A hearing impairment developed with age could increase risk of Parkinson’s disease by up to 57% and thus, serve as an early warning sign, according to a study. While hearing loss has been associated with cognitive decline and considered a risk factor for dementia, this study, published in the journal Parkinsonism and Related Disorders. Previous studies suggest, low dopamine levels are found in both individuals with hearing loss and patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Our patients need to understand - “sugar-free” isn’t the same as “carb-free”. They assume these products are completely safe for diabetic patients. While “sugar-free” products don’t contain table sugar, they still have carbohydrates & fats that may impact one's health. For instance, sugar-free biscuits may be made with refined flour, which is a carbohydrate & can raise blood sugar levels. Many sugar-free products compensate for the lack of sugar by adding more fat to improve taste & texture. Consuming these without portion control, can still cause spikes in blood sugar or weight gain.

Industry experts expect the 2025 Union Budget to include reforms for the healthcare sector. They seek increased government spending, focus on preventive healthcare, tax uniformity, and better insurance policies. Stakeholders hope for measures to improve healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural areas, and initiatives to support urban low-income households and combat diseases like cervical cancer.

Brains of girl and boy infants differ at birth -- while boy infants tend to have bigger brains and more white matter, girl infants have significantly more grey matter that is known to help with learning, speech and cognition, a study has shown. The results, published in the journal Biology of Sex Differences, might reflect biological sex-specific differences as the brain is developing in the womb, according to researchers.

Mumbai-based startup Shashvi Remedies has developed a new ayurvedic formulation with a successful game-changer potent to revolutionise the world of breast cancer treatment. This invention successfully passed the most important tests. In-Vitro on the MCF7 human breast cancer cell line was done in both 2018 and 2024. Results showed a killing of more than 80% cancerous cells within 72 hours and showed an excellent safety profile. Click to read more..

Approximately 1 in 8 people globally live with a mental health condition - WHO. Shraddha who was pursuing medicine, failed her first-year exam. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with the milder 'Bipolar 1 Disorder'. But despite the initial challenges, with the help of medications, psychotherapy, her professors help she thrived academically & graduated with honours. She also earned a scholarship programme to pursue a master’s degree in her chosen field of study in the UK. She became a member of her university’s mental health awareness club.

Ischaemic stroke is the most common, accounting for about 70-80% of all strokes in India. Roughly a 4th of the Indian population has access to a rehabilitation centre within an hour of experiencing an ischaemic stroke. There is <1 ischaemic stroke centre per million population. In the recent study, researchers, including those from the US' Ascension Health and AIIMS, Hyderabad, found that a total of 566 stroke centres equipped with the 'intravenous thrombolysis' method of treatment were spread across 26 states and union territories.

This one of the first studies shows, Drug-resistant infections drive up the treatment costs by > 40 % shows a recently published study by researchers from the ICMR. The study of 1,723 patient records from across 8 hospitals found that the cost of treatment of resistant infections shot up 33.1% on average as compared to drug susceptible infections. On average, it cost $1,238 for the treatment of resistant infections and $ 827 for the sensitive infections. Comparison of cost in private and Govt. hospitals is in the image.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) West Bengal, seized “spurious” drugs including anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, and other drugs worth Rs 6.6 crore during a raid at a wholesale firm - 'Care and Cure For You' in Kolkata and arrested the company’s owner. The drugs, labelled as being manufactured in various countries, including Ireland, Turkey, Bangladesh and US were found without any supporting documents for importation into India, the Union Health Ministry said. Further investigation into the matter is ongoing.

About 5% of Indian women aged 25-49 have undergone hysterectomy, with heavy menstrual bleeding being the most common reason. Women in agriculture are 32% more likely to have this surgery. Higher rates are seen in states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Bihar. 2/3rd of surgeries occur in private facilities, suggesting profit motives may contribute to the trend.