Braving biting cold, incessant rain and strong winds, transplant teams of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) ensured that the precious gift of life reached two waiting recipients without compromise. In a remarkable demonstration of medical excellence, the hospital retrieved and transplanted vital organs from AIIMS Rishikesh in Uttarakhand under exceptionally challenging conditions and critical time constraints. Raghu Paswan’s liver, one kidney and pancreas were allocated to PGIMER in Chandigarh, while one kidney was allocated to AIIMS in New Delhi, the heart to the Army Hospital (Research and Referral) in New Delhi, and the lungs to Apollo Hospital in Chennai, extending the donor’s legacy of life across multiple regions of the country. From sudden loss emerged a legacy of life. Paswan, 42, was admitted to AIIMS Rishikesh on January 16 after sustaining critical injuries following a fall from a two-storey building. He suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and, despite all possible medical interventions, was declared brain dead. Rising above immeasurable grief, the family took the decision to donate his organs, offering hope and life to multiple patients awaiting transplants across the country. Expressing gratitude, PGIMER Director Prof Vivek Lal on Saturday said, “This organ donation stands as a powerful reminder that humanity shines brightest in moments of loss. Despite harsh weather, long distances and immense time pressure, our teams were resolute that no organ and no life would be lost due to logistical challenges. “The selfless decision of the donor family, combined with extraordinary teamwork across institutions, has given multiple patients a renewed lease on life and sustained the hope of many more,” he said. Following this noble decision, organ allocation was carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOA), 1994, and established national allocation protocols through the coordinated efforts of NOTTO and ROTTO (North), ensuring transparency, equity and timeliness, PGIMER said in a statement. Highlighting the surgical and logistical challenges, Prof L. Kaman, Head, Department of General Surgery, PGIMER, said, “A dedicated liver transplant team comprising Dr Swapnesh Kumar Sahu and Dr Shibojit departed from Chandigarh at 9 p.m. on January 22 for AIIMS Rishikesh, along with a pancreas transplant team consisting of Dr Shivakumar Patil and Dr Praneeth. After nearly six hours of continuous road travel, the teams reached AIIMS Rishikesh by 3 a.m. and were rushed directly to the operation theatre for preparation and coordination.” The organ retrieval commenced at 9 a.m. and was successfully completed by 12 noon, following which a ‘green corridor’ was created to ensure time-bound transportation of the liver graft. The teams then began the return journey and reached PGIMER in Chandigarh by 3 p.m., where they were taken straight to the operation theatre for transplantation. Notably, for the first time, a liver was transported by road from AIIMS Rishikesh to PGIMER under severe weather conditions to minimise ischaemia time, Prof Kaman added. Emphasising the impact on recipients, Prof Ashish Sharma, Head, Renal Transplant, PGIMER, said, “There are only a handful of pancreas transplant programmes in the country, whereas there are a large number of patients with diabetes and kidney failure.” The pancreas was transplanted into a 28-year-old woman who had been struggling with diabetes and had been on multiple daily insulin injections since the age of eight. She is now showing clear signs of recovery. “We have the experience of nearly 10 such organs being transported from various hospitals across north India, including AIIMS Rishikesh, AIIMS Jodhpur and Sir Gangaram Hospital in New Delhi, in addition to those retrieved from hospitals in the tricity — Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali,” he said. Coordinating the complex multi-state logistics, Dr (Maj) RPS Bhogal, Associate Professor, Department of Hospital Administration, PGIMER, said, “This mission was a test of real-time coordination under extreme pressure.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2026 12:01 PM IST | Chandigarh | IANSBurning firewood at home can be a major contributor to air pollution and premature deaths in winters, according to a study. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, showed that residential wood burning comprises about 22 per cent of PM2.5 pollution in winter, making it one of the single largest sources of fine particle pollution during the coldest months. The modelling study led by researchers from Northwestern University found that pollution from residential wood burning is associated with about 8,600 premature deaths per year in the US. They suggested using alternative appliances to heat homes instead of burning wood, which can have a big impact on fine particulate matter in the air -- and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. "We frequently hear about the negative health impacts of wildfire smoke, but do not often consider the consequences of burning wood for heat in our homes," said Daniel Horton, Associate Professor of Earth at the varsity. "Since only a small number of homes rely on wood burning for heat, facilitating a home-heating appliance transition to cleaner burning or non-burning heat sources could lead to outsized improvements in air quality," he added. The study focussed on wood burning in homes, including emissions from wood-burning furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, and stoves. Using a high-resolution atmospheric model, they simulated how pollution moves through the air. The model accounted for weather, wind, temperature, terrain, and atmospheric chemistry to estimate air quality over time. "Wood burning emissions enter the atmosphere, where they are affected by meteorology," Horton said. "Some emissions are considered primary pollutants, such as black carbon, and some interact with the atmosphere and other constituents, and can form additional, secondary species of particulate matter pollution." The team found that particulate matter from wood burning is particularly problematic in cities and suburban communities due to the combined effects of population density, emissions density, and atmospheric transport. In many cities, smoke from surrounding suburbs drifts into more densely populated urban cores, which have limited wood-burning emissions. Even cities not typically associated with wood burning, such as those in warmer climates, can experience impacts from wood burning during cold snaps, recreational burning, and atmospheric transport. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2026 10:04 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSCommonly found viruses such as the parvovirus B19 (PVB19) can cause serious brain infections like encephalitis, said researchers from the AIIMS Bhopal on Saturday. Parvovirus B19 is a common virus with which most people come into contact at some point in their lives. In some rare cases, especially in children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems, this virus can affect the brain. The researchers analysed 14 international studies conducted over the past 30 years, involving more than 3,000 patients. The virus was found in approximately three out of every 100 patients. “The common virus called parvovirus B19 can cause serious brain disease encephalitis in some rare cases,” AIIMS Bhopal shared in a post on the social media platform X. “Encephalitis can involve high fever, headache, confusion, seizures, and sometimes permanent brain damage or death,” it added. According to researchers, even though PVB19 is not the most common cause of encephalitis, identifying it in some cases can save the patient's life. “For those patients in whom the cause of encephalitis is not clear, doctors can now also consider testing for this virus. Timely and correct identification can lead to better treatment and increase the chances of the patient's recovery,” the post read. PVB19 typically causes mild illness, most famously the "slapped cheek" rash and fever in children but can also manifest as arthritis in adults. It spreads through respiratory droplets and blood, targeting red blood cell precursors in the bone marrow. The virus can involve multiple organ systems, leading to a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, and can lead to serious complications like aplastic crisis in those with blood disorders or foetal issues in pregnancy. In a recent study, researchers from China’s Zhejiang Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine also alerted patients with brain haemorrhage surgery to unexplained anaemia due to PVB19 infections. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
26 January,2026 10:03 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSMumbai doctors have successfully performed a landmark monportal endoscopic spine surgery on a 45-year-old woman who presented with severe back pain and marked loss of mobility. The patient was “super obese", weighing 120 kg with a BMI of 52, which placed her at significant surgical risk. This case makes it the highest documented BMI in India at which this Interlaminar endoscopic technique has been performed safely. The 45-year-old woman, originally from India and currently living in Germany, returned home for her annual visit and developed sudden, severe back pain soon after arrival. The pain intensified to the point that she could barely stand or walk. Initial evaluation confirmed an L4–L5 disc herniation with severe nerve-root compression. Although such cases usually respond well to surgical treatment, but she was not being offered surgical option due to her weight. She remained bedridden for nearly two months without improvement, and the prolonged immobility raised concerns about losing her job in Germany since she was unable to travel back. She then sought care at Jaslok Hospital, where the endoscopic spine team assessed her case. The surgeons explained that monportal endoscopic spine surgery, which requires an incision of less than 1 cm, is safe and feasible even for patients with complex body types, making her weight no barrier to treatment. A review of medical literature confirmed that she is likely the highest-BMI patient in India to undergo this endoscopic procedure successfully. The surgery was performed successfully by Dr Manish Kothari and the Anaesthesia for the surgery was looked after by Dr Rajashree Deopujari, additional director Anaesthesiology and Dr Anuraj Jain, consultant, Anaesthesiology. She was discharged the following day with significant pain relief. After recovery, she began a structured weight-loss programme involving diet and exercise and lost around 20 kg over the next two months. She has now returned to Germany with her parents to resume work and continue her health journey. Dr Manish Kothari, consultant Endoscopic Spine Surgery, said, “Operating on a patient with such a high BMI required constant attention to subtle anatomical variations and careful instrument navigation. The monportal endoscopic approach gave us the precision and flexibility to adapt at every step, ensuring safe decompression of the nerve with minimal SCAR. Seeing her regain mobility so quickly is a powerful reminder of how surgical expertise combined with advanced technology can make a real difference in challenging cases.” Dr Milind Khadke, chief medical officer, said, “This patient had been considered too high-risk for surgery due to her weight, yet at the hospital we were able to offer a safe and effective minimally invasive solution. Cases like hers demonstrate the level of expertise and confidence our team brings to complex spine care. Seeing her regain mobility so quickly reinforces how advanced endoscopic techniques can provide new possibilities for patients who were previously considered inoperable.”
25 January,2026 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentDoctors at the All India Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi have successfully treated a colon cancer patient by removing a whopping 19.9 kg tumour from a 43-year-old, giving her a new lease of life. Munmun, hailing from Durgapur, West Bengal, came to the hospital in July 2024 with abdominal distension (a larger-than-normal belly). She had a history of unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy -- the surgical removal of one ovary and one fallopian tube on one side of the body -- 25 years ago. Munmun was diagnosed with Stage-4 colon cancer, featuring pelvic predominance. She had visited multiple hospitals and undergone several cycles of chemotherapy. Despite that, there was no improvement, and the disease kept progressing. With the tumour spreading to multiple abdominal organs, she was given only 3-4 months to survive. “A team of doctors, led by Prof. M.D. Ray, a surgical oncologist at AIIMS Delhi, performed successful cytoreductive surgery on January 12, achieving complete resection and removing 19.9 kg of tumour burden with multi-organ resections, completing surgery plus HIPEC on January 15, to complete the oncosurgical management. The patient was shifted from the ICU to the ward and later discharged. She is doing fine, expectedly,” the apex institute said in a statement. Speaking to reporters, Ray noted the disease was considered inoperable based on CT and PET-CT scans. The scans showed a massive abdominal tumor with no separately identifiable organs. The entire abdomen was occupied by a tumour mass. As the patient was unlikely to tolerate the massive procedure in a single surgery, he decided to do the surgery in two stages. “In the first stage, I removed the bulk of the tumour. We performed extensive resection, removing ascending colon, part of ileum, two-thirds of transverse colon, sigmoid colon, omentum, uterus, and bilateral fallopian tubes, parts of liver and liver capsule, and peritoneum,” the doctor said. “Major vessels such as the IVC were at risk due to inflammation and infiltration, making surgery extremely challenging,” he said, adding that during this stage, the patient became hemodynamically unstable due to blood loss and other complications. After a gap of two days, the second stage of the surgery was performed, where HIPEC was administered to the patient. While chemotherapy is usually given intravenously, in the Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy -- the heated chemotherapy (41–43 degrees Celsius) is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity after complete tumour removal. “Once we were satisfied that all visible tumours were removed, HIPEC was administered for one and a half hours to eliminate microscopic disease that cannot be seen with the naked eye,” Ray said. “Postoperatively, the abdomen appeared completely free of visible tumor. The liver and intestines were clearly visible and uninvolved,” he added. “The patient was kept in the ICU postoperatively. On the first postoperative day, she was already smiling and laughing. She was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. The first surgery was done on January 12th, the second on January 15th, and she was discharged on January 20th,” the doctor said. Ray explained that colon cancer, once considered a terminal disease, is still curable in some cases. “Metastatic colon cancer should not be declared untreatable without evaluation at a high-volume center with expert surgeons,” he said. Colon cancer is the third most common cancer in women and the sixth most common cancer in men in India. Major risk factors include tobacco and alcohol, lifestyle factors, obesity, sedentary habits, poor diet, and chronic stress. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
25 January,2026 12:47 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSRoutine childhood vaccinations are not associated with an increased risk of epilepsy in young children, according to a new study led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, showed that the aluminum used as vaccine adjuvants also does not increase the risk of the neurological condition. “Incident epilepsy was not associated with up-to-date vaccination status or cumulative vaccine aluminum exposure among children less than 4 years of age,” said the team, including those from the Marshfield Clinic Research Institute in Marshfield, US. The study included 2,089 children diagnosed as having epilepsy from age 1 year to less than 4 years. These were compared with 20,139 children without epilepsy based on age, sex, and health care site. The majority of the kids were boys (54 per cent) and between the ages of 1 year and 23 months (69 per cent). No higher risk following the childhood vaccine schedule was observed, stated the researchers. To assess vaccine exposure, the team examined the schedule for routine childhood vaccines and their cumulative aluminum exposure from vaccine adjuvants, measured in milligrams. Aluminum salts -- including formulations of aluminum hydroxide (AH), amorphous aluminum hydroxyphosphate sulfate, aluminum phosphate (AP), combined AH and AP (AH/AP), and aluminum potassium sulfate --are commonly used as adjuvants in vaccines. While this helps to enhance immune response, it has been a focus of safety concerns. However, the team found that neither measure was associated with a higher risk of epilepsy. “The adjusted odds ratios for both measures did not exceed 1.0. Children with previously established risk factors for epilepsy, including those born prematurely, those with a history of epilepsy, and those with underlying neurologic or medical conditions, had substantially higher odds of developing the condition,” the team said. A subgroup analysis suggested that very young infants (1 to 2 months old) who received vaccines containing the adjuvant combination AH/AP appeared to have about twice the odds of an epilepsy diagnosis compared with those who did not, but the odds did not quite reach statistical significance. “Overall, this study provides additional reassurance on the safety of the childhood vaccine schedule at a time when vaccination coverage has declined in some populations," the researchers said. "These results may help providers communicate with parents concerned about potential risks of epilepsy,” they added.
25 January,2026 12:46 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSDoctors at a hospital in Kolkata have successfully performed their first-ever stem cell therapy for an advanced case of Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) on a 62-year-old retired government employee from the 'City of Joy'. The therapy was done under the expertise of Dr Jayanta Das, consultant - Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and Dr Krishnendu Mukherjee, consultant – Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Manipal Hospital, Broadway. The patient was a chronic smoker, had been diagnosed with PAD nearly a year ago and was initially advised angioplasty with possible stenting. Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is a condition in which the blood vessels in the legs become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow. This can cause leg pain, non-healing wounds, and in severe cases, infection or amputation. Smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol are common causes. However, due to delayed follow-up and disease progression, he later presented with severe critical limb ischemia (blocked blood flow to an arm or leg) and an active non-healing ulcer. Advanced angiography revealed that conventional surgical options were no longer feasible due to the absence visible arterial lumen (hollow inner space of an artery through which blood flows). With amputation the only option left, the team led by Dr. Jayanta Das proposed stem cell therapy, a treatment where special cells are used to help repair damaged tissues and improve blood flow, especially when other treatments are not possible. The patient was admitted to the hospital on the same day the procedure was conducted and he was discharged on the following day. Within 24 hours, the patient experienced complete relief from pain through a remarkable early outcome. The healing response of the ulcer will be assessed over the next six weeks. Speaking about the case, Dr Das said, “In advanced Peripheral Arterial Disease, when angioplasty or bypass surgery is no longer possible due to complete blockage of blood vessels, stem cell therapy offers a promising limb-saving option. In this case, the patient had no viable surgical alternative and was at high risk of amputation. The therapy resulted in significant relief from severe rest pain within 24 hours, highlighting the potential of regenerative medicine to improve blood flow and quality of life in patients with critical limb ischemia.” Adding to this, Dr Mukherjee said, “Critical limb ischemia caused by severe arterial blockage leaves very limited treatment options, and in many cases, patients are pushed towards amputation. In this case, stem cell therapy was carefully planned and executed after thorough evaluation, as no conventional surgical or endovascular intervention was feasible. The early clinical response, particularly the rapid relief from rest pain, is encouraging and highlights the role of advanced regenerative procedures in managing complex vascular cases.” Sharing his relief, the man shared, “When I was told that surgery was no longer possible and amputation might be needed, I felt helpless. Stem cell therapy gave me a new option and new hope. Within a day, my pain reduced significantly, and I am grateful to the team at Manipal Hospital Broadway for this treatment.”
23 January,2026 03:28 PM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentIn a rare case, a 25-year-old Pune woman was diagnosed with both a slow-growing mesenteric tumour and abdominal tuberculosis, but has now been treated successfully by doctors in the city. The extraordinary medical case was take up and treated by successfully tackled by a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Gauri Jagdale, consultant – Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Motherhood Hospitals in Kharadi, The new mother had developed a massive abdominal tumour and abdominal tuberculosis (TB) just months after delivering her baby. What began as a normal postpartum recovery quickly turned into a medical puzzle involving two rare conditions occurring simultaneously — a combination never recorded before in medical literature for someone so young. Imagine bringing a baby into the world after a full-term pregnancy, believing the toughest days are behind you, only to be faced with two life-threatening health conditions at the same time. This was the painful reality of a 25-year-old new mother, a resident of Kharadi, a homemaker, whose journey shocked even experienced doctors. During her pregnancy, she had bravely managed a large 10–12 cm fibroid resting on top of her uterus. It was monitored through those difficult nine months and removed safely during her C-section. With her baby in her arms, she finally felt she could breathe again. She thought her struggles were over. The baby was born in October, and the couple were in joy. But life had a different plan. Just five months after delivery, in the month of April, something began to change quietly inside her body. She couldn’t see it, but she could feel it, a strange heaviness, a dragging pain that made even simple daily tasks difficult. As a new mother, she brushed it aside at first, thinking it was just fatigue. But as the months passed and the pain grew, so did her fear. By seven months postpartum, she gathered her strength and returned to the doctor. Doctors were left everyone stunned when they found it was a massive 18 cm abdominal mass of 527 grams in weight. so large that her stomach looked like she was five months pregnant again. Given her fibroid history, the team initially suspected another giant fibroid. But nothing about her symptoms or scans felt straightforward. Her young age, her good health, and the unusual presentation all added to the medical mystery. Behind the medical details was a young mother silently battling confusion, discomfort, and fear, trying to care for her baby while hiding her growing anxiety, hoping for answers and praying for relief. Dr Jagdale, explained, “This case reminded us how unpredictable postpartum recovery can be. The patient was young, healthy, and had already undergone fibroid removal during her C-section. When she returned with a large mass months later, we suspected another fibroid — but her scans and symptoms did not match. During surgery, when we discovered the tumour coming from the mesentery, not the uterus, it completely changed the diagnosis. What made this case extraordinary was the second surprise — abdominal tuberculosis. Both these conditions are rare individually but seeing them together in a 25-year-old woman is unheard of. What truly helped her recover was her courage and timely decision to return for evaluation. Persistent postpartum pain should never be ignored.” She further added, “Had the tumour not been removed at the right time, it could have pressed on the intestines and major blood vessels causing blockages, bleeding, or severe infection. Early action prevented all these complications. Today, she is pain-free and able to care for her baby again.” Dr Deshmukh, who assisted her during the surgery said, “Mesenteric tumors are extremely rare, and this one measured 18 cm and weighed over half a kilo. Removing it without harming nearby organs was critical. Pathology confirmed a spindle cell tumor with low malignant potential, reassuring us that surgery averted future risks. The added diagnosis of abdominal TB made the case more complex, and we immediately began anti-TB treatment to ensure full recovery.” The new mother expressed her relief and gratitude, saying, “When the doctors told me there was a large tumour inside me, I was terrified. I had just delivered my baby and thought my problems were over. I never imagined I would have both a tumour and TB. But the doctors supported me like family. They explained everything clearly and gave me confidence. I am grateful they found the problem in time. Today, I can take care of my baby again because of their dedication.” This rare case underscores a powerful message — postpartum discomfort should never be ignored, especially when symptoms persist or worsen. Timely medical help, expert evaluation, and a strong multidisciplinary approach helped this young woman overcome two life-threatening conditions. She is now recovering well, on anti-TB medication, and will undergo follow-up every 6 months to ensure long-term health and safety.
23 January,2026 01:51 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondentMumbai doctors are observing a clear rise in the number of fractures among elderly patients, with nearly 10-15 senior citizens reporting fractures requiring surgical intervention every week. These injuries are no longer simple cracks but often involve multiple bones, peri-implant fractures, joint damage, and slow healing. Early diagnosis and timely management can prevent long-term disability, bed confinement, and loss of independence among older adults. A 78-year-old housewife from Chembur complained of hip pain after a minor fall at home. Living alone, she delayed seeking medical help, assuming the pain would reduce. Within days, she became completely bedridden. The fracture had worsened, leading to muscle weakness and severe pain. Hip replacement surgery was done, followed by intensive physiotherapy and nutritional support. With timely medical management, she gradually regained mobility and confidence, highlighting the importance of not ignoring minor falls or pain in old age. “After the fall, I never imagined a small slip could leave me bedridden. The timely surgery and constant care gave me a new chance to walk again. I am truly grateful to Dr Pervez Shaikh and his team for helping me regain my confidence and independence,” said the woman. “There are many patients like her who are suffering from such fractures. Increased life expectancy means more people are living into their late 70s - 80s while living independently and doing their household work and shopping alone." Dr Pervez Shaikh, Consulting Orthopaedic Surgeon, Trauma and Joint Replacement, Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur. Dr Shaikh adds, “Conditions like osteoporosis, vitamin D deficiency, arthritis, diabetes, and poor balance increase fracture risk. Sedentary habits, poor vision, poor nutrition, reduced sunlight exposure, and lack of regular bone health checks are key reasons behind these rising numbers. Even low-impact falls can result in serious fractures in elderly patients.” Common symptoms include severe pain, swelling, inability to stand or walk, and visible deformity. If untreated, complications such as prolonged bed rest, infections, muscle loss, pressure sores, and reduced quality of life may occur. I am now seeing 5–6 such complex cases of senior citizens 60-80 every week, a trend that continues to rise,” said Dr Pervez Shaikh. Dr Shaikh further added, " Fractures in senior citizens today are getting more severe, more complex, and difficult to manage. Weak bones, delayed reporting, pre- existing implants, and associated health conditions complicate treatment. Early medical evaluation after any fall, even a minor one, can prevent long-term disability and help seniors return to an active life. Elderly people should undergo regular bone health screening, maintain good nutrition, and seek immediate care after injuries. With timely surgery, rehabilitation, and family support, many seniors can regain mobility and independence.” Tips to prevent fractures in the elderly “Get regular bone density and vitamin D checks, ensure a calcium- and protein-rich diet, keep homes fall-proof with proper lighting, walking aids, and support rails, regular vision check-ups, encourage regular balance and strength exercises, and seek immediate medical care after any fall,” adds Dr Shaikh. These fractures often need advanced treatment such as surgery, joint replacement, and prolonged physiotherapy. Early diagnosis, timely treatment, and proper rehabilitation are key to recovery. Regular bone health checks, fall-prevention measures at home, good nutrition, and physical activity can help prevent such fractures. Fractures in the elderly are no longer minor injuries. With rising life expectancy and lifestyle changes, early intervention, awareness, and preventive care are essential to protect senior citizens from long-term complications and help them age with dignity.
23 January,2026 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentA team of German researchers has developed a new imaging technology that can noninvasively scan your skin and also reveal early signs of cardiovascular risk. Fast-RSOM skin scan can detect tiny changes in blood vessels, oxygen levels, and tissue composition that are invisible to traditional imaging. It can capture detailed images of the smallest blood vessels directly through the skin -- and detect tiny changes in their ability to expand and contract, known as microvascular endothelial dysfunction (MiVED). Until now, doctors had no precise and noninvasive way to see or measure these early changes in humans. According to the team from the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres, by revealing early signs of heart disease risk, the technology could help doctors intervene sooner, guide personalised therapies, and improve long-term heart health. "With fast-RSOM, we can, for the first time, noninvasively assess endothelial dysfunction at single-capillary and skin-layer resolution in humans," said Dr. Hailong He, researcher at the Institute of Biological and Medical Imaging at Helmholtz Munich. "Our novel approach offers an unprecedented view of how cardiovascular disease manifests at the microvascular level," added Dr. Angelos Karlas, co-first author, vascular surgeon, and senior research scientist at Technical University of Munich (TUM) University Hospital. The study is published in the journal Light: Science & Applications. Fast-RSOM provides high-resolution, dynamic MiVED biomarkers, describing subtle impairments in blood vessel function that are generally present before clinical symptoms or measurable macroscopic disease features appear. These early changes are often linked to risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, or obesity. However, in contrast to computing risk based on descriptive conditions, fast-RSOM can quantitatively capture the actual changes that these conditions have imposed on the microvascular system -- long before major complications develop. By capturing these early warning signs, fast-RSOM opens up new possibilities for early detection, prevention, and more precise monitoring of cardiovascular health. The technology could help identify individuals at higher risk of developing cardiovascular events with higher precision and monitor lifestyle or therapeutic interventions, the team said. The RSOM (Raster Scan Optoacoustic Mesoscopy) is a noninvasive imaging technology that uses pulses of light to generate ultrasound signals, producing highly detailed 3D images of structures beneath the skin. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
23 January,2026 12:10 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentA team of researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) have developed a next-generation antibody discovery platform that has the potential to transform diagnostics and therapeutics for diseases. The research involves the development of an ultra-large, high-diversity single-domain antibody (nanobody) library. From infectious diseases, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and emerging pathogens, the platform enables rapid identification of highly stable and high-affinity antibodies. By significantly reducing discovery timelines, the innovation addresses a critical gap in healthcare response, particularly during public health emergencies. “By developing a universal, high-diversity antibody discovery system within India, we are strengthening national capabilities for faster disease response and accelerating the development of affordable diagnostics and therapeutics for populations that need them the most,” said Prof. Rajesh Kumar, department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Roorkee. The research aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India and is especially relevant for low- and middle-income countries, where access to timely and cost-effective healthcare solutions remains a persistent challenge. The initiative stresses the need to strengthen indigenous research capabilities, generate intellectual property, and reduce reliance on imported biologics. It complements national efforts to promote translational research, enhance pandemic preparedness, and build long-term healthcare resilience. “This development demonstrates how fundamental research, combined with translational intent and industry collaboration, can address pressing societal challenges,” said Prof. K. K. Pant, director, IIT Roorkee. To accelerate real-world deployment, IIT Roorkee has also entered into a strategic industry–academia collaboration to support technology transfer, scale-up, and validation of antibody-based solutions. As part of this effort, the Institute said it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IMGENEX India to promote collaborative research, co-development of advanced biologics, and capacity building in areas such as antibody engineering, diagnostics, therapeutics, and bioprocess development. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2026 11:12 AM IST | Roorkee | IANSADVERTISEMENT
