What is leukaemia, the condition that ousted Syrian President’s Bashar al-Assad’s wife Asma is suffering from? – Firstpost

Asma al-Assad, wife of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is reportedly battling leukaemia. According to The Telegraph report, she only has a 50 per cent of survival. The former first lady, who was born in Britain, is receiving treatment in Moscow and has been isolated to reduce the risk of infection. Here’s all we know […]

Journal retracts study that promoted Trump’s ‘miracle drug’ hydroxychloroquine as Covid treatment – Firstpost

In the retraction notice, Elsevier mentioned that its integrity and publishing ethics team, as well as the journal’s co-owner, the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, found multiple issues with the study read more A controversial study which promoted the use of hydroxychloroquine drug as a treatment for COVID-19 was officially withdrawn from an academic journal. […]

Is flesh-eating bacteria that disfigures body spreading in Australia? – Firstpost

Australians are gripped in fear, as a flesh-eating bacteria known as Buruli ulcer, continues to spread, raising fears of its potential arrival in major cities.Previously considered rare in Australia, the ulcer has previously been reported across multiple regions, including North Queensland, the Northern Territory, and Victoria. However, its recent appearance in the coastal town of […]

India sets up the first diabetes biobank in Chennai. Here’s why this is significant – Firstpost

India has set up the country’s first-ever diabetes biobank in Chennai. The initiative, a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), aims to boost scientific research and treatment for diabetes in the country. As per a study, India has over 10 crore diabetes cases and 13.6 […]

Worried about microplastics? You should fear lead more for your health – Firstpost

Lead exposure poses a more immediate and well-documented threat to human health compared to microplastics. In children, it can result in low IQ, stunted development, and other issues. In adults, it can cause hypertension and reproductive failure read more Microplastics— tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size— are pervasive in the environment and […]

First treatment for asthma attack in 50 years. Here’s what you need to know – Firstpost

A major breakthrough in asthma treatment has been achieved through the use of Benralizumab, which researchers are calling a “game-changer.” Benralizumab, the first new treatment for asthma attacks and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 50 years, was initially approved by US and EU regulators in 2017. It was specifically designed to treat eosinophilic asthma, […]

Biden wants to make weight-loss drugs more accessible. Will it pass the Trump test? – Firstpost

Good news awaits millions of Americans suffering from obesity and desperate to shed the kilos. The Biden administration has announced a proposal to require Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs. The Health and Human Services (HHS) Department unveiled the proposal on Tuesday to add anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic and Mounjaro under Medicare […]

How matching challenges affect cancer patients worldwide – Firstpost

Each year, around 50,000 patients worldwide require a bone marrow transplant to treat various blood cancers and disorders, with 2,000 of these cases originating from the UK. These transplants are often a critical, life-saving procedure for individuals suffering from conditions like leukemia, lymphoma, and other serious blood diseases. However, finding a matching donor remains a […]

Experts link lung cancer risks to air pollution, passive smoking – Firstpost

Lung cancer leads to global cancer-related mortality rates, affecting both men and women. The World Health Organisation attributes 85% of cases to tobacco use and air pollution, highlighting these as the primary risk factors. In 2022 alone, 20 million new cancer cases were reported globally, with 9.7 million deaths—one in five individuals develop cancer during […]

How diet, exercise and stress management can lower cardiovascular disease risk – Firstpost

Unhealthy lifestyle choices and environmental factors significantly contribute to the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. The most important behavioural risk factors include unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. read more Maintaining heart health demands a multifaceted strategy including a balanced diet, regular exercise and proactive management of risk factors […]

Lifestyle, pollution & mental health linked to rising heart disease among youth  – Firstpost

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the primary cause of mortality worldwide, resulting in a substantial number of fatalities and disabilities. The alarming statistics from 2021 reveal that CVDs claimed 20.5 million lives, accounting for approximately one-third of all global deaths. Young Indians are increasingly vulnerable to heart disease due to alarming environmental and lifestyle factors. Rising […]

What is the highly-infectious Marburg viral disease that killed 6 in Rwanda? – Firstpost

The virus can be transmitted from bats to primates, including humans, and then spread through direct contact with blood or other body fluids from infected individuals read more Six people have died in Rwanda following an outbreak of the Marburg virus, the country’s health ministry said Saturday (September 29). Rwanda’s Health Minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, confirmed […]

What we know about the disease – Firstpost

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has been diagnosed with a bacterial disease known as leptospirosis. The 50-year-old AAP leader was admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali for a routine check-up following tropical fever, the subsequent blood tests confirmed the infection. According to a health bulletin released by the hospital on Saturday, the chief minister is […]

Can cake from your local bakery give you cancer? Karnataka govt’s warning explained – Firstpost

Do you love treating yourself to a visually stunning cake from your local bakery? You might want to think twice before your next bite. In a recent warning, the Karnataka Food Safety Department highlighted the use of potentially cancer-causing ingredients in cakes made by local bakeries. These cakes were found to contain artificial colours, more […]

India is the world’s diabetes capital. Here’s why samosas, cakes are to blame – Firstpost

Are you among those who cannot resist India’s beloved snack samosa? Are cakes and cookies your comfort food? Then it is high time to read this report. A first-of-its-kind clinical trial has revealed a link between foods rich in advanced glycation end products (AGEs), including ultra-processed and fast foods, and India’s status as the world’s […]

Advances in stem cell and gene therapy offer new hope for arthritis treatment – Firstpost

Approximately 18 million people globally lived with rheumatoid arthritis in 2019, with women accounting for a staggering 70% of those affected, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The disease also disproportionately affects older people, with 55% of sufferers aged 55 years or older. A significant proportion – 13 million – experience moderate to severe […]

Experts call arthritis a ‘silent epidemic,’ urge early diagnosis to prevent lasting damage – Firstpost

In view of alarming rise of arthritis globally and in India, experts have referred arthritis as silent epidemic and called for avoiding delayed diagnosis while emphasising for detecting the disease early to prevent irreversible harm. Experts warn that Arthritis, often considered a disease of the elderly, has become one of the most widespread health conditions […]

Doctor Explains | Diabetes risk growing in India, the good news is it’s preventable — here’s how – Firstpost

India has one-fourth of the world’s diabetes patients, according to a study published on the eve of the World Diabetes Day (November 14). India currently has 26 per cent of the world’s diabetes patients at 212 million (21.2 crore), according to the study by NCD Risk Factor Collaboration, an international collective of health scientists. The […]

How urban diets and artificial sweeteners are raising global diabetes risk – Firstpost

On World Diabetes Day, learn about diabetes symptoms, prevention strategies and the need for proactive lifestyle changes. Factors such as poor dietary habits, a heavy reliance on processed foods and misconceptions surrounding artificial sweeteners significantly contribute to the increasing global diabetes rates. read more A staggering 422 million people worldwide are grappling with diabetes, with […]

Why women face double the risk of osteoporosis compared to men – Firstpost

Osteoporosis has emerged as a significant public health concern in India, with alarming statistics revealing that approximately 61 million people are affected by the condition, of which 80 percent are women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30 percent of postmenopausal women globally suffer from osteoporosis, highlighting a pressing issue that requires urgent attention. […]

What is catatonic stupor? – Firstpost

In a heartbreaking incident, a woman in China suffered from a severe psychological breakdown after she was reprimanded by her boss at work. According to the South China Morning Post, the woman, identified as Li from central China’s Henan province has become a “stiff wooden person” who doesn’t eat, drink or move and needs to […]

Indian hammer thrower Rachna Kumari handed 12-year ban for failing multiple dope tests

Representational image. AP Indian hammer thrower Rachna Kumari was on Tuesday handed a 12-year ban for failing multiple dope tests by the international federation’s Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU). The 30-year-old Kumari’s dope sample, taken out-of-competition, was found to contain steroids Stanozolol, Metandienone, Dehydrochloromethyltestosterone (DHCMT) and Clenbuterol. “The AIU has banned Kumari (K.M.) Rachna (India) for 12 […]

Palani Tuskers defeat Murthal Magnets in final to win Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023

The Palani Tuskers team celebrates after being crowned champions of the 2023 Yuva Kabaddi Series. Image credit: Yuva Kabaddi Series Puducherry: Riding on raider Dhanasekar Malayali’s outstanding performance, Palani Tuskers overcame Murthal Magnets 44-41 in a thrilling final to emerge champions in the Yuva Kabaddi Series Winter Edition 2023 at the Rajiv Gandhi Indoor Stadium […]

SA 59/2 as Limbani removes Teeger

India U19 vs South Africa U19 preview: The 2024 ICC U-19 World Cup enters its business end on Tuesday with defending champions India taking on hosts South Africa in the first of two semi-finals in Benoni on Tuesday. The ‘Colts in Blue will be eyeing a fifth consecutive appearance in the U-19 World Cup final […]

Brazil’s candidate to head Interpol says time for a leader from developing nation

Urquiza, 42, currently one of Interpol’s three vice-presidents, said Brazil’s stated neutrality in global affairs was an advantage Image Courtesy Reuters Interpol should elect a new head from a developing nation to diversify the organisation and boost its credibility as crime becomes increasingly globalised, Brazil’s candidate to head the international police agency, Valdecy Urquiza, told […]

Ollie Pope played the greatest knock by an English batter in sub-continent, says Ben Stokes

“Absolutely thrilled for everyone. Tom Hartley on debut getting nine wickets, Ollie Pope coming back after his shoulder surgery, incredible effort from everyone,’ said Ben Stokes. England batter Ollie Pope celebrates after completing his century on Day 3 of the first Test against India in Hyderabad. AP England captain Ben Stokes was all praise for […]

Pat Cummins leads Australia-dominated side

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday announced the Men’s Test Team of the Year 2023 with five Australian players and two Indian spinners featuring in the eleven. Australia’s World Test Championship-winning captain Pat Cummins was crowned as the skipper of the team while Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja found their way into the team. […]

Pakistan Cricket Board issue NOCs to top players

Mystery surrounds the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to issue NOCs to centrally contracted as well as non-contracted players to participate in ILT20 and BPL. Shaheen Afridi and other top Pakistan players have been cleared for T20 leagues. AP Mystery surrounds the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to issue NOCs to centrally contracted as well as non-contracted […]

Manavjit Sandhu alleges ‘politics’ after failing equipment control test in Olympic Qualifiers

File image of ace Indian trap shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu. PTI New Delhi: Manavjit Singh Sandhu’s quest to qualify for the Paris Olympics suffered a huge setback on Saturday after his gun stock failed the equipment control test ahead of Asia Qualifiers in Kuwait, a development the veteran shooter blamed on “politics”. Trap shooter Manavjit […]

Bhuvneshwar makes sensational red-ball return with five-for in UP-Bengal match

Bhuvneshwar’s last red-ball appearance was in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa in January, 2018 and his destructive haul comes days before the Test series between India and England gets underway. Bhuvneshwar Kumar hadn’t played red-ball cricket for six years before the Ranji Trophy meeting between Uttar Pradesh and Bengal in Kanpur. PTI Senior India […]

Inside India’s whopping Rs 6,000 crore plan

India are hoping to stage the 2036 Olympic Games in the country. Reuters The Gujarat government is working overtime to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream to see India host the 2036 Olympics. During the opening ceremony of the 141st International Olympic Committee (IOC) Annual Session in Mumbai in October, PM Modi had confirmed India’s […]

Clinical India beat Australia in 1st T20I

Navi Mumbai: A resurgent India Women produced a spotless effort to crush Australia by nine wickets in the first T20I and take a vital 1-0 lead in the three-match series here on Friday. After Titas Sadhu’s career-best figures of four for 17 helped India dismiss Australia for a mere 141, openers Smriti Mandhana (54) and […]

Australia regain No 1 spot from India

Australia overtook India to become the No 1 Test side following their series victory over Pakistan at home. For India, meanwhile, having had to share the Test series against South Africa 1-1 meant that they had to relinquish top spot. Australia hold an unassailable 2-0 lead over Pakistan in the three-match Test series. AP Australia […]

Suspended SLC to draw new laws aimed at curbing political interference

The ICC had suspended Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in November after then-Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe had sacked the entire Shammi Silva-led board following the team’s disastrous World Cup performance. File image of Sri Lanka Cricket president Shammi Silva. Reuters Colombo: Suspended by the ICC for “political interference”, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) will soon introduce a […]

WFI chief Sanjay Singh says federation can ‘explore legal options’ to get suspension lifted

Sanjay Singh is congratulated after getting elected as the Wrestling Federation of India president. PTI Reacting the Sports Ministry’s suspension of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) on Sunday, president Sanjay Singh said they would approach the Centre to reverse its decision by offering an explanation over its recent decisions. Singh, who had been elected […]

‘Chamari Athapaththu going unsold in WPL Auction was unfair’: Anjum Chopra

Sri Lankan star Chamari Athapaththu going unsold in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction for 2024 season has stunned many including former Indian skipper Anjum Chopra. Australian all-rounder Annabel Sutherland and uncapped Indian pacer Kashvee Gautam attracted the biggest bids of Rs 2 crores each from Delhi Capitals (DC) and Gujarat Giants (GG) respectively while […]

Players bought by GG, complete squad

WPL 2024 Auction, Gujarat Giants (GG): A complete list of players acquired by Gujarat Giants at the WPL auction in Mumbai with complete squad. File image of the Gujarat Giants Team. Sportzpics Gujarat Giants, who had finished fifth out of five teams in the inaugural Women’s Premier League (WPL) season, are led by Sneh Rana […]