Health News - Page 6
South Africa launches groundbreaking HIV prevention injection amid access concerns
South Africa has begun rolling out lenacapavir, a twice-yearly HIV prevention injection shown to be highly effective in clinical trials. Officials say the drug could help curb new infections, though health advocates are calling for broader access and increased supplies.
Can Alzheimer’s patients regain lost memory? 80-year-old woman did in a new study on psychedelic mushrooms
A new case study published in the journal Frontiers has sparked interest in the potential role of psychedelic mushrooms in treating advanced Alzheimer’s disease
Weight loss: Delhi woman loses 35 kg in 12 months with these 6 lifestyle changes
Rather than following extreme diets, this Delhi woman focused on small, sustainable habits. She now credits six simple lifestyle changes for helping her lose 35 kg in a year
Snoring all night? These 4 simple exercises could help
Snoring can disrupt sleep for everyone in the house. Research suggests that doing these simple tongue and throat exercises may help reduce snoring by strengthening the muscles that support the airway
Headache vs migraine: What's the difference and when should you worry?
That pounding in your head after a long screen day feels unbearable — but is it a migraine or just a headache? Here's how to tell them apart according to a doctor, and when to stop guessing
Health benefits of ice baths and cold therapy: Here's why everyone's taking the plunge
Once reserved for elite athletes, ice baths and cold plunges have become a global wellness phenomenon. Here's what the science says and why the trend shows no signs of slowing down
No more vada pavs and pakoras wrapped in newspapers in Mumbai, FSSAI has new rule for street vendors
A common sight at street food stalls across India is now under scrutiny. After a recent food safety inspection in Mumbai, FSSAI has directed street food vendors to stop serving food in newspapers. The food safety authorities say that printing inks contain multiple harmful colours, pigments, binders and chemicals, specifically containing lead and other heavy metals which can leach into food items, leading to serious chronic health issues
How donkey therapy is helping patients in Paris
A psychiatric unit near Paris is using therapy donkeys to support patients with mental health conditions in a programme said to be unique in France. Set within the wooded grounds of the Ville-Evrard hospital complex, the initiative allows patients to walk, groom and care for the animals. Participants say the interaction has a calming effect comparable to medication
Why disease outbreaks are becoming more frequent across the world
As Ebola, Hantavirus, Nipah and other diseases re-emerge, epidemiologist Dr Lalit Kant explains how deforestation, urbanisation, climate pressures and closer human-animal contact are increasing outbreak risks worldwide.
Dexcom study finds G7 glucose monitor improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients
A new study presented at the American Diabetes Association found that Dexcom’s G7 continuous glucose monitor significantly improved blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes not using insulin, supporting broader access to the technology and potential changes in standard care.
Doctor explains: The brain tumour warning signs often mistaken for stress and migraines
Often mistaken for stress, migraines or exhaustion, the early signs of a brain tumour can go unnoticed for months. Firstpost speaks to a leading neurosurgeon about the symptoms that warrant urgent attention.
A blood test that predicts lung cancer 5 years early? What we know so far
Scientists have identified a blood-based protein signature that can predict lung cancer risk more than five years before diagnosis. Powered by AI and validated across global datasets, the breakthrough could transform early detection, improve screening strategies, and potentially pave the way for preventing the world's deadliest cancer
Ebola outbreak nears 500 cases in Central Africa as WHO warns epidemic is accelerating
The World Health Organisation reported a sharp rise in infections and deaths in DR Congo and Uganda, as health officials warned the outbreak could become one of the largest on record without swift intervention.
Why you're not losing weight despite swapping sugary drinks with healthier options
Many people replace soft drinks with juices, smoothies or zero-sugar beverages expecting quick weight-loss results. However, to their shock, they still don't lose weight. Here's what the expert says
World’s first AI-designed vaccine is here: Could it stop future pandemics?
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have developed the world’s first AI-designed vaccine and tested it in humans. The experimental 'super-antigen' vaccine aims to protect against entire virus families, including future coronavirus variants, bird flu and Ebola-related threats
Health benefits of almonds: These superfoods can boost brain function and metabolic health in prediabetic adults, says Delhi study
Almonds health benefits: These superfoods can help control blood sugar levels and cholesterol, and even help you lose weight, according to a new study in Delhi.
Why India is facing a sudden shortage of 2 key chemotherapy drugs
India is facing the shortages of two backbone cancer chemotherapy drugs —cisplatin and carboplatin over the last two weeks, prompting oncologists to raise an alarm. This is due to rising raw material prices, fuelled by the Strait of Hormuz crisis
Sitting for long hours? Physiotherapist shares 4 exercises to get rid of back pain, stiffness
Long hours of sitting can lead to back stiffness, reduced spinal mobility and muscle tightness, increasing the risk of long-term musculoskeletal problems. Fortunately, a few simple exercises performed regularly can help counter these effects
Heart attack: A zero calcium score is no guarantee to prevent heart disease, expert weights in
A zero Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score is often considered a reassuring sign of heart health, but experts caution that it does not eliminate the risk of a heart attack. Doctor explains why
Trump’s hair-loss drug is missing from his health report: Why is it concerning?
US President Donald Trump’s once-disclosed use of finasteride, a popular hair-loss medication, has vanished from White House health reports during his second term. The omission has resulted in questions over presidential health transparency and what Americans should know about the health of their commander-in-chief
Indian-origin surgeon performs record-distance cardiac telesurgery from Guyana on patient in India
Conducted between Guyana and India, using an India-developed robotic system, the procedure is being described as the longest-distance robotic cardiac telesurgery performed to date.
Ozempic and Wegovy have been called 'wonder drugs'. But are they really?
Researchers are investigating whether these medications, known as GLP-1 agonists or GLP-1 drugs, could treat everything from cancer and brain disease to depression, addiction and endometriosis. Some findings are genuinely exciting. Others are being oversold. Here’s what the science actually says
Internet reacts to Anushka Sharma’s homeopathy post: ‘unscientific fraud’ vs ‘it works’
A recent social media post by Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma has reignited the long-standing debate around homeopathy, dividing users between those who call it ineffective and those who insist it has helped them.
Best exercise tips: 5 common running mistakes you should avoid to stay fit
Many people take up running to improve their health, yet simple missteps can lead to pain, fatigue and even long-term injuries. An expert explains the most common mistakes runners make and how to avoid them
How new cancer pill is allowing pancreatic cancer patients to live twice as long
Last month, a drug that can be injected and administered within seven minutes was launched in India to treat certain types of lung cancer. Now, a pill that doubles the survival time for pancreatic cancer has been introduced. But what is daraxonrasib, which is being hailed by some experts as a possible game changer? How does it work?
Diabetes, obesity and malnutrition: NFHS 6 data flags India's growing health crisis
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) shows India faces a double burden as obesity, diabetes and hypertension surge, especially in cities, while undernutrition and malnutrition persist, notably in rural areas.
Can a vaccine treat cancer? Inside the science of Vaxira, the shot that teaches the immune system to hunt lung tumours
Developed by Cuban and Argentine scientists, Vaxira uses molecular mimicry to train the immune system to recognise and attack tumour cells, offering a targeted alternative to traditional cancer therapies
Can a one-time gene edit replace lifelong cholesterol drugs? Experts weigh early LDL breakthrough
Early CRISPR-based cholesterol therapy shows striking LDL reduction, but experts warn that safety, durability and off-target risks remain unresolved, raising a bigger question: are we witnessing a medical breakthrough or an incomplete proof of concept?
Going with the flow: Does cycle syncing help with menstruation?
There’s buzz around a new trend: cycle syncing, in which women align their diet and exercise habits to each phase of their menstrual cycle. But what does science say about this online fad?
Can gene therapy achieve what decades of heart failure treatment could not — restoring cardiac function?
Cardiac gene therapy was once viewed as a promising breakthrough before high-profile clinical setbacks dampened expectations. Now, advances in gene delivery, viral vectors and molecular targeting are reviving hopes that it could offer a fundamentally new approach to treating heart failure.