Health News - Page 28

Joe Biden diagnosed with prostate cancer: How serious is he?

Amid rumours of his health, news broke on Sunday (May 18) that Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive form’ of prostate cancer, with a statement adding that it has spread to his bones. How deadly is prostate cancer? What does this diagnosis mean for the former US president?

Blood test to diagnose Alzheimer's gets approval in US

Fujirebio Diagnostics created the test to assess the ratio of two proteins in the blood. The rato is associated with amyloid plaques in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer's that has thus far been diagnosed exclusively by brain imaging and spinal fluid research

World Hypertension Day: How preeclampsia turns high blood pressure into a deadly pregnancy crisis

Preeclampsia, a serious hypertensive disorder remains a leading cause of maternal and newborn deaths. Early detection, vigilant screening and timely treatment are crucial to prevent life-threatening complications. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on how to deal with it and live a healthier life

Doctor Explains: How lifestyle changes can prevent hypertension from turning deadly

Hypertension is rapidly becoming one of India’s most urgent non-communicable health challenges. The interplay of dietary habits, stress, physical activity and comorbid conditions makes managing high blood pressure complex across different age groups. Firstpost brings out a doctor’s view on how to deal with them and live a healthier life

Climate change expanding dengue’s reach? Why India’s fight needs more than fogging

Climate change is expanding dengue’s reach in India, with rising cases in new regions. Experts urge multi-sectoral strategies beyond fogging to control outbreaks.

How diet, exercise and sleep play a vital role in controlling hypertension naturally

Hypertension is a silent killer—learn the 4 warning signs you must never ignore. Discover diet tips, exercise plans & stress-reducing hacks to control high blood pressure naturally before it causes serious damage.

From tobacco to tumours: How India’s chewing habit is fuelling a cancer crisis

Oral cancer is a rising but largely preventable threat in India, driven by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor hygiene and HPV infection. In this report, Firstpost highlights expert insights on early warning signs, key risk factors and the vital role of timely screening and lifestyle changes in improving survival outcomes.

Europe has a new problem with mosquitoes. Here's why its serious

New research shows that dengue and chikungunya could soon become endemic in Europe. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health, was conducted by researchers in Sweden and Germany and examined the spread of dengue and chikungunya in Europe for over three decades. Here's what it showed and why it blamed climate change

Code of life rewritten: In a first, doctors treat baby with gene-edited drug

The baby, KJ, was born with severe CPS1 deficiency, a rare genetic condition that affects only one in 1.3 million people. While doctors asserted that KJ is "thriving", he would require careful monitoring throughout his life

Covid cases rise in Singapore, Hong Kong as new wave spreads in Asia. Should you be worried?

Covid cases are rising again in parts of Southeast Asia, with Hong Kong and Singapore reporting a sudden spike. China and Thailand are also seeing an increase in infections. In Singapore, the first update in nearly a year reported a 28 per cent jump, with 14,200 cases recorded in the week ending May 3. The surge is reportedly part of a fresh wave spreading across several regions in Asia. Notably, high-risk groups have been advised to take extra precautions

Nine to forever? How long work hours could be changing your brain

A new study suggests that working over 52 hours a week may alter the brain’s structure, particularly in regions tied to emotions, memory and decision-making. Researchers observed ‘significant changes’ in the brains of those who worked for long hours, with increased volume in areas such as the middle frontal gyrus, insula and superior temporal gyrus

How the UK will track obese children using 'spy scales'

The UK’s state-run National Health Service (NHS) is rolling out 'spy scales' to monitor severely obese children from afar and send motivational texts to help them lose weight. While some are calling it a ‘game-changing tool’, others criticise it for tracking children, likening it to a ‘nanny state’

'Everyone is a cousin': What is Spoan syndrome, the genetic disorder plaguing a Brazilian village?

For years, families in a small Brazilian town, Serrinha dos Pintos, watched their children slowly lose the ability to walk, and no one knew why. Thanks to biologist Silvana Santos and her research of 20 years, the village now has an answer: Spoan syndrome. The disorder manifests when a person inherits the same mutated gene from both parents

Super-sleepers: Why can some people go on about their day on just 4 hours of sleep?

Sleeping is a necessity, which, if we do inadequately, could lead to several health risks. However, not everyone requires the same amount of bedtime each night. Some people can manage on just four to six hours of shut-eye. Scientists have now found out the reason behind their superpower

From gestational diabetes to preeclampsia: Common pregnancy complications and how to prevent them

Pregnancy is a transformative journey, but it can also bring certain health challenges that require close monitoring. Awareness of common pregnancy complications and their preventive measures can improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Dr explains: How sleep deprivation became collateral damage in a toxic productivity culture

With sleep deprivation emerging as a silent health crisis in high-pressure work environments, Firstpost brings expert insights on how chronic lack of sleep affects physical, mental and emotional well-being and what individuals and workplaces can do to combat it.

India's asthma crisis: 34 million affected, experts call for early screening and tech-driven solutions

India reportedly has the highest asthma-related deaths in the world, accounting for nearly 46% of them. With over 34 million Indians suffering from asthma, experts called for early screening, tech-led care. Read here

After US, is South Korea having a measles outbreak? Country reports highest number of cases in 6 years

South Korea was certified measles-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2014, and maintains high childhood vaccination coverage. Despite this, it recorded 52 confirmed infections in 2025, mostly contracted by citizens who travelled overseas

Soap’s secret superpower: How did this ancient discovery revolutionise cleanliness?

From ancient Babylon to modern bathrooms, soap has shaped human hygiene for over 5,000 years. But how does it really work? Chemistry reveals that soap’s unique molecular structure allows it to break down both water-loving and water-fearing grime. More than just cleaning dirt, it also disrupts harmful microbes — explaining why your mom was right all along

Dr explains: Is your child at risk? How climate change is worsening asthma and what you can do

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that asthma affects over 260 million people globally, contributing to around 455,000 deaths annually. The burden is unevenly distributed, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) accounting for the majority of asthma-related deaths.

‘Made in India’ dengue vaccine likely to be launched next year. Here’s what we know

India may have a dengue vaccine as early as next year. Developed by Japanese major Takeda, the vaccine named ‘Qdenga’ will be rolled out in India with the help of Hyderabad-based firm Biological E (Bio E). Qdenga will offer protection against all four dengue virus serotypes and will have two doses

Mane Talk: Why humans aren’t as hairy as other mammals

Scientists note that the answer to this hairy question lies in evolution. Over hundreds of millions of years, a small handful of mammals, including humans, evolved to have less hair. This, they note, is tied to the human species and their ability to sweat

Doctor explains: How cerebral malaria can turn a mosquito bite into a life-threatening emergency

Cerebral malaria, a severe complication caused by Plasmodium falciparum, can quickly escalate from a mosquito bite to a life-threatening brain emergency. Firstpost brings out an expert’s view on how the parasite invades the brain, the early warning signs like seizures and coma and why rapid diagnosis and intensive treatment are crucial to prevent permanent neurological damage or death.

From ancient mummies to drug resistance: 10 facts about Malaria you need to know

Malaria, an ancient disease traced back to Egyptian mummies, remains a deadly global threat despite medical advancements. Unlike common perception, malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites rather than viruses or bacteria, transmitted exclusively by female Anopheles mosquitoes during blood-feeding. Firstpost brings out facts related to the disease.

World Malaria Day: Why India's fight against malaria requires more than just medicine

India has made impressive progress in its bid to eliminate malaria. Reported cases have plummeted, mortality has fallen dramatically and global health agencies have lauded the country’s public health push. But behind the numbers lies a far more complex story—one where misdiagnosis, treatment delays and neglected urban infrastructure continue to pose serious threats to the nation's malaria elimination goal.

‘High risk food’: Why Tamil Nadu has banned egg mayo

Tamil Nadu has banned the manufacture, storage, distribution or sale of mayonnaise prepared from raw eggs for a year, beginning April. According to the state's food safety commissioner, food business operators use raw egg to make mayonnaise, which, if not stored properly, is a serious health hazard

Why US is planning to remove artificial food dyes from cereals, candies

The US government is preparing to phase out petroleum-derived synthetic food dyes nationwide, following the FDA's recent ban on Red Dye No. 3 due to cancer concerns. Currently, nine out of 36 FDA-approved food colourings are artificial. Studies and state-level legislation cite links between certain dyes and behavioural issues in children, prompting a bipartisan push for stricter regulation

Will Indians get blockbuster weight-loss drugs at cost of cheaper insulin?

Novo Nordisk has said it is discontinuing selling its popular, best-selling insulin brand in India and will instead promote its new, blockbuster drugs such as Ozempic and Wegovy. But why is the company making the move? Will Indians now lose access to cheaper insulin drugs?

How cancer takes over your brain and steals motivation

Apathy is found in almost 80 per cent of late-stage cancer patients. A new study, conducted on mice reveals that apathy is not a byproduct of physical decline in patients caused due to cancer but actually an integral part of the disease. Doctors and experts have also found a way to tackle it

Is womb transplant the next big thing for those dealing with infertility?

Until now, adoption and surrogacy were their only reproductive options for those who struggled to have children. However, a womb transplant can change this course in the coming days. While this breakthrough provides hope for many, difficult decisions will also need to be made to ensure ethical policies, cost and priority