India’s winter pollution worsened across major metros in late 2025, with government monitoring agencies reporting sustained deterioration in air quality. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi repeatedly slipped into the 'Severe' and 'Severe Plus' categories during November and December, triggering stricter measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP). Air Quality Index (AQI) levels crossed 400 on multiple occasions, far exceeding safe limits. Mumbai, while typically less affected than the capital, also saw air quality decline. Monitoring stations across the city recorded 'Poor' to 'Very Poor' AQI levels during peak winter weeks, particularly in high-traffic and industrial areas, indicating that pollution stress is no longer limited to north India. Against this backdrop, consumer search behaviour across urban India points to a clear shift towards both preventive and compliance-driven responses. From protecting indoor air quality to meeting vehicular emission standards, urban consumers are acting with increased urgency and awareness. According to data from Indian search engine Justdial, searches linked to pollution-related categories recorded a sharp rise during October–November–December 2025 (OND’25). To assess this behavioural shift, the search engine compared search trends between 2025 and 2024, as well as with the preceding quarter July–August–September 2025. Searches for air purifier dealers surged significantly across the country, underlining growing concern around indoor air safety amid deteriorating outdoor air quality. Pan-India searches rose 103 per cent year-on-year, while demand intensified sharply in recent months, with the searches becoming six times the levels in 2025. Delhi emerged as the strongest city, recording a 134 per cent increase compared to 2024, with November 2025 alone witnessing a sixfold jump over October 2025, reflecting the immediate impact of worsening air conditions. Other urban centres such as Gurgaon and Mumbai also saw notable spikes, pointing to a broader metropolitan response. Alongside indoor air solutions, searches for Pollution Under Control (PUC) Testing also recorded consistent growth, signalling rising awareness around vehicular emission compliance. Pan-India PUC searches increased 55 per cent year-on-year in 2025, with a 4 per cent rise compared to 2025. In Delhi, searches grew 38 per cent versus 2024, alongside an 11per cent quarter-on-quarter increase, indicating sustained intent rather than a short-term surge. Mumbai emerged as another key market showing notable growth in PUC-related searches. Taken together, the data reveals a clear shift in urban consumer behaviour, where pollution is prompting both immediate protective actions within homes and a more responsible approach towards emissions on the road. While air purifier searches reflect an urgent need to secure indoor environments, rising PUC queries highlight growing accountability towards pollution control. With search volumes rising across major metros, the searchers reveal that the findings indicate that pollution is no longer viewed as a temporary seasonal challenge, but as a catalyst shaping everyday decisions and search behaviour across India’s cities.
09 January,2026 01:38 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentHair loss is no longer a problem limited to men. A large number of women in their 20s-30s are noticing excessive shedding, thinning, and reduced hair volume. Hair loss can happen due to hormonal disorders such as PCOS and PCOD, which are increasingly prevalent today. These conditions are not just associated with acne, irregular periods, and weight gain; they can also severely impact hair health, causing diffuse thinning or even localised bald patches in some cases. It is necessary to address hair loss without any delay with the help of an expert. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) not only lead to irregular periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne, weight gain, and difficulty conceiving, but even that concerning hair fall. “These conditions tend to disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, often leading to elevated androgen levels, which directly affect hair follicles. The result is a condition called androgenic alopecia, where the hair growth slows and follicles shrink over time. So, this type of hair fall is gradual but persistent, making early diagnosis and treatment crucial,” highlights Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Shareefa Isa Chause. She further explains, “Androgenic alopecia in women is commonly linked to hormonal conditions like PCOS and PCOD, where increased male hormones gradually weaken hair follicles, leading to thinning hair and widening of the parting. Women with these conditions often experience other symptoms such as acne, facial hair growth, irregular periods, weight gain, and oily skin. If left untreated, hair thinning can slowly progress and become difficult to reverse. Beyond the physical symptoms, hair loss can deeply affect a woman’s self-confidence, body image, and emotional well-being. Many women feel anxious or socially withdrawn due to visible hair thinning. Early diagnosis and hormonal balance are key to controlling hair loss and restoring confidence. In a month, 3 out of 10 women aged 20-30 with PCOS or PCOD experience noticeable hair thinning, and many of them seek medical help due to anxiety and panic over excessive hair fall. There has been a 30 per cent surge in hair fall complaints among women diagnosed with PC Hair fall in women with PCOS or PCOD can be distressing, but it is manageable. “Maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins is essential. Regular exercise helps regulate hormones, while stress reduction techniques like yoga or meditation can further improve hair health. Topical treatments, such as minoxidil, can promote regrowth, and in some cases, oral medications may be prescribed for hair growth. Most importantly, women should consult an expert rather than waiting for hair loss to become severe. Alongside medical treatment, gentle hair care and a good diet is vital; avoid harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles. Using mild shampoos and conditioning regularly can help reduce breakage. Hair fall may not reverse completely in severe cases, but timely intervention can slow progression and improve overall hair density,” adds Dr Chause. Dr Priyanka Sonawane, gynecologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital in Ghatkopar West, further explains, “Hair thinning is a very common complaint among women with PCOS and PCOD, and many patients come to us feeling worried. About 20 per cent of women coming to me notice visible hair fall, which often worsens if a hormonal imbalance is not addressed early. In a month, 2 out of 10 women aged 20-30 years have complaints of hair fall. The good news is that with proper treatment, such as hormonal regulation, nutritional support, lifestyle changes, and dermatologist-prescribed therapies, hair loss can be controlled. Early intervention helps slow thinning and, in many cases, improves hair density over time. Timely medical care also reassures patients and helps restore confidence." With lifestyle changes, medical guidance, and targeted treatments, women affected by PCOS and PCOD can significantly manage hair fall. Awareness about the link between hormonal disorders and hair health is the first step toward prevention and recovery. Early action ensures that women regain not only healthier hair but also confidence and quality of life.
08 January,2026 06:04 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentUnion Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has emerged as an unlikely yet powerful symbol of disciplined living and holistic health. In a recent vlog with filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan, Gadkari candidly spoke about his remarkable fitness transformation, revealing how he lost 46 kilograms post-Covid and reshaped his lifestyle through unwavering consistency and self-discipline. Once weighing 135 kg, Gadkari now maintains a weight of 89 kg, a change he describes not as cosmetic but deeply transformative for his overall well-being. “You can see the positive effects of this routine on my face,” he said, attributing his renewed energy and youthful appearance to a strict daily exercise and pranayama regimen. Despite his demanding schedule, Gadkari has made health non-negotiable. “It’s 9:30 pm now, and after meeting with you, I have appointments till 1 am. Then I will wake up at 7 am and do exercise for two-and-a-half hours,” he shared, underscoring the importance of prioritizing fitness regardless of professional pressures. Reflecting on his past, Gadkari admitted to living an unplanned and undisciplined life for years. The turning point came during the Covid-19 pandemic, when he lost close friends. “Many people tell me that day by day you are becoming younger,” he said. “It is because of my pranayama and the exercise I do.”Beyond exercise, Gadkari’s commitment to healthy living extends to his food choices and farming practices. A strong advocate of organic farming, he follows a mindful diet rooted in clean, natural produce. His wife, a nutritionist, also plays an important role in the journey. He also revealed that his organic farms are integrated with artificial intelligence, informing about the quantity of water required, the time, etc., blending traditional agricultural wisdom with modern technology to ensure sustainability and efficiency. Gadkari now actively urges young people to avoid the mistake he feels he made for years, placing everything above personal health. “Give priority to your health. I have made a mistake. It is very necessary,” he said. Through discipline, consistency, and conscious choices, Nitin Gadkari’s journey serves as a compelling reminder that true leadership begins with self-care and that lasting success is built on a foundation of good health
07 January,2026 05:10 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIn a first for Southeast Asia, a 29-year-old man underwent a a rare life-saving hybrid cardiac surgery, combining open bypass with minimally invasive endovascular repair, in Delhi NCR, a hospital here said on Tuesday. The man was admitted in a critical condition with uncontrolled internal bleeding and was suffering from a ruptured thoracic abdominal aorta, according to a statement. The procedure was performed at the Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, and involved open bypass surgery combined with minimally invasive endovascular stent grafting to seal the ruptured aorta and restore blood flow to vital organs, the statement by the hospital said. The patient, a resident of Bihar, was diagnosed with a ruptured and massively dilated thoracic abdominal aorta -- the main artery carrying blood from the heart to vital organs -- a condition associated with extremely high mortality, it said. It added that the patient's condition was initially misdiagnosed at multiple hospitals in Bihar as fluid accumulated in the chest, following which a chest tube was inserted, leading to further complications and worsening internal bleeding. Over the next few months, his condition deteriorated sharply, with heart function dropping to nearly 15 per cent, forcing him to remain bedridden due to the risk of sudden fatal bleeding, it said. Surgery was declined at several hospitals in Bihar, Kolkata and Bengaluru due to the extremely high risk involved, before he was referred to the hospital here as a last option, according to the statement. A detailed evaluation found the condition of the aorta with extensive clot formation, critically compromising blood supply to vital organs including the kidneys, liver and intestines, the statement said. Conventional open surgery was ruled out as it carried a high risk of paralysis, organ failure and death. Giving details of the procedure, Dr Udgeath Dhir, principal director, Cardio Thoracic Vascular Surgery, at the institute, said, "Given the complexity of his condition, we adopted an advanced hybrid surgical approach, combining open bypass surgery with minimally invasive endovascular repair." "Thoracic abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the body carrying blood from the heart to vital organs," the hospital said. Despite an estimated mortality risk of nearly 50 per cent, the patient recovered well and was discharged within six days, according to the statement. The statement further added that the patient is currently stable and undergoing medical management for low heart function, with plans for a future cardiac procedure once he fully recovers. 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.
07 January,2026 11:06 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIDoctors in Kolkata have successfully treated a large and complex incisional hernia in a 45-year-old woman from Agartala in Tripura, using advanced minimally invasive, keyhole surgery. The patient, Nupur Sarkar, a school teacher, underwent Laparoscopic Abdominal Wall Reconstruction under the care of Dr Sumanta Dey, senior consultant and HOD - Robotic, Advanced Laparoscopic, Bariatric and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass. Sarkar’s journey of courage began three years ago when her husband was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis and required a liver transplant. As the only suitable donor available at the time, she donated a part of her liver to save his life. While her husband recovered well and now leads a stable life, Nupur continued to manage her professional and household responsibilities with very little rest. Over time, she developed a large incisional hernia at the site of her earlier surgery, which gradually became complex and uncomfortable, affecting her daily life. Concerned about undergoing another major open surgery, she began looking for a minimally invasive treatment options and travelled from Agartala to Kolkata for expert care. After a comprehensive evaluation, the surgical team at the hospital confirmed that despite the complexity of the hernia and her surgical history, it could be treated using advanced laparoscopic techniques. In early December, the patient underwent Laparoscopic Abdominal Wall Reconstruction, a highly specialised procedure that lasted nearly three hours by Dr Dey supported by expert anaesthetists and a skilled OT team. The surgery was completed entirely through key-hole incisions, avoiding a large open cut and significantly reducing surgical trauma. Speaking about the case, Dr Dey said, “the patient presented with a large, complex incisional hernia following previous major abdominal surgery, which always poses significant technical challenges. However, with advanced laparoscopic techniques, we were able to reconstruct the abdominal wall effectively while minimising surgical trauma. When she woke up from anesthesia, the first question she asked was, ‘Was it done laparoscopically?’ When we told her yes, the relief and joy on her face was incredibly rewarding. Moments like these are what give a surgeon true satisfaction.” Her recovery after surgery was smooth and almost painless. She was able to start walking within four hours of the procedure and was discharged the next day. At her follow-up visit fifteen days later, she was in excellent health and had resumed her normal activities with renewed confidence. Expressing her gratitude, Sarkar said, “After donating my liver to save my husband, I was emotionally and physically terrified of facing another surgery, especially an open one. I had already been through so much. From the moment I stepped into hospital, the doctors didn’t just treat me, they reassured me and gave me courage. Knowing my surgery was done laparoscopic surgery, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. I could walk the same day and return home the next. I will always be grateful to Dr. Sumanta Dey and the entire team for helping me heal with such care and compassion.”
06 January,2026 11:19 AM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentKolkata doctors, who are a part of the neurosurgery team at Dhakuria recently successfully performed an exceptionally rare and life-saving operation on 56-year-old woman, who arrived at the hospital after a severe strangulation injury. It had caused multiple rib fractures and facial fractures along with a dangerous cervical spine injury known as a Type 2 odontoid fracture (a break in the upper part of the neck) that can instantly damage the spinal cord and is commonly referred to as a Hangman’s fracture. This type of injury has an extremely high death rate, with more than 6 per cent of patients not surviving, and many others suffering sudden paralysis or instant cardiac arrest due to spinal cord compression. Despite the seriousness of the situation, realising the urgency, the team led by Dr Nirup Datta, consultant – Neurosurgery and Dr Prakhar Gyanesh, consultant – Anaesthesiology, Manipal Hospital, Dhakuria decided that emergency stabilisation surgery offered the only real chance of saving the patient’s life and preventing paralysis. The woman had no major internal injury to her abdomen, which allowed the medical team to quickly move toward surgical intervention. Imaging tests including X-ray and CT scan confirmed that the fracture was highly unstable, with two open breaks in the upper cervical vertebrae, making movement of the neck extremely dangerous. Because strangulation injuries usually cause immediate fatal damage to the spine due to the sudden backward bending and pulling forces on the neck, survival itself is rare. Even for patients who make it to the hospital alive, global studies show a high risk of death within one and three years, particularly among those aged fifty-five and above. The doctors performed a highly specialised and relatively new technique known as Kotil’s Procedure, a method of fixing the broken neck bones from the back of the neck using screws on both sides of the first two cervical vertebrae (C1 and C2). On one side, they placed a C1–C2 transarticular screw (a screw that passes through the joint to hold the neck bones firmly in place), and on the other side they performed a posterior odontoid screw fixation (a screw placed from behind to secure the broken tip of the odontoid bone to the body of the C2 vertebra). This combined approach gives very strong stability in a region that is extremely delicate because it surrounds the spinal cord, which controls movement and sensation in all four limbs. Kotil’s technique is used in only a few centres worldwide and so far, only about fifteen cases have been reported in medical literature, making this surgery in Dhakuria significant contribution at both the national and international levels. The surgery demanded exceptional precision because even a slight error in screw placement can affect the spinal cord or nearby blood vessels, potentially leading to paralysis or stroke. After the operation, the patient recovered steadily with no neurological abnormalities, meaning she retained full ability to move all four limbs with normal strength. Due to her lung injury, the medical team had to perform a tracheotomy, a small opening made in the neck to help her breathe safely through a tube before she was discharged. Over a three-week hospital stay, she continued to improve without any new complications or nerve-related problems, an outcome that is exceptionally rare for this kind of injury. Speaking about the case, Dr Dutta explained, “This was one of the most severe cases we encountered in our routine course of treatment. A Hangman-type fracture caused by strangulation often leads to immediate death. The fact that the patient survived long enough to reach us was extraordinary. Stabilising two unstable fractures in such a delicate region required absolute accuracy, and Kotil’s technique gave us the best chance to save her life without her experiencing any neurological trauma.” Expressing her gratitude, the woman said, “I truly believe I got a second life. I came to the hospital in unbearable pain, not knowing if I would ever walk, move or be able to experience life again. Thanks to the doctors and their quick decisions, I am recovering without any nerve damage. I am extremely grateful to the entire team for giving me another chance at life.” The woman returned home in stable condition, with her strength and mobility intact. Her survival and recovery represent not only a medical success but also a rare outcome in a type of injury that is often considered near fatal.
06 January,2026 10:57 AM IST | Kolkata | mid-day online correspondentType 2 diabetes quietly changes the heart structure and how it produces energy, thus increasing the risk of heart failure, according to a study. Researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, studied donated human hearts and found that diabetes disrupts how heart cells produce energy, weakens the muscle’s structure, and triggers a buildup of stiff, fibrous tissue that makes it harder for the heart to pump. These effects were most pronounced in patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy-- the leading cause of heart failure. The findings, published in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine, can help explain why people living with diabetes face a much higher risk of developing heart failure. "We've long seen a correlation between heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but this is the first research to jointly look at diabetes and ischemic heart disease and uncover a unique molecular profile in people with both conditions,” said Dr. Benjamin Hunter, from the School of Medical Sciences. "Our findings show that diabetes alters how the heart produces energy, maintains its structure under stress, and contracts to pump blood. Using advanced microscopy techniques, we were able to see direct changes to the heart muscle as a result of this, in the form of a build-up of fibrous tissue," he added. To better understand how diabetes affects the heart, the researchers studied heart tissue from both transplant recipients and healthy individuals. This direct examination allowed them to see how diabetes influences heart biology in real human patients rather than relying solely on animal models. The results showed that diabetes is more than a co-morbidity for heart disease. It actively accelerates heart failure by interfering with essential biological processes and reshaping the heart muscle at the microscopic level. "The metabolic effect of diabetes in the heart is not fully understood in humans," said Hunter. In healthy hearts, energy is mainly generated from fats, with glucose and ketones also contributing. Previous research has shown that glucose use increases during heart failure. However, diabetes interferes with this process by reducing how sensitive heart cells are to insulin. 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
06 January,2026 10:19 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSPatients with cancer are more likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, according to a study. The study, published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, showed that the risk may be related to altered expression of inflammation‐ and coagulation‐related proteins. The researchers from the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences stressed the need to manage endocrine, kidney, and inflammation‐related risk factors in people with cancer. “Our study found an elevated cardiovascular death in patients with cancer,” said the team. “Patients with cancer need to pay attention to the risk of cardiovascular mortality, particularly among younger individuals and those diagnosed at an early stage; in clinical practice, it is recommended to emphasise the management of endocrine, kidney, and inflammation‐related risk factors in the population with cancer,” they added. Previous studies have identified a link between cancer and cardiovascular disease; however, the underlying genetic and proteomic mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, the new study aimed to investigate the association between cancer diagnosis and cardiovascular mortality and to explore the potential mechanisms involved. The team studied a total of 3,79,944 participants without cardiovascular disease at baseline, including 65,047 individuals with cancer. Genome‐wide association studies, phenome‐wide association studies, and proteomic analyses were applied to investigate the underlying genetic and proteomic mechanisms. The results revealed only a limited number of shared genetic variations between cancer and cardiovascular conditions, such as hypertension and cardiac dysrhythmias. The researchers also identified nine independent risk factors for cardiovascular death, including age, sex, smoking, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, HbA1c, cystatin C, and neutrophil count. Interestingly, the probability of survival from CVD was comparable between participants with and without cancer during the first 10 years of follow‐up but declined more sharply thereafter among patients with cancer. This was possibly associated with the reduction in systemic tumour burden and the resolution of inflammation and coagulation disorders following treatment therapies, the 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
06 January,2026 09:53 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSResearchers have discovered a way to help aging intestines heal themselves using CAR T-cell therapy. By targeting senescent cells that build up over time, the treatment boosted gut regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved nutrient absorption in mice. It even helped protect the intestine from radiation damage, with benefits lasting up to a year. Early results in human intestinal cells suggest the approach could one day improve gut health in older adults and cancer patients. Many people notice that certain foods become harder to tolerate with age. One possible reason is damage to the intestinal epithelium, a thin, single layer of cells that lines the intestine. This lining is essential for digestion and overall gut health. In healthy conditions, the intestinal epithelium renews itself every three to five days. Ageing or exposure to cancer radiation can disrupt this renewal process, slowing or stopping regeneration altogether. When that happens, inflammation can rise, and conditions such as leaky gut syndrome may develop. Scientists at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) have now identified a promising way to jump-start intestinal repair. Their strategy relies on CAR T-cell therapy, a powerful form of immunotherapy best known for treating certain cancers. By applying this approach to the gut, the researchers hope to open the door to future clinical trials aimed at improving intestinal health, particularly in people affected by age-related decline. Targeting aging cells that refuse to die This work builds on earlier research led by CSHL Assistant Professor Corina Amor Vegas, whose laboratory studies cellular senescence. As the body ages, it accumulates senescent cells, which no longer divide but also do not die off. These lingering cells have been linked to many age-related conditions, including diabetes and dementia. In earlier studies, Amor Vegas and her team engineered immune cells known as anti-uPAR CAR T cells that selectively remove senescent cells in mice, leading to major improvements in the animals' metabolism. The researchers next asked whether removing senescent cells could help restore the intestine's ability to heal. Amor Vegas partnered with CSHL Assistant Professor Semir Beyaz and graduate student Onur Eskiocak to investigate. They delivered CAR T cells directly to the intestines of both younger and older mice. According to Amor Vegas, the results were striking. "In both cases, we see really significant improvements," she says. "They're able to absorb nutrients better. They have much less inflammation. When irritated or injured, their epithelial lining is able to regenerate and heal much faster." Protection against radiation-induced gut damage Leaky gut syndrome is particularly common among cancer patients who receive pelvic or abdominal radiation therapy. To model this, the team exposed mice to radiation that damaged their intestinal epithelial cells. Mice treated with CAR T cells recovered far more effectively than those that did not receive the therapy. Notably, a single dose of CAR T-cell treatment continued to support healthier gut function for at least one year. The researchers also found compelling evidence that anti-uPAR CAR T cells encourage regeneration in human intestinal and colorectal cells, Eskiocak notes. While the precise biological mechanisms behind this effect are still being explored, the findings point to strong therapeutic potential. Beyaz emphasises the broader significance of the work. "This is one good step toward a long journey in understanding how we can better heal the elderly," he said. (
05 January,2026 10:46 AM IST | Washington DC (USA) | ANINearly 80-85 per cent of individuals suffering from psychiatric disorders do not receive timely or appropriate care due to stigma and lack of awareness, said mental experts here on January 3. Speaking at the curtain raiser Event of the 77th Annual National Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society, ANCIPS 2026 Delhi, the experts warned that despite advances in treatment and increasing awareness, the majority of people with mental illness continue to remain outside the formal healthcare system. Addressing the gathering, they emphasised that mental illnesses are among the most treatable health conditions if identified early and managed appropriately. “Mental health disorders are highly treatable, yet the majority of patients in India continue to suffer in silence. The fact that over 80 per cent of people do not receive timely psychiatric care reflects deep-rooted stigma, lack of awareness, and inadequate integration of mental health services into primary healthcare,” said Dr. Savita Malhotra, President of the Indian Psychiatric Society. “This is not just a medical concern; it is a social, economic, and developmental issue that demands urgent national attention,” she added. Data from the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) clearly indicate that India faces one of the widest treatment gaps in the world, with over 85 per cent of people suffering from common mental disorders not seeking or receiving treatment. In a global context, more than 70 per cent of individuals with mental illness do not receive care from trained healthcare professionals, and in many low-income countries, fewer than 10 per cent of those in need actually access necessary treatment. India, with its vast population and limited mental health infrastructure, remains particularly vulnerable to this challenge. “When psychiatric care is delayed, the illness often becomes more severe and chronic, leading to greater disability, family distress, loss of productivity, and a significantly increased risk of self-harm and suicide. Mental health must be addressed with the same urgency and seriousness as physical health,” said Dr. Nimesh G. Desai, former Director of the Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences (IHBAS). “Strengthening community-based services, training primary care doctors, and improving referral systems are essential steps to bridge this unacceptable treatment gap,” he added. Delayed treatment has far-reaching consequences not only for individuals and families but also for society and the economy. Untreated mental illness contributes to increased morbidity and mortality, higher rates of substance use disorders, unemployment, family breakdown, and suicide. India already accounts for a significant proportion of global suicide deaths, making early identification and timely psychiatric intervention a critical public health priority. While government initiatives such as the Tele-MANAS national mental health helpline, expansion of the District Mental Health Programme, and greater policy focus on mental health are positive steps, the experts stressed that these efforts must be scaled up substantially to meet the growing demand. 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.
04 January,2026 10:48 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSShort bursts of energetic activity for 10 minutes daily could not only increase your fitness levels, but also help fight bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, according to a study. The study by researchers at Newcastle University showed that short and intense exercise activity can trigger rapid molecular changes in the bloodstream, shutting down bowel cancer growth and speeding up DNA damage repair. They found that exercise increases the concentration of several small molecules in the blood -- many linked to reducing inflammation, improving blood vessel function, and metabolism. When these exercise-induced molecules were applied to bowel cancer cells in the lab, the activity of more than 1,300 genes was altered, including those involved in DNA repair, energy production, and cancer cell growth. The findings, published in the International Journal of Cancer, help explain one way exercise can protect against bowel cancer: by sending molecular signals in the bloodstream that influence the activity of genes that govern tumor growth and genome instability. "What's remarkable is that exercise doesn't just benefit healthy tissues, it sends powerful signals through the bloodstream that can directly influence thousands of genes in cancer cells,” said Dr. Sam Orange, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology at Newcastle University, who led the study. "It's an exciting insight because it opens the door to finding ways that mimic or augment the biological effects of exercise, potentially improving cancer treatment and, crucially, patient outcomes. In the future, these insights could lead to new therapies that imitate the beneficial effects of exercise on how cells repair damaged DNA and use fuel for energy," Orange added. The team found that exercise boosted the activity of genes that support mitochondrial energy metabolism, enabling cells to use oxygen more efficiently. At the same time, genes linked to rapid cell growth were switched off, which could reduce the aggressiveness of cancer cells, and exercise-conditioned blood promoted DNA repair, activating a key repair gene called PNKP. The study involved 30 volunteers, male and female, aged 50-78, all overweight or obese (a risk factor of cancer) but otherwise healthy. After completing a short, intense cycling test lasting approximately 10 minutes, researchers collected blood samples and analyzed 249 proteins. As many as 13 proteins increased after exercise, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), which helps repair the DNA of damaged cells. "These results suggest that exercise doesn't just benefit healthy tissues; it may also create a more hostile environment for cancer cells to grow. Even a single workout can make a difference. One bout of exercise, lasting just 10 minutes, sends powerful signals to the body. It's a reminder that every step, every session, counts when it comes to doing your best to protect your health," Orange 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.
04 January,2026 10:39 AM IST | New Delhi | IANSADVERTISEMENT
