Scientists have developed a novel drug that could block glioblastoma — the deadliest form of brain cancer — from spreading. The tissues in our bodies are largely made of fluid. It moves around cells and is essential to normal body function. But in some cases, this fluid may be doing more harm than good. In people who have glioblastoma, this fluid has a much higher pressure, causing it to move […]

If you are unable to exercise, a hot water treatment may help improve inflammation and blood sugar (glucose) levels, particularly in overweight men, suggests a new study. Physical stress such as exercise can increases the level of an inflammatory chemical (IL-6), which activates the release of anti-inflammatory substances to combat unhealthily high levels of inflammation, known as chronic low-grade inflammation. However, a hot-water immersion may “improve aspects of the inflammatory […]

Drinking your favourite cup of coffee could lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, according to a new study. Experts gathered at a satellite symposium hosted by The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD) annual meeting in Berlin to discuss the latest research. During the symposium, Associate Professor Mattias Carlstr?m reviewed the latest scientific research on the association between […]

In a major scientific breakthrough, a ‘super-Earth’ has been discoered orbiting the closest single star to the Sun. Astronomers studied Barnard’s Star, a red dwarf just six light years away — practically in our back garden, galactically speaking — and noticed the presence of a “frozen, dimly lit world” at least 3.2 times heavier than Earth. The planet, known as Barnard’s Star b, is the second nearest to Earth outside […]

Air pollution is one of the leading threats to child health, accounting for almost 1 in 10 deaths in children under five years of age. In 2016, approximately 6 lakh children died due to acute lower respiratory infections caused by polluted air, as per a report by the World Health Organisation. WHO in its report states that on a daily basis, around 93 per cent of the world’s children under […]

Clean-energy lights are transforming lives—and creating entrepreneurs—in Africa and India. Prashant Mandal flips on a candy-bar-size LED light in the hut he shares with his wife and four children. Instantly hues of canary yellow and ocean blue—reflecting off the plastic tarps that serve as the family’s roof and walls—fill the cramped space where they sleep. Mandal, a wiry 42-year-old with a thick black beard and a lazy eye, gestures with […]

Managing cholesterol might help reduce Alzheimer’s risk, says researchers, including one of Indian-origin, who identified a genetic link between the progressive brain disorder and heart disease. Examining DNA from more than 1.5 million people, the study showed that risk factors for heart disease such as elevated triglyceride and cholesterol levels (HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol) were genetically related to Alzheimer’s risk. However, genes that contribute to other cardiovascular risk factors, […]

Cucumbers are delicious refreshment, especially in the extremely hot summer days. Being rich in water, nutrients, electrolytes, and calorie-free, they are one of the healthiest veggies a person can eat! They belong to the Cucurbitaceae family, together with melons, squash, and pumpkins. Cucumbers originate from the northern plains of Himalays in India, but nowadays, they can be easily found everywhere around the world. Cucumbers are abundant in manganese, potassium, copper, […]

An antiviral pill taken daily by thousands of men across Sydney and other parts of Australia led to a globally unprecedented reduction in new HIV cases, showing that a targeted, preventative approach may accelerate progress on ending the AIDS epidemic. New cases of HIV among gay and bisexual men fell by almost a third to the lowest on record, according to the world’s first study to measure the impact of […]

Researchers in Denmark, Germany and Spain evaluated outdoor physical activity levels (sports, cycling, walking and gardening) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2 pollutant generated by traffic) exposure in 51,868 adults, aged 50-65. Over a 17.7-year period, there were 2,936 first heart attacks and 324 recurrent heart attacks. Higher levels of pollution were associated with more heart attacks, however, the risk was lower among those who were physically active, the researchers found. Moderate […]