemical, di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), caused 103,587 heart disease deaths in India in 2018, according to a Lancet eBioMedicine study. Found in food packaging, medical devices, and cosmetics, DEHP is fueling a health crisis in India, where plastic use is surging. The global study estimates DEHP exposure caused 356,238 heart disease deaths worldwide […]

22
May

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Declining birth rates in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi signals demographic shift

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

The southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala and the capital, Delhi, are witnessing a dramatic decline in birth rates, dropping at more than twice the national average, according to the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, released by the Registrar General of India last week. Driven by rising female education and socio-economic progress, […]

21
May

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Explainer: What is trachoma and how India eliminated it

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

India on Monday was awarded the Certificate of Elimination of Trachoma as a Public Health Problem by World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus at the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. “This recognition is a testament to India’s sustained efforts in disease elimination, preventive healthcare, and commitment to ensuring health for […]

21
May

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Fact-Check: Black plastics cause cancer and reduce lifespan

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Claim: Black Plastics contain flame retardants which are carcinogens and can reduce one’s lifespan Fact: True. But the study which has been used as the reference for this claim also adds that “further studies are needed to replicate these findings and determine the underlying mechanisms.” An instagram video titled, “Stop Using Black Plastic – […]

20
May

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Study links high poultry intake to increased risk of GI cancer death

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Consuming more than 300 grams of poultry per week may significantly increase the risk of death from gastrointestinal cancers, according to a new population-based study conducted in southern Italy. The research, published in the journal Nutrients, analyzed data from nearly 5,000 adults enrolled in the two different cohort studies. Participants’ dietary habits were assessed using […]

20
May

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Joe Biden’s prostrate cancer diagnosis: Indian doctor warns of growing risk at home

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Former US President Joe Biden’s recent diagnosis of aggressive, advanced prostate cancer has brought global attention to the disease and its impact on men’s health. In India, prostate cancer is fast becoming a major concern, though awareness remains alarmingly low, warns Dr. Ramesh Sarin, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, who has over three decades of experience […]

20
May

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New WHO accord promises fairer, faster response to future pandemics

First Check Team / 1 year
0
4 min read

Geneva: In a landmark move aimed at strengthening global defences against future pandemics, the World Health Organization (WHO) member states on Monday formally adopted by consensus the world’s first pandemic agreement. The decision, taken at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, marks the culmination of over three years of intense negotiations triggered by the […]

19
May

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New COVID-19 wave in Asia raises concerns for India

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

A new wave of COVID-19 cases sweeping across Asian countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand signals a threat to India, potentially triggering a fresh wave of infections. While Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand are experiencing surges in COVID-19 cases primarily due to waning immunity, India currently reports 257 active cases. This has […]

19
May

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FACT CHECK: Stress doesn’t cause PCOS, CBD oil doesn’t cure it, fenugreek may help

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
4 min read

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD) are complex hormonal disorders affecting millions of women globally, yet a lot of misinformation about their causes and treatments persist. First Check verified three such claims sent in by readers through our tipline, with insights from a medical expert. Claim 1: PCOS/PCOD is caused by stress […]

17
May

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World Hypertension Day: Rising Stress, poor sleep, and addiction is fueling hypertension in youth, says expert

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
8 min read

World Hypertension Day, observed on May 17, aims to raise awareness about hypertension, a condition affecting millions globally and increasingly prevalent in India. Often called the “silent killer,” hypertension is the most significant chronic disease risk factor in India. According to recent epidemiological studies, hypertension is on the rise in India, with rural and youthful […]

16
May

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National Dengue Day 2025: India steps up fight against mosquito-borne diseases

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

India is marking National Dengue Day on May 16 amid growing concerns over a potential surge in mosquito-borne diseases during the monsoon season. With the early onset of rains increasing the risk of infections like dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever, the Union Health Ministry has directed all air, sea, and land ports to step […]

16
May

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FACT CHECK: Is it safe to eat refrigerated food?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Refrigerating food is perfectly safe and doesn’t lead to nutrient loss or health issues if done right. FACT: True. Refrigeration at or below 40°F (4°C) slows down the growth of harmful bacteria, which can cause food-borne illness. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If stored for too […]

15
May

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Oxford study warns weight-loss injections may require lifelong use

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Weight-loss injections, seen as a breakthrough for obesity treatment, may require lifelong use or need to be combined with major lifestyle changes to avoid regaining the lost weight, a new study by Oxford University researchers has revealed. The study, which examined data from 11 trials involving over 6,300 patients, found that while these drugs can […]

15
May

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AI tool ‘FaceAge’ predicts cancer survival using just a photo

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool called FaceAge can now use facial images to estimate an individual’s biological age and forecast survival in cancer patients with unprecedented accuracy. Detailed in a study published in The Lancet Digital Health titled “FaceAge, a deep learning system to estimate biological age from face photographs to improve prognostication: a […]

15
May

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Spit tests show promise in early detection of Alzheimer’s and cancer: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

New research shows that our spit can reveal information about everything from cancer to neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s. This inexpensive, painless method of testing for severe diseases has the potential to revolutionize the way we keep an eye on our health. Saliva contains small amounts of proteins, DNA, and other chemicals that alter when a […]

14
May

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AI accurately detects patient race from medical images – even when humans can’t: Study

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Artificial intelligence systems can accurately identify a patient’s race from medical images even when clinical experts cannot, according to new research that raises concerns about potential bias in healthcare applications. A study published in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health found that AI models trained on cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging could reliably classify […]

14
May

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1.5 billion children born after 2020 face lifetime heatwave exposure: Study

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Over half of children born during 2020 and after will experience significantly more extreme weather events during their lifetimes than previous generations, even if global warming is limited to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to a latest study published in Nature. The international study titled “Global emergence of unprecedented lifetime exposure to climate […]

14
May

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What triggers high uric acid levels? Genetics, diet, and more explained by an expert

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

High uric acid levels, known as hyperuricemia, occur when your body produces excess uric acid or your kidneys struggle to eliminate it. This can trigger gout, a painful condition with swollen joints, often in the big toe, caused by uric acid crystal deposits. But what causes these levels to rise? How can you spot the […]

13
May

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STUDY: Teens with mental health conditions spend more time on social media

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Adolescents with clinical mental health conditions use social media differently than their peers without such conditions, spending significantly more time online and experiencing greater dissatisfaction with their virtual social connections, according to research published earlier this month, in Nature Human Behaviour. The researchers from University of Cambridge analyzed data from 3,340 British adolescents aged 11 […]

13
May

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Kidney expert Dr Vijay Kher warns: Hydration is key in ‘stone season’

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

As temperatures climb across the country, it also heralds the arrival of what many doctors call “stone season” – the time of year when cases of painful kidney stones spike due to increased dehydration. The Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology had estimated that during summers, “there is a sharp increase in the number of […]

13
May

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Myopic CNVM: Journalist shares journey with condition that could potentially lead to irreversible vision loss

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
6 min read

In December 2024, Rituparna Chatterjee, a senior journalist and editor, noticed something alarming: straight lines appeared wavy, words looked distorted as if viewed through a thick glass bottle, and a gray patch clouded the center of her right eye’s vision. Rushing to a doctor, she underwent a series of tests, only to receive a devastating […]

12
May

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New WHO action plan aims to make clinical trials fairer and more inclusive

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a new Global Action Plan for Clinical Trial Ecosystem Strengthening (GAP-CTS), aiming to improve clinical trials worldwide. The plan focuses on making trials fairer, more inclusive, and better suited to local needs, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This comes after WHO’s 2024 guidelines for clinical trials […]

12
May

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Caring like a daughter: Manipur nurse’s story highlights India’s nursing woes

First Check Team / 1 year
0
7 min read

Watching her mother’s health struggles while growing up made Hoilenchong Sitlhoum from Manipur choose nursing as her career. “At that time, it was difficult to get doctors and nurses… We did not even have someone to give injections in emergencies also. So I decided then itself that I would become a nurse,” she said, speaking […]

09
May

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FACT CHECK: Do eggs feed viruses or cause chronic illnesses?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: Eggs feed viruses and bacteria in the body and worsen chronic illnesses such as eczema, PCOS, and endometriosis FACT: False. Eggs are a nutrient-rich food with no scientific link to promoting viruses or causing chronic illnesses A health coach, Theo Bergmann claims in an Instagram video that eggs are the “most overrated health food,” […]

09
May

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STUDY: Overuse of CT scans poses significant long-term cancer risk

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

Repeated exposure to unnecessary computed tomography (CT) scans may pose a significant cancer risk, a recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine has found. The research estimates that CT scans performed in the United States in 2023 could lead to approximately 103,000 future cancer diagnoses, accounting for nearly 5% of all new cancer cases in […]

08
May

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Brown rice has more arsenic than white: Study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic, a toxic chemical element, compared to white rice, raising concerns about long-term health risks, including cancer, according to a study from Michigan State University (MSU). The study published in the journal Risk Analysis led by senior investigator Felicia Wu, John A. Hannah, distinguished professor at MSU’s College of […]

08
May

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Older adults overlooked in HIV fight: Lancet study

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

HIV prevention campaigns have remained focussed on the young, driven by outdated risk perceptions, even as infections are rising among older adults, a Lancet Healthy Longevity study has revealed. The research, led by Dr. Luicer Olubayo from the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience at Wits University, highlighted that HIV prevalence among adults over 50 […]

07
May

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FACT CHECK: Are women at a lower risk for heart attack?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
5 min read

CLAIM: Heart Diseases are directly connected to the sex of a person, with females being at lower risk. FACT: Largely true; while it is true that heart disease is more prevalent in men than women, there are some nuances that should not be ignored either. First Check came across a video on YouTube titled […]

07
May

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India climbs to 130 in global human development index: UNDP report

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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3 min read

Global progress in human development has slowed to its weakest pace in 35 years but India has improved its Human Development Index (HDI) rank to 130 out of the 193 countries surveyed in 2023, reveals the UNDP’s Human Development Report, released on Tuesday. Previously India was at the 133rd position, the gain has been driven […]

06
May

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FACT CHECK: Is folic acid harmful as Barbara O’Neill claims?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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3 min read

Barbara O’Neill, a prominent figure in alternative medicine circles, has urged women to reconsider using folic acid supplements, claiming that excessive intake may pose health risks. Posting on X, she advises that nutrients should be obtained from food rather than pills. “Think twice before reaching for your folic acid supplement,” she warns, suggesting that isolated […]

06
May

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World Asthma Day: Dr GC Khilnani on tackling India’s asthma crisis with awareness and innovation

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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8 min read

India is home to close to 3.5 crore people with asthma, a chronic respiratory condition affecting over 25 crore people worldwide. This means that 1 in every 50 people in the country has Asthma. In its national capital, Delhi, the rates are even more alarming, with up to 29.4% of children affected, driven largely by […]

05
May

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India global leader in cardiovascular deaths linked to plastics, study in The Lancet finds

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
4 min read

According to a new study in The Lancet eBioMedicine, India saw over 1 lakh of cardiovascular deaths attributable to plastic polymers and their chemical additives, the highest in the world. This once again highlights how everyday items such as plastic containers, toys, cosmetics, and even food packaging may be silently endangering millions of lives in […]

05
May

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Experts warn BMI no longer a reliable health indicator, urge better metrics

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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3 min read

For years, Body Mass Index (BMI) has been the standard tool for assessing whether an individual has a healthy weight. But doctors are now referring to it as an outdated and an often-misleading metric. BMI is a rough guide doctors use to check if a person’s weight is in a healthy range for their height. […]

05
May

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Vaccines are your best friend!

Mariyam Alavi / 1 year
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3 min read

154 million lives in 50 years. 6 lives. Every minute. Every day. For 5 decades. That is the number of lives saved by vaccines, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Yet even today, there are many who are hesitant and even outright refuse to take the life-saving shots, because misinformation about safety concerns, side […]

05
May

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Simple ways to reduce microplastics in what you eat and drink

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

Microplastics, which are plastic fragments smaller than 5 millimetres, have entered food, water, and even our bodies. This has transformed an environmental crisis into a personal health challenge. But there is no need to worry. You can reduce microplastics in your food and water. Here are practical ways to minimise microplastic exposure. Can boiling water […]

02
May

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Semaglutide marks breakthrough in reversing fatty liver disease: expert

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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3 min read

A new potential treatment for fatty liver disease is making waves after initial results from a clinical trial showed that nearly two in three patients reduced liver fat and inflammation with weekly semaglutide injections over 18 months. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the ongoing trial offers hope for millions battling Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated […]

02
May

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STUDY: Same-arm vaccine shots help your body fight off infection faster

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
2 min read

Getting a COVID-19 booster shot in the same arm as the initial vaccine dose may significantly speed up the body’s immune response, according to new research from Sydney, Australia, published in the journal Cell. The study, led by scientists at Sydney’s Garvan Institute of Medical Research and the Kirby Institute at UNSW Sydney, reveals how […]

02
May

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FACT CHECK: Is finasteride really better than minoxidil for hair loss?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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3 min read

CLAIM: Finasteride is better than minoxidil for hair loss FACT: Partly true. Studies do show that finasteride has produced better results than minoxidil, but both have different uses. Finasteride is useful to maintain existing hair and minoxidil is used to stimulate hair follicles for new hair. Finasteride and minoxidil are the two most […]

01
May

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Supreme Court orders inclusive KYC for blind and acid attack survivors

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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3 min read

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court on Wednesday declared digital access a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution, issuing 20 directives to ensure the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process is accessible for visually impaired individuals and acid attack survivors with eye or facial disfigurements. The judgment, delivered by Justices JB Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, […]

01
May

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STUDY: Is your biological age more than your chronological age? It may raise dementia risk

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

People whose biological age is higher than their chronological age may be more likely to develop dementia than people whose biological age matches or is lower than their chronological age, according to a study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. “Biological age is based on biomarkers of aging such […]

30
Apr

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FACT CHECK: Vaccines may reduce lifespan, a prominent CEO and YouTuber falsely claims

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM: A well-known CEO and YouTuber suggests that taking vaccines could shorten a person’s life FACT: False, multiple studies have highlighted the benefits of vaccines and how they have contributed to increasing longevity across the world The founder and CEO of Bombay Shaving Company, Shantanu Deshpande recently posted on LinkedIn mentioning “vaccines” as one […]

30
Apr

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Measles returns: US sees worst outbreak in decades

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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2 min read

The United States is witnessing a significant measles outbreak, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting 884 confirmed cases in 30 states as of April 24, 2025. Measles was declared eliminated in the US in 2000. But a large outbreak in West Texas, where 646 cases and two child fatalities have driven […]

29
Apr

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Vaccine hesitancy: The impending challenge to complete coverage

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
4 min read

Vaccines are known to save lives, with the World Health Organization estimating that immunisations “currently prevents 3.5 million to 5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), influenza and measles.” However, despite the evidence about the efficacy and safety of vaccines, we are constantly plagued by myths and misinformation about […]

29
Apr

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Delhi launches ₹10 lakh health scheme for seniors aged 70+

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
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2 min read

The Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana, a health insurance scheme, launched by the Delhi government on Monday offers free medical treatment of up to ₹10 lakh yearly for citizens aged 70 and above. What is the health scheme about? The Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana is an extension of the central government’s Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan […]

29
Apr

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STUDY: Young need meat, older adults need plants for longevity

First Check Team / 1 year
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3 min read

Switching from animal-based to plant-based protein affects people differently depending on their age, a study published in the journal Nature has found. Researchers analyzed data from 101 countries between 1961 and 2018 to understand how changing diets could impact health. They found that “after adjusting for time, population size, and economic factors, we find associations […]

28
Apr

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World Immunization Week: Vaccinations beyond childhood immunisations

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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3 min read

To many vaccinations are something that you go through as children, with little to no focus on vaccinations that need to be taken in their later years. However, the scientific community is increasingly about talking about adult vaccinations and a life-course approach to vaccinations, to ensure that protection against certain dangerous infectious diseases last beyond […]

28
Apr

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World Immunization Week: Vaccines are probably one of the biggest innovation of the 20th century, says Dr Soumya Swaminathan

Mariyam Alavi / 1 year
0
17 min read

According to the World Health Organization six lives have been saved every minute for the last 50 years, because of essential vaccines—that is 15.4 crore lives in five decades. “In these 50 years, vaccination accounts for 40% of the improvement in infant survival, and more children now live to see their first birthday and […]

26
Apr

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Vaccines will play an important role in eliminating TB: ICMR Chief

First Check Team / 1 year
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6 min read

As India inches closer to the deadline it set itself to eliminate tuberculosis in the country, the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research has said that vaccines for TB will play an important role in this endeavour. Dr Rajiv Bahl was speaking during the roundtable discussion on ‘Asia Region TB Vaccine R&D […]

25
Apr

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India launches mission to eliminate measles and rubella by 2026

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda virtually launched the National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26 on Thursday, coinciding with the start of World Immunization Week (April 24-30). The initiative aims to eliminate measles and rubella in India by 2026, two highly infectious viral diseases that can lead to serious health complications. During […]

25
Apr

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World Malaria Day: Will India be able to eliminate the disease completely by 2030?

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
9 min read

India is on an ambitious path to eliminate malaria by 2030, and we seem to have made some progress. With improved surveillance and access to diagnosis and medicines, the number of malaria deaths in the country has reduced, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Commonwealth Malaria Report show. However, while cases have dropped significantly […]

24
Apr

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Immunization Week 2025: Have you taken all the required vaccines before turning 18? Here’s what you need to know

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
4 min read

Vaccines are more than just a childhood milestone or a scar on our elders’ arms in India, where infectious diseases have historically posed serious health threats. They are a lifelong defense against fatal diseases that have the potential to cripple us. But do you know all the necessary vaccines one should get before turning 18? […]

23
Apr

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Microplastics found in human ovaries for the first time, raising fertility fears

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
3 min read

Scientists have found microplastics in human ovarian follicular fluid for the first time, sparking urgent concerns about their potential impact on women’s fertility. The peer-reviewed study, published in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, detected microplastics in 14 out of 18 women undergoing assisted reproductive treatment at a fertility clinic in Salerno, Italy, highlighting the pervasive reach […]

'fake' cardiologist narendra vikramaditya yadav

23
Apr

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Chhattisgarh police book ‘fake’ cardiologist, hospital management in 2006 death of then MLA

First Check Team / 1 year
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5 min read

After his arrest by the Madhya Pradesh police, alleged ‘fake’ cardiologist Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav has been booked by the Chhattisgarh Police on culpable homicide not amounting to murder and forgery charges, among others, in connection with the 2006 death of then Chhattisgarh MLA Rajendra Prasad Shukla. The management of the Apollo Hospital in Bilaspur, where […]

22
Apr

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FACT CHECK: Can nicotine really dissolve brain tumors in 72 Hours?

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

CLAIM Nicotine infusions can cure glioblastoma tumors, type 1 diabetes, and even autism. FACT: There is no scientific evidence to support these claims. Experts warn that nicotine is a neurotoxin, not a cure. A viral video on Instagram features Dr Bryan Adris, a licensed American Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, and Nutritionist and an alternative medicine practitioner, […]

22
Apr

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Iodine test turns blue, but that doesn’t mean paneer at Gauri Khan’s Torii is fake

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
2 min read

What began as a viral iodine test at Torii, a celebrity restaurant run by Gauri Khan, quickly turned into a cautionary tale about food misinformation—drawing in the top chef Vikas Khanna who termed it as “terrible misinformation.” – and a reminder that social media clout is no substitute for expertise. Sarthak Sachdeva’s video, which was […]

22
Apr

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Stroke and irreversible heart failure led to Pope Francis’s Death, Vatican Says

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
3 min read

Pope Francis died following a cerebral stroke and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican confirmed in its official medical report. Pope, 88, was the first person of Latin American origin to become the leader of the Catholic Church. A cerebral stroke happens when a portion of the brain’s blood supply is cut off or blocked, depriving […]

21
Apr

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Hope for cancer patients: New cell therapy may help where chemotherapy has failed

First Check Team / 1 year
0
3 min read

In what scientists are calling a “crack in the solid wall of cancer,” a new form of personalized immunotherapy has shown promising results in shrinking tumors in patients with hard-to-treat gastrointestinal cancers. The treatment, developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), uses the body’s own immune cells—called Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs)—to attack and destroy […]

21
Apr

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Hepatitis? No. Jaundice? No! The Liver Doc shares how a unique case was diagnosed to be no ‘disease’ at all

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
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5 min read

This World Liver Day, we are revisiting an interesting case shared earlier this year by Dr Cyriac Abby Philips, popularly knows as “The Liver Doc,” which highlights a crucial misunderstanding about liver function tests that could save many from unnecessary worry—rigorous exercise could result in elevated liver function test counts. The case involves a young […]

21
Apr

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The silent epidemic: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on the rise in India

Allen Joe Mathew / 1 year
0
5 min read

Did you know that even if you don’t drink, you could still get Liver damage? And, no, it’s not because someone punched you in the gut. It’s called the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or NAFLD in short, which is First Check’s focus for the World Liver Day. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is rapidly emerging as […]

18
Apr

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Millions may have this overlooked form of diabetes. It now has a name

Sneha Richhariya / 1 year
0
4 min read

A new type of diabetes, defying the symptoms and characteristics of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, has been officially classified as “Type 5,” decades after it was first identified. The announcement was made last week by Prof. Peter Schwarz, president of the International Diabetes Federation, during the World Congress of Diabetes 2025 in Bangkok. […]

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