In the modern digital landscape, the glow of a smartphone is often the last thing we see before closing our eyes. While the impact of blue light on sleep quality is well-documented, a new frontier of endocrine research is emerging: the connection between high-energy visible (HEV) light and the thyroid gland. This Thyroid Awareness Month, we delve into the surprising biological link between our late-night screen use and the endocrine system. Does scrolling through social media at midnight actually interfere with your body’s metabolic pace? To answer this, mid-day spoke to Dr Pranav Ghody, consultant endocrinologist and diabetologist at Wockhardt Hospitals in Mumbai Central, and Dr Tejaswi V, consultant in diabetes and endocrinology at Manipal Hospital in Kanakapura Road in Bengaluru. The invisible connection: The master clock theory To understand how a screen affects a gland in your neck, one must first look at the brain. Dr Pranav explains, “The key link is the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), located in the hypothalamus. Often referred to as the body’s master clock, the SCN receives light signals directly from the eyes.”While the thyroid itself does not 'see' light, the blue light—which is abundant in digital screens—activates the SCN, signalling to the brain that it is daytime. “This synchronisation (or lack thereof) governs multiple hormonal systems, specifically the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) axis, the command centre for your metabolism. When you use a screen late at night, you aren't just staying awake; you are confusing the conductor of your hormonal orchestra,” he elaborates. The TSH Rhythm: Why timing is everything The thyroid gland controls everything from body temperature and energy levels to mood and heart rate. However, these hormones aren't released at a steady rate throughout the day.Dr Tejaswi notes, “The body operates on a 24-hour biological clock called the circadian rhythm. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) typically peaks at night and falls during the day. The HEV light during the night can interfere with regular thyroid hormone production time.”Dr Pranav adds that while a single night of scrolling won't ‘switch off’ your TSH, chronic exposure can blunt the amplitude of this natural cycle. “For individuals with borderline thyroid function, this repeated disruption can become clinically relevant, leading to persistent fatigue even when blood tests appear normal," he adds. The cortisol connection: Stress versus metabolism One of the most significant ‘hidden’ impacts of late-night blue light is its effect on cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Studies suggest that bright artificial light at night can elevate cortisol levels by up to 15 per cent as the brain stays in a state of high alert.This creates a secondary hurdle for thyroid health. Dr Tejaswi explains, “Elevated cortisol levels can hamper the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) into its active form (T3), which the body actually uses for metabolism. You may have enough thyroid hormone in your system, but your body can't unlock it for use because the stress signals are standing in the way.” Metabolism and the domino effect Can late-night scrolling actually make you gain weight? Indirectly, the answer is yes. The Mumbai-based expert states, “When your circadian rhythm is disturbed, it triggers a domino effect across several metabolic markers.”1. Insulin sensitivity: It begins to decline, making it harder for your body to process sugars.2. Appetite hormones: Ghrelin (the hunger hormone) rises while Leptin (the fullness hormone) falls.3. Energy expenditure: Metabolic inefficiency leads to reduced calorie burning the next day.Dr Pranav iterates, “While blue light alone doesn't cause hypothyroidism, it creates a metabolic environment where weight gain and chronic fatigue become much more likely.” Night shifts versus late-night scrolling Is your phone habit as damaging as working a night shift? Dr Pranav clarifies, “While night-shift workers experience a much more severe and chronic misalignment—linked to higher rates of cardiovascular risk and metabolic disorders—the mechanism for screen users is comparable. Late-night screen use mimics a milder version of shift-work physiology. Over years, this repeated minor disruption increases vulnerability, particularly for those with a genetic predisposition to thyroid disease.” The vulnerable population: Who is most at risk? Individuals already diagnosed with thyroid disorders or those taking medication like Levothyroxine are particularly sensitive to the blue light effect, according to Dr Tejaswi. She notes that patients with hypothyroidism or autoimmune thyroid disease may experience:1. Greater symptom perception: Worsening fatigue and joint pain due to aggravated stress hormones.2. Medication inconsistency: Sleep disturbances can affect how efficiently the body responds to and processes thyroid medication.3. Sleep fragility: A heightened sensitivity to the wake-inducing effects of HEV light. The filter fallacy: Are night mode settings enough? A common question in the endocrinologist's office is whether blue light filters or night shift modes on phones are a cure-all. Both experts urge caution.While these tools shift the light spectrum to warmer wavelengths, they are rarely a complete solution for the endocrine system. The Bengaluru health expert highlights that mental stimulation is just as disruptive as the light itself. Engaging with social media, news, or work emails keeps the brain active and the SCN awake, regardless of the colour of the screen.The most effective strategy remains limiting use entirely for 60 to 90 minutes before sleep to allow the endocrine system to transition into rest mode.Protecting your thyroid in the digital age: A strategic plan The goal, according to Dr Pranav, is smart exposure, not fear. We cannot avoid screens entirely, but we can manage our hormonal hygiene. He outlines four simple ways through which you can strategically manage exposure: 1. Prioritise morning sunlightThe thyroid benefits from predictable routines. Exposure to natural daylight first thing in the morning strengthens the SCN’s master clock, making it more resilient to minor disruptions later in the evening.2. The 90-minute ruleAvoid screens in the final hour and a half before bed. Use this time for reading physical books, relaxation techniques, or light stretching to lower cortisol levels.3. Create a device-free sanctuaryThe sleep environment should be dark and cool. Even small LED lights from chargers or routers can interfere with melatonin production in sensitive individuals.4. Medication disciplineIf you are on thyroid medication, consistency is vital. Take it exactly as prescribed, and ensure you are getting 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep to allow the medication to work in harmony with your body’s natural rhythms. The expert verdict Dr Pranav offers a final, powerful metaphor for thyroid health: "Think of the thyroid as part of an orchestra. When the conductor—the master clock—is confused, the entire performance suffers." Protecting your sleep and respecting your body's natural timing is not just about feeling rested; it is a fundamental pillar of long-term endocrine health. While blue light may not damage the thyroid in the way a physical injury would, it creates a discord in the delicate balance of hormones that regulate your life.
27 January,2026 01:10 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalChinese researchers have unveiled a crucial mutation in the Ebola virus that significantly enhanced its infectivity during a major outbreak, providing new insights for epidemic surveillance and drug development. The study, published in the journal Cell, focused on the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) from 2018 to 2020, the second-largest in history, which caused over 3,000 infections and more than 2,000 deaths, Xinhua news agency reported. "The research tells us that during major emerging infectious disease outbreaks, real-time genomic surveillance and evolutionary analysis of the pathogen are crucial," said Professor Qian Jun from Sun Yat-sen University. "This is not only able to warn of changes in transmission risk but also to prospectively assess the effectiveness of existing drugs and vaccines, guiding us to preemptively adjust control strategies," Jun added. A key question drove the research, namely, beyond the impact of local healthcare challenges, did viral evolution itself contribute to the Ebola outbreak's prolonged duration? "We have long been aware that key viral mutations often act as invisible drivers accelerating transmission during major outbreaks. Having worked on Ebola for over a decade, we had to investigate whether similar patterns of mutation existed for this virus," said Jun, explaining the team's motivation. In 2022, the team analysed 480 complete Ebola virus genomes and discovered that a variant carrying a specific mutation in the viral glycoprotein, named GP-V75A, had emerged early in the DRC epidemic. This variant rapidly replaced the original strain, and its rising prevalence closely mirrored the surge in case numbers, suggesting it might confer a transmission advantage, according to the research team. Subsequent experiments using various models confirmed the mutation's biological impact. It showed that GP-V75A had significantly enhanced the virus's ability to infect multiple types of host cells and mice. Furthermore, this study revealed a potential clinical concern, notably that the GP-V75A mutation had diminished the antiviral effectiveness of some existing therapeutic antibodies and small-molecule entry inhibitors, indicating a possible risk of drug resistance. These findings underscore the importance of continuous viral genome monitoring during outbreaks to anticipate evolutionary threats and inform the development of broad-spectrum countermeasures, the research team said. 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.
27 January,2026 12:31 PM IST | Beijing | IANSThe concept of ‘Dry January’ has evolved from a simple New Year’s resolution into a global phenomenon. For many, it is a metabolic reset button after the indulgence of the holiday season. But what occurs beneath the surface? To separate clinical fact from detox fiction, we turn to the specialised insights of hepatologists who delve into the multi-pronged impact of 30-day abstinence, including the timeline of cellular repair, metabolic shifts, and structural limitations The biological timeline: When does recovery begin? While many people wait for the 30-day mark to celebrate their success, Dr. Tushar Madake, consultant in the department of transplant hepatology at Ruby Hall Clinic in Pune, notes that the biological pivot happens almost instantly. The liver, being the only self-regenerating organ, begins a transition the moment the last drop of alcohol is metabolised. Dr Madake delves into the timeline:The 48 to 72-hour window: The metabolic shiftWithin just two to three days of complete abstinence, a profound shift occurs at the cellular level. The liver stops prioritising the breakdown of toxic ethanol and transitions back to its primary metabolic duty: the breakdown of stored fats. This is the moment the healing phase officially takes over from the defence phase. The 7 to 14-day marker: The enzyme dropBetween the first and second week, clinical markers begin to shift. Patients often see a sharp reduction in liver enzymes such as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase). During this window, levels of triglycerides—the fats circulating in your blood—also begin to plummet, reducing the immediate greasiness of the liver tissue. The 21 to 30-day benchmark: Visible clearingBy the end of the month, the clearing process becomes observable via medical imaging. While the cellular work started on day one, it takes about three to four weeks for the reduction in inflammation and fat to reach a level that is clinically significant. The myth of the complete reset Dr. Chetan Kalal, consultant hepatologist and transplant physician at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, offers a vital reality check: 30 days is a brilliant start, but it is not a permanent cure. "Fatty liver does not develop overnight, and it does not disappear permanently in a month. The liver possesses a form of cellular memory. For individuals dealing with obesity, diabetes, or insulin resistance, the vulnerability remains. If a person resumes heavy drinking on February 1st, the liver often re-accumulates fat faster than it did originally,” he explains. Dr Kalal also warns against the stop-start pattern, noting that while short breaks are beneficial, they do not offer long-term protection if the underlying lifestyle remains unchanged. Reversibility versus permanent damage: The zone system The success of a 30-day reset depends largely on the starting condition of the liver. Dr Madake categorises the stages of damage to manage expectations: 1. Stages 1 and 2 (Steatosis and Hepatitis): Simple fatty liver and early inflammation are highly resilient. In nearly 100 per cent of cases, these stages can be completely reversed through prolonged abstinence. 2. Stage 3 (Fibrosis): Known as the yellow zone, this stage involves significant scarring. While the scars themselves may not vanish in 30 days, the inflammation surrounding them settles, effectively freezing the disease and preventing it from advancing to total failure. 3. Stage 4 (Cirrhosis): This represents permanent structural damage. However, even here, a 30-day break is life-saving. It reduces acute on chronic inflammation and lowers pressure within the portal system, helping the remaining healthy tissue function more efficiently. Binge drinkers versus daily drinkers: Who benefits more? “The liver processes different drinking patterns through distinct pathways, meaning the recovery feels different for everyone,” says Dr Madake. Below, he explains how the liver of binge drinkers and regular drinkers may differ in benefiting from a month of abstinence. 1. The steady drinker (1–2 drinks daily): These individuals often live in a state of metabolic sluggishness. Because the liver is always processing alcohol, it is never in repair mode. These drinkers often see the most dramatic improvements in insulin sensitivity and enzyme function during ‘Dry January’. 2. The binge drinker: Binge drinking causes oxidative bursts—sudden shocks to the cells that can cause DNA damage. Even if a binge drinker has several dry days a week, the intensity of the shock means their cells may actually take longer to recover than those of a moderate daily drinker. Beyond the liver: The domino effect The benefits of a month-long hiatus extend far beyond a single organ. Dr Madake describes a domino effect that touches almost every system in the body: 1. Insulin sensitivity: Alcohol disrupts blood sugar regulation. A 30-day break can significantly lower blood sugar levels, reducing the long-term risk of Type 2 Diabetes. 2. Cardiovascular health: Alcohol acts as a vasoconstrictor. Within 2 to 4 weeks, many people notice a measurable drop in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 3. Systemic inflammation: Markers like C-Reactive Protein (CRP) decline. This manifests physically as less facial puffiness (alcohol bloat), reduced joint pain, and clearer skin. 4. Sleep and cognition: Alcohol notoriously destroys REM sleep. Abstinence allows the brain to return to normal sleep cycles, improving its ability to eliminate metabolic waste—essentially a detox for the mind. Supporting the reset: The anti-detox diet Dr Kalal is quick to dispel the myth of liver detox foods. "The liver detoxifies on its own," he asserts. The goal of a 30-day reset should not be to add superfoods, but to reduce the metabolic burden. To maximise the benefits of Dry January, he recommends:1. Prioritising protein: Essential for preserving muscle mass and improving insulin sensitivity. 2. Cutting refined carbs and sugar: This is more critical than cutting dietary fats. Sugar and sweetened beverages are primary drivers of liver fat. 3. Embracing healthy fats: Focus on nuts, seeds, and fish to support metabolic balance. 4. Black coffee: Surprisingly, regular black coffee has strong clinical evidence for protecting the liver against scarring and disease over time. How do you know it has worked? Because fatty liver is a silent disease, feeling better isn't always proof of a total recovery. Dr Kalal points out that standard blood tests can be misleadingly normal even when scarring is present. For a true assessment, he recommends non-invasive tools like a FibroScan (which measures liver stiffness and fat), simple fibrosis scores derived from routine blood work, or advanced MRI-based fat measurements. These tools provide a window into the liver that a simple physical exam cannot.The final verdict A 30-day break from alcohol is a powerful physiological restart. It offers the liver a much-needed window to pivot from detoxification to repair. However, for the reset to have a lasting impact, it must be viewed as a gateway to more consistent habits rather than a temporary hall pass. As both experts agree: the liver is forgiving, but it values consistency over novelty.
27 January,2026 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai AgarwalThe entrepreneurial dream is alive and well. Every year, millions of people launch side hustles, hoping to turn passion projects into profitable ventures. Yet a surprising number of these promising businesses never make it past the initial setup phase. The culprit? Not lack of demand, insufficient capital, or poor marketing—but something far more mundane: paperwork. The Documentation Disconnect Most aspiring entrepreneurs spend months perfecting their product or service. They research their market, build their brand, and dream about their first sale. But when it comes time to make their business official, many hit an unexpected wall. The excitement of creation collides with the reality of registration, and suddenly that brilliant side-hustle idea starts collecting dust. The statistics tell a sobering story. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of aspiring business owners abandon their plans during the registration and compliance phase. They're not failing because their ideas lack merit—they're failing because the administrative burden feels insurmountable. Why Paperwork Becomes a Breaking Point Overwhelming Complexity The average person launching a side hustle has no legal or accounting background. Terms like "operating agreement," "EIN," and "registered agent" might as well be written in another language. When faced with choosing between LLC, sole proprietorship, or S-corporation status, many people freeze, afraid of making the wrong choice. Hidden Costs and Unexpected Fees What starts as a seemingly simple registration process quickly reveals layers of expenses. State filing fees, publication requirements in certain states, registered agent services, and ongoing compliance costs add up fast. For someone testing a business idea while working full-time, these costs can feel prohibitive. Time Poverty Side hustlers are, by definition, time-starved. They're carving out hours from evenings and weekends to build their business. When those precious hours must be spent deciphering legal documents or waiting on hold with state offices, motivation evaporates. The opportunity cost feels too high. Fear of Legal Consequences The stakes of getting paperwork wrong feel enormous. What if you file incorrectly and face penalties? What if you choose the wrong business structure and face unexpected tax bills? This fear often leads to analysis paralysis—endless research without action. The Most Common Paperwork Pitfalls Challenge Impact Why It Happens Choosing the wrong business structure Tax inefficiency, personal liability exposure Lack of understanding of options Missing state-specific requirements Fines, business dissolution Requirements vary dramatically by state Incomplete operating agreements Partnership disputes, unclear ownership Templates don't match specific needs Delayed EIN application Cannot open business bank accounts Perceived complexity of IRS processes Ignoring local permits/licenses Operating illegally, potential fines Unawareness of local regulations Breaking Through the Paperwork Barrier The good news? These obstacles are entirely surmountable with the right approach. Start With Education, Not Registration Before filing anything, invest a few hours in understanding your options. Resources like LLCBuddy and similar platforms offer free guides that break down business structures in plain language. Understanding the "why" behind each requirement makes the process far less intimidating. Embrace the Minimum Viable Business Entity You don't need perfect paperwork to start—you need adequate paperwork. For many side hustles, a simple sole proprietorship or single-member LLC provides sufficient protection without overwhelming complexity. You can always restructure as your business grows. Leverage Technology and Templates The paperwork that once required expensive lawyers can now be handled with guided online tools. While complex situations still warrant professional advice, straightforward side hustles can often be established using well-designed templates and LLC formation services that walk you through each step. Break It Into Milestones Instead of viewing business registration as one massive task, divide it into manageable chunks: Research and choose your business structure Select and register your business name Obtain your EIN from the IRS Register with your state Set up a business bank account Research industry-specific licenses Tackling one item per week makes the process feel achievable rather than overwhelming. Invest Strategically in Expert Help You don't need to hire a lawyer for everything, but a one-hour consultation can be invaluable. Many attorneys offer fixed-fee packages for basic business formation. That small investment can save you from costly mistakes and give you confidence to move forward. The Cost of Inaction Here's what many aspiring entrepreneurs don't realize: the cost of not handling paperwork properly often exceeds the cost of doing it right. Operating without proper registration can lead to personal liability for business debts, tax complications, difficulty securing business credit, and even legal penalties. For example, if you have an LLC in California, you must pay the Franchise Tax of $800. If you delay or try to avoid it, it only leads to more complicated tax burdens in the future. More importantly, there's the opportunity cost. Every month you delay because of paperwork paralysis is a month you're not building your customer base, refining your offering, or generating revenue. Moving Forward The paperwork stage doesn't have to be where dreams go to die. By approaching business formation as a learnable skill rather than an insurmountable obstacle, you can push through this critical phase and get back to what you love—building your business. The forms are finite, the processes are documented, and the finish line is closer than you think.
27 January,2026 11:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanRemineralizing gum has become part of many daily oral care routines, especially for people looking to protect enamel between brushing sessions. Used correctly, remineralizing gum can support consistent habits that matter for long term tooth health. This list explains what remineralizing gum helps with, where confusion often comes in, and what realistic expectations look like. Remineralizing gum and daily enamel support Saliva stimulationChewing stimulates saliva flow, which plays a key role in neutralizing acids in the mouth. Remineralizing gum supports this natural process — especially after meals when acid levels rise. And saliva matters more than many people realize. Acid balance between mealsAcids produced by food and bacteria soften enamel over time. Remineralizing gum helps create a less acidic environment during the hours when brushing is not practical. Not instantly. But consistently. Support for mineral availabilityCertain gums are formulated to provide minerals that the mouth already uses for enamel maintenance. This does not rebuild teeth overnight — it supports normal remineralization processes already happening every day. Habit reinforcementUsing remineralizing gum often reinforces awareness of oral care between brushing sessions. And this is where people get confused — the benefit comes from regular use paired with good hygiene, not from chewing alone. Dry mouth managementDry mouth can increase enamel risk because saliva production drops. Remineralizing gum may help maintain moisture levels throughout the day, especially for people who experience dryness from medication or stress. Reduced snacking impactFrequent snacking exposes teeth to repeated acid attacks. Chewing remineralizing gum after eating may help shorten acid exposure windows — an overlooked factor in enamel wear. Consistency over intensityThe benefit of remineralizing gum comes from repeated, moderate use rather than aggressive chewing. Overuse does not equal better results, and restraint matters. How remineralizing gum supports daily enamel care Remineralizing gum fits into oral care by supporting the mouth’s natural balance. It does not replace brushing or flossing. Instead, it helps maintain conditions that allow enamel to stay stronger throughout the day. Many people expect immediate changes. And this is where expectations drift. Enamel support happens gradually, often unnoticed at first, but meaningful over time. What remineralizing gum typically helps maintain Remineralizing gum generally helps maintain enamel stability, moisture levels, and oral pH balance. It is not a treatment and does not reverse structural damage. The role is supportive, not corrective. Understanding this distinction prevents dissapointment later. Especially when marketing language overshadows reality. When remineralizing gum fits best into a routine The most effective use of remineralizing gum is after meals or snacks, and during long gaps between brushing. Late afternoon and travel situations are common examples. Used alongside brushing and flossing, remineralizing gum complements modern oral hygiene rather than competing with it. Why remineralizing gum matters between brushing sessions Brushing happens a few times a day. Acid exposure happens far more often. Remineralizing gum helps bridge that gap — quietly supporting enamel during the hours most people forget about. Understanding how and why remineralizing gum fits into daily care leads to better habits, fewer misconceptions, and more realistic expectations over time.
27 January,2026 11:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Aparna BoseAdverse effects on health due to emissions from the world's plastics system, including greenhouse gases, air-polluting particles and toxic chemicals released from production, could more than double by 2040, compared to levels in 2016, if current trends continue, according to a study. The study, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, also highlighted that the global production of plastics may not peak until beyond 2100, worsening environmental and health burdens in an already overwhelmed system. Plastic pollution and emissions released across its lifecycle are increasingly recognised for their potential impacts on human health, yet the overall scale of the impact is only beginning to be fully quantified, researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and institutes in France, said. Quantifying health impacts throughout plastics' lifecycles can inform global action against pollution, promoting sustainability across the environment, economy and health, they said. The team added that a non-disclosure of the chemical composition of plastics is "severely limiting" lifecycle assessments in informing effective policy. The plastics lifecycle assessment study is the first global-scale one to estimate health impacts in terms of 'disability-adjusted life-years' related to greenhouse gases, air pollutants and chemicals released, the researchers said. Lifecycles of plastic products analysed include raw material extraction to polymer production to post-consumption waste collection, recycling technologies, dumpsites and open burning and environmental pollution. The model put forth in the study contributes a flexible framework that can be expanded to include new data and methods and improve precision in health impact estimates associated with plastics, their alternatives and substitutes -- the information can contribute towards a rapidly changing policy landscape, the authors said. The framework currently recommends a deep reduction in primary plastic (virgin plastic) production in leading a transition away from substances, along with assessments that account for plastics' functions across sectors. A globally coordinated policy that addresses upstream effects through a full lifecycle approach is crucial to protecting human health, the researchers said. "We found that emissions throughout plastics lifecycles contributed to human health burdens of global warming, air pollution, toxicity-related cancers, and non-communicable diseases, with greatest harms from primary plastics production and open burning," the authors wrote. "Adverse health effects associated with the global plastics system more than doubled under P2O (plastics-to-ocean) BAU (business-as-usual) projections for 2016-40," they said. The authors say to effectively reduce plastic emissions and their impact on health, policymakers must better regulate and significantly reduce the production of new plastics for non-essential uses to effectively reduce plastic emissions and health impacts. Over 175 countries have agreed to develop a Global Plastics Treaty, which is under negotiation. 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
27 January,2026 09:08 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIBraving 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 | IANSADVERTISEMENT
