Survey reveals many Americans unaware of pregnancy-related heart disease risks

A new national survey reveals that many Americans are unaware of the long-term risks of heart disease associated with pregnancy and the critical care needed before, during, and after pregnancy.

The survey, commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, found that a majority of people consider symptoms like fatigue (73%) and nausea (65%) as normal during and after pregnancy.

New WHO-backed research clears mobile phones of cancer concerns

Research conducted by Australia’s nuclear and radiation safety agency has found no evidence linking mobile phone use to various types of cancer.

The study, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and released on Tuesday, February 4, concluded that radio wave exposure from mobile phones has no association with cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and cancers of the thyroid and oral cavity.

South-East Asia faces rising cancer burden, WHO warns ahead of World Cancer Day

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported on Monday, February 3, that the South-East Asia region is projected to see an 85% increase in new cancer cases and deaths by 2050, ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4.

This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” emphasizes the collective commitment to combat cancer, highlighting the importance of personalized care provided by healthcare workers, families, friends, and communities, according to Saima Wazed, WHO’s Regional Director for South-East Asia.

AAPI-MSFR hosts Medical Scholars Summit at Rutgers University

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, AAPI – MSRF organized a highly successful annual MSRF & Premed Medical Scholars Summit at the Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ from January 25-26, 2025, Dr. Satheesh Kathula, President of AAPI stated.

Organized by a team of young Medical Students and Residents of Indian origin, the Medical Scholars Summit was planned and organized by an MSRF Executive Board, led by Priya Uppal, President of MSRF; Priyanka Kolli, President-Elect; Sohi Mistry, Vice President; Priyal Shah, Treasurer; and Drishti Patel, Secretary of MSRF.

Dr. VK Raju leads effort to eradicate childhood blindness at New Delhi event

Dr. Vadrevu K. Raju, a world-renowned ophthalmologist, philanthropist, and the founder of the Eye Foundation of America (EFA), has called for an immediate and sustainable action, giving hope for tomorrow, a world without childhood blindness

“Childhood blindness is a tragedy, but we can prevent it. Today, we make a new beginning in our concerted efforts to prevent and eradicate childhood blindness with the resources and the modern technology that are available today,” said Dr. Raju during a Scientific Convention and Fund Raiser organized at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on January 31, 2025.

Maha-Kumbh of 2025: Do’s and Don’ts from a Health Perspective

In 2025, the Maha-Kumbh began in Prayagraj on January 13, 2025, with the Pausha Purnima Snan, and concludes on February 26, 2025, with the Shahi Snan, corresponding with Maha Shivaratri. It is envisaged that it will be a large gathering of over 100 million pilgrims attending it. The website is https://mahakumbh.in/ Here are some Do’s and Don’ts from a health perspective that you must practice if you are planning to go.

Long-term health effects of Covid-19 persist, new studies reveal ongoing risks

Leukocyte count found to predict Covid severity in older women, study shows

A new international study suggests that the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) could be an important factor in predicting serious outcomes of Covid-19 in postmenopausal women.

Even months after the initial Covid-19 infection, caused by the SARs-CoV-2 virus, many people worldwide continue to suffer from ongoing effects. The most common lasting symptoms are cognitive problems and fatigue, with cognitive issues affecting 70% of patients.

Researchers develop voice-based method for early Alzheimer’s detection

A team of Chinese researchers has developed a new voice-based method to help detect Alzheimer’s disease early, aiming to overcome the language limitations that often come with the neurodegenerative condition. The research is focused on finding ways to identify the disease before it progresses too far, which can significantly improve patient care. Alzheimer’s disease is a condition that affects memory, thinking, and behavior, and it often makes it difficult for patients to communicate effectively.

The research team, led by Professor Li Hai at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is tackling this challenge by exploring how speech can be used as a tool for early diagnosis. As the global population continues to age, the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s is rising rapidly. This makes it more important than ever to find ways to detect the disease in its early stages, when treatment options are more effective.

New nano-formulation could offer safer Parkinson’s treatment

Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST) Mohali, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, announced a groundbreaking targeted nano-formulation on Monday, January 27, that could provide a safer treatment option for Parkinson’s disease patients.

The new formulation facilitates the controlled release of 17beta-oestradiol, a hormone essential for managing Parkinson’s. Imbalances in 17beta-oestradiol (E2) in the brain are believed to contribute to neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders like Parkinson’s disease.

Indian American Pari Pandharipande to lead Penn Medicine’s radiology department

Pari V. Pandharipande, MD, MPH, FACR, a nationally renowned physician-scientist at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Medicine and Wexner Medical Center, has been named Chair of the department of Radiology at Penn Medicine. The Indian American’s term will start from June 1, 2025, an official news release stated.

“Dr. Pandharipande brings a wealth of experience in key leadership roles that uniquely position her to lead our ‘One Penn Medicine Radiology’ efforts at this critical time for health care,” said Kevin B. Mahoney, CEO of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. “As we continue to enhance care, enrich patient experience, increase efficiency, and standardize processes across our facilities, we are especially excited for her expertise in managing transformative clinical integration projects across other large health systems.”

U.S. birthright citizenship order prompts Indian parents to pursue early deliveries

Reports have emerged of Indian nationals in the U.S. on temporary visas requesting early C-sections in an attempt to bypass President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship.

The order, set to take effect on February 19, would end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S., limiting it to those born to U.S. citizens or Green Card holders.

Breast cancer breakthrough: New treatment shows promise

Australian researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in treating the most common form of breast cancer.

A groundbreaking international clinical trial, led by Melbourne’s Peter MacCallum Cancer Center (Peter Mac), has demonstrated that adding the immunotherapy drug nivolumab to the chemotherapy regimen for patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer can dramatically improve outcomes.

Hidden fat is a new risk factor for heart disease

New research reveals that individuals with significant fat deposits within their muscles face a heightened risk of experiencing heart attacks, heart failure, or even death, regardless of their Body Mass Index (BMI).

This groundbreaking study, led by Professor Viviany Taqueti from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, marks the first comprehensive investigation into the impact of intramuscular fat on cardiovascular health.

Indian American appointed Executive Director of HUP-Cedar Avenue public health campus

A maternal fetal medicine specialist, Indian American Sindhu Srinivas, MD, MSCE, LDI Senior Fellow and Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Perelman School of Medicine, has been named the Executive Director of the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania’s (HUP)-Cedar Avenue public health campus.

Srinivas, who is currently the Associate Chief Medical Officer for Quality and Safety at HUP, previously worked as the former Vice Chair for Quality and Safety in the HUP Obstetrics and Gynecology Department.

Indo-U.S. collaboration in cardiovascular care highlighted at AAPI convention in Hyderabad

The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) organized its first-ever Indo-US Scientific Convention on January 18, 2025, at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.

The event focused on critical topics such as sudden cardiac death, advancements in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the growing Indo-U.S. collaboration in CPR techniques.

WHO expresses regret as President Trump signs executive order to exit global health agency

Just hours after his inauguration as the 47th President of the U.S., Donald Trump pulled his country out of the the World Health Organization (WHO), citing several reasons.

The WHO has now expressed regret over US’ decision to withdraw from the global health agency and emphasized the importance of the organization in safeguarding the health and security of people worldwide, including Americans.

Oyster protein shows promise in combatting antibiotic-resistant superbugs

A protein found in the blood of Australian oysters could help in the fight against antibiotic-resistant superbugs, according to a study published on recently.

The study, led by a team from Australia’s Southern Cross University (SCU), discovered that a protein in the blood of the Sydney rock oyster is capable of killing bacteria as well as increasing the effectiveness of some antibiotics against a range of bacteria, Xinhua news agency reported.

Study warns of impact of air pollution in preconception period on child obesity

Greater exposure to air pollution particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the three months before conception can raise the risk of childhood obesity to two years after birth, according to a study on Thursday.

Past research has linked air pollution exposure during pregnancy to a broad range of health problems in children, including respiratory issues and a higher risk for chronic diseases, such as obesity and heart problems.

Study reveals eye tests can help predict stroke risk

Researchers have revealed that routine eye tests can accurately predict a person’s risk of stroke.

The research, led by the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) in Melbourne, Australia, identified a blood vessel “fingerprint” at the back of the eye that can be used to predict a person’s stroke risk as accurately as traditional risk factors, but without the need for invasive tests, Xinhua News agency reported.

Should human metapneumovirus (hMPV) worry us?

The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CCDC) or China CDC has recently been reporting a steep increase in viral infections of the respiratory tract. This is coupled with viral videos on social media about hospitals full of sick people with masks and exhibiting respiratory illness symptoms.

This has triggered fears among people all over the world that there is going to be a similar outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this scenario, people are most afraid of the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) which is gaining notoriety. Let us examine this issue closely.

New treatment combination achieves higher cure rates for parasitic worm infections

A fixed-dose combination of albendazole and ivermectin may be a better tool against soil-transmitted helminths, that cause intestinal infections, according to results of phase II-III clinical trial.

Four species of parasitic worms (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and the hookworms Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus) are responsible for soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH). These parasitic worms get transmitted via contact with contaminated soil or water, causing a significant impact on nutrition and health, particularly in children and women of reproductive age.