firstcheck - Page 4 of 13

09
Oct

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Dehydration and stress: How not drinking enough water elevates your cortisol levels

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
5 min read

In today’s fast-paced world, stress seems unavoidable. Deadlines at work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures take a toll on both mind and body. But one surprising factor may silently affect your stress levels—your water intake. A recent study highlights that not drinking enough water daily can make people biologically more stressed, increasing cortisol levels and potentially impacting […]

08
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Is coconut oil silently damaging your scalp?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
4 min read

CLAIM: Excess coconut oil damages the scalp. FACT: Coconut oil is safe and beneficial as a conditioner when used in moderation, but experts suggest that excessive application can make the scalp sticky, attract dust and pollution, and even trigger irritation or folliculitis. An Instagram reel by fitness coach and influencer Priyank Mehta has sparked widespread […]

08
Oct

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What’s on your plate? Study links Indian diet to diabetes and obesity

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
8 min read

In a comprehensive nationwide study, the Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) has unveiled concerning trends in the Indian diet that correlate with escalating rates of diabetes and obesity. The study, encompassing 1,21,077 adults across the country, highlights a significant dietary shift towards high carbohydrate consumption, particularly from low-quality sources, coupled with inadequate protein […]

08
Oct

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Is your favourite canned drink a health hazard? What experts say about can contamination

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
5 min read

You’ve probably cracked open a cold drink straight from a can on a hot day—that satisfying pssst sound, the fizz rushing up, and that first chilled sip hitting just right. It feels harmless, even refreshing. But what if that quick gulp is exposing you to more than just your favourite beverage? Recently, a viral reel by Dr Manan […]

07
Oct

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Will AI win the next Nobel Prize? Scientists say it’s no longer sci-fi

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

Artificial intelligence could soon compete with humankind’s brightest minds for science’s highest honour, the Nobel Prize, according to a recent Nature report. The journal says that over the past two years, AI systems have begun demonstrating capabilities once limited to human researchers: analysing complex data, designing experiments, and even generating new hypotheses. This progress has […]

07
Oct

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Are escalator rails dirtier than public toilets? The SHOCKING truth about germs on your daily commute

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
5 min read

If you use the metro for your daily commute or often rest your hand on elevator rails, you might want to pause for a moment. For, it could be dirtier than public toilets. A recent reel by Dr Dana Figura has sparked debate about how unhygienic these rails really are. Dr Figura claims to be a board-certified podiatric physician […]

06
Oct

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FACT CHECK: Can soaking your feet in hot water cure migraines?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
5 min read

CLAIM: Soaking your feet in hot water can cure migraines. FACT: Soaking your feet in hot water may offer temporary relief for a mild migraine attack, but it does not cure or prevent migraines. Experts suggest using it only as a symptomatic measure alongside proper medical treatment and lifestyle management. If you suffer from migraines […]

06
Oct

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We should not miss a beat to take care of our own heart health, says Dr Tarun Kumar

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
6 min read

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have become one of India’s biggest health concerns, claiming thousands of lives every year and affecting people at increasingly younger ages. According to the World Health Organisation, CVDs account for nearly 27 per cent of all noncommunicable disease deaths in India and are responsible for 45 per cent of deaths among those […]

06
Oct

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Katrina Kaif pregnant at 42: Doctor explains risks and realities of late-age pregnancies

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
7 min read

Katrina Kaif and Vicky Kaushal’s pregnancy announcement has taken social media by storm. At 42, Katrina’s news has reignited discussions around later-age motherhood, its risks, and possibilities. The conversation has also highlighted questions many women face today: when is the right age to have a child, what are the biological limitations, and how safe is […]

05
Oct

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Beyond birth control: Why contraception matters for preventing HIV and STIs

First Check Team / 7 months
0
8 min read

Contraception is widely recognised as a tool to prevent unintended pregnancies, but its role in safeguarding sexual health is equally important. Beyond family planning, contraceptive methods- particularly barrier methods—play a crucial role in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. Globally, STIs are a significant public health concern, leading to morbidity, mortality, and social stigma. […]

03
Oct

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Cough syrups under probe after child deaths in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

Authorities in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have launched investigations into select cough syrups after child deaths and illnesses, prompting suspensions of distribution and urgent testing of drug samples. In Rajasthan, the probe was triggered after the death of a five-year-old boy in Sikar and the critical illness of a three-year-old in Bharatpur, both linked to […]

03
Oct

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Is your old pressure cooker silently poisoning your food?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
6 min read

Ever wondered if the old cooker sitting in your kitchen is quietly harming your health? That’s the alarming claim made in a viral reel posted by Dr Manan Vora, an orthopedic surgeon with 556,000 followers on Instagram. The video has already garnered 236,000 views and over 10,000 shares. “Your old pressure cooker could be the […]

30
Sep

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PhD life in 2025: Higher satisfaction, lingering inequities, and the AI dilemma

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

Money, politics and technology are redefining the PhD experience in 2025, albeit students worldwide are reporting higher levels of satisfaction with their doctoral studies than during the pandemic, according to Nature’s 2025 global PhD survey. The survey, conducted in May and June among 3,785 PhD candidates across the globe, examined supervision practices, workplace cultures, and […]

25
Sep

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She lived to 117: Scientists unlock clues from the world’s oldest woman

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

The extraordinary lifespan of Maria Branyas Morera, who died last year at the age of 117, was shaped by both genetic resilience and a simple lifestyle that included daily yogurts, a report published in Nature says. The findings are based on a detailed analysis of her genes, metabolism and gut microbiome. Branyas, who died on […]

25
Sep

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Are your plastic chopping boards leaching toxins and microplastics into your food?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
7 min read

Plastic chopping boards are a common fixture in most kitchens today, valued for their light weight, affordability, and easy availability. But a recent viral Instagram reel by dietician Bhawesh Gupta has warned they leach toxins and microplastics into our food. Gupta, who has 7.2 lakh followers on Instagram, appears in a reel warning viewers to […]

24
Sep

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Can tongue scraping really prevent Alzheimer’s and heart disease?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
5 min read

An Instagram reel by author and speaker Dr Daniel Pompa has sparked widespread discussion online over claims that tongue scraping can prevent heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Pompa, who has 17 lakh followers on Instagram, demonstrates tongue scraping while claiming it boosts nitric oxide, lowers blood pressure, improves brain function, and prevents gum disease—allegedly reducing […]

23
Sep

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Are cotton swabs dangerous for your ear health and eardrum?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
6 min read

CLAIM: Never clean your ears because earwax is essential for ear health, and the ears naturally clean themselves. FACT: Earwax naturally protects the ear and usually cleans itself. Experts suggest that routine cleaning is unnecessary, and using cotton swabs or other objects can push wax deeper or cause damage. When it comes to hygiene practices, […]

23
Sep

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India’s alarming childhood obesity crisis: A looming global health threat

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
8 min read

Obesity has emerged as one of the most pressing health challenges of our time. While fitness tips, videos, and quick solutions dominate our screens, it is essential to pause and confront the reality of where we truly stand. In India, this reality is particularly concerning: childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate, threatening the […]

23
Sep

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Can mindless scrolling shrink your brain?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
5 min read

CLAIM: Mindless scrolling is shrinking your brain. FACT: Experts say mindless scrolling can harm focus, memory, and mood, with some early studies suggesting possible thinning of the cerebral cortex and grey matter loss. But evidence is still limited, and more large-scale research is needed before confirming that it shrinks the brain. You’ve probably come across […]

22
Sep

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Are your favourite sugary drinks secretly causing hair loss?

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
6 min read

It’s a scorching summer afternoon, and you reach out for that chilled, fizzy, sugar-loaded drink. The can sweats in your hand, the first sip feels like relief, and the sweetness gives you a quick surge of energy. For many, these drinks are more than just beverages; they’re routine companions during long workdays or guilty pleasures […]

22
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
8 min read

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

22
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
6 min read

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

20
Sep

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Govt rolls out uniform treatment protocols across 28 specialties

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

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

19
Sep

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

First Check Team / 7 months
0
2 min read

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

19
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
5 min read

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

18
Sep

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

First Check Team / 7 months
0
3 min read

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

18
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 7 months
0
8 min read

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

16
Sep

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Do women need more sleep than men?

First Check Team / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

15
Sep

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

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

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

14
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
6 min read

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

12
Sep

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

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

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

12
Sep

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Why paper towels might be your best bet for hygiene

First Check Team / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

11
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
10 min read

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

10
Sep

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From stethoscopes to digital twins, AI Is rewriting medicine

Riyaz Wani / 8 months
0
4 min read

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

09
Sep

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

First Check Team / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

09
Sep

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Russia’s cancer vaccine ready for use: report

First Check Team / 8 months
0
4 min read

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

08
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
6 min read

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

08
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

05
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
7 min read

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

05
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

04
Sep

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Ozempic faces $2 billion lawsuit amid weight-loss craze

First Check Team / 8 months
0
4 min read

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

04
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

03
Sep

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Scientists find new clues to slowing down ageing

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

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

02
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

02
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

01
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

01
Sep

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ADHD drugs may offer broader life benefits: Study

First Check Team / 8 months
0
3 min read

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

01
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
8 min read

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

01
Sep

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
9 min read

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

31
Aug

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Is dancing during pregnancy safe? Debunking myths and expert guidelines

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
5 min read

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

31
Aug

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

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
7 min read

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

29
Aug

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“One of the hardest decisions”: Emma Heming on living apart from Bruce Willis amid dementia care

First Check Team / 8 months
0
2 min read

Emma Heming Willis has opened up about life as a caregiver for her husband, actor Bruce Willis, who was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) nearly three years ago. In an interview featured in ABC’s special Emma and Bruce: The Unexpected Journey, she revealed that the couple now lives in separate homes to better meet his […]

29
Aug

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Fact Check: Can kidney stones be removed without surgery?

First Check Team / 8 months
0
4 min read

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

28
Aug

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Can your anger lead to a heart attack?

Sakshi Srivastava / 8 months
0
4 min read

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

28
Aug

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

First Check Team / 8 months
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 8 months
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 / 8 months
0
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
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 / 9 months
0
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 […]

12
Aug

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The joy of small things

Riyaz Wani / 9 months
0
3 min read

Squeezed between deadlines, and phone-scrolling, we are hardly conscious of how time passes us by, and, in turn, how life goes by. Happiness is now a dopamine boost triggered by the relentless buzz of social media and email notifications. But the truth is that this stimulation is fleeting and leaves us empty and anxious. Thankfully […]

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 / 9 months
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
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 / 9 months
0
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 / 9 months
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 / 9 months
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 / 9 months
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 / 9 months
0
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 […]

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