Medicine

A hidden “first mile” dependence is shaping drug shortages, prices, and tariff risks.

4,000-year-old dental plaque uncovers evidence of people eating psychoactive betel nuts

Researchers from Chiang Mai University and the California Academy of Sciences have identified chemical traces of betel nut chewing in a 4,000-year-old burial.

Meet 'Polo Super Ponies': World’s first genetically modified horses bred for 'explosive speed' in Argentina

Scientists in Argentina have made history by creating the world's first genetically modified horses, designed to be faster and more agile.

Zombie fungus: The weird fungus that can take over insects’ brains

Explore the strange world of the zombie fungus, Ophiocordyceps, which invades insects and manipulates their behaviour.

Aurobindo Pharma, Glenmark recall products in US

As per the latest Enforcement Report of US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA), Aurobindo Pharma USA Inc, a subsidiary of Hyderabad-based drug maker, is recalling over 1 lakh bottles of Cinacalcet tablets in multiple strengths.

Paracetamol linked to side effects in digestive tract, heart, kidneys: Study

'The use of paracetamol as a first line pain killer for long-term conditions such as osteoarthritis in older people needs to be carefully considered,' lead researcher Weiya Zhang said.

Cyclone Dana: IMD Expects Landfall Past Mid-night, 3 Lakh People Evacuated To 6500 Relief Centres

Odisha Disaster Minister Suresh Pujari announced preparations for Cyclone Dana, with 6,500 relief centers established for evacuees. The government is fully prepared for the cyclone’s landfall, expected between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port starting the night of October 24 and continuing into the morning of October 25, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. Pujari emphasized the importance of evacuating homes and taking refuge in relief centers, assuring that provisions for food, medicine, and special accommodations for children and the elderly have been arranged. A total of 300 teams, including NDRF and ODRF units, have been deployed to assist with evacuations and provide security for protected areas. As of Wednesday evening, over 30% of the targeted 10 lakh people had already been evacuated. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Dana is moving northwest at 12 km/h and has begun affecting coastal regions with heavy rains. Specific districts, such as Baleswar and Kendrapara, are forecasted to experience wind speeds of 100-120 km/h and significant rainfall, with some areas potentially receiving over 21 cm. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and coordinating relief efforts to ensure public safety.

On this day, October 19 - Know what happened today in history

Discover the significant historical events that occurred on October 19, from Saddam Hussein's trial to the discovery of Streptomycin and the First Battle of Ypres.

Man loses eye after swatting fly from face, initially misdiagnosed as conjunctivitis

After swatting the fly, the man noticed that his left eye had become red, swollen, and painful. Despite seeking medical help, his condition rapidly deteriorated.

Nutraceuticals may get cheaper, government looks to regulate prices: Report

Presently, nutraceuticals come under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and there are no such price regulations

Man, 56, spent 93 days underwater in the Atlantic Ocean. He 'reversed' his age by 10 years

The remarkable health benefits Joseph Dituri experienced can be attributed to the high-pressure environment of his underwater pod, akin to the therapeutic effects of a hyperbaric chamber.

Orangutan self-medicates using wild plants, wound heals in a month

Researchers witnessed Rakus, an adult male orangutan, utilising the leaves of Fibraurea tinctoria, locally known as Akar Kuning, to treat a wound on his right cheek.

Supreme Court’s push to fix medical rates is unjustified and counterproductive

Unfortunately, price controls do not function as a wish granted by a genie, where the government wills it and it miraculously is followed by everyone. Several decades, if not centuries, of evidence should make it evident that price controls have disastrous unintended consequences

Nobel Prize announcements are getting underway with the unveiling of the medicine prize

The Nobel Prize announcements have commenced, starting with the unveiling of the medicine award winner.

Long COVID is real. Now the evidence is piling up

A new study, led by the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Yale School of Medicine and published in Nature, defines some critical differences in certain biomarkers of people with long COVID. The next step is even more critical: coming up with a way to cure them

Zero tolerance on spurious medicines, 71 firms issued notices: Mansukh Mandaviya on cough syrup row

In an exclusive interview with PTI video, the minister also said an extensive risk-based analysis is done continuously to ensure the production of quality medicines in the country, and the government and regulators are always alert to ensure that no one dies due to spurious medicines.

Nigerian health agency finds fatal toxins in India-based Synecare's Paracetamol suspension

Liberia has already confiscated 250 cartons of Para Clear after laboratory tests showed it contains toxic ethylene glycol

India's generic drugs industry needs better oversight

The industry has 36 different regulators, allowing for unscrupulous fly-by-night operators to shop around for the most pliable jurisdiction. All these regulators have to be consolidated into one, inspection records and reviews of drug applications made public, and all generics manufacturers put through the same tests as companies making new drugs

Govt bans 14 cocktail drugs for posing health risks, lack of therapeutic justification

An expert committee has said there is "no therapeutic justification" for these fixed-dose combination drugs that may involve risk to human beings

Breast cancer vaccine trials have started and show promise

Researchers and doctors are inching closer to making mastectomies a thing of the past. Women who were part of one breast cancer vaccine trial had a 50 percent chance of dying from the disease within five years of treatment, but after a decade, 80 percent are still alive.

Zydus gets USFDA nod for generic medication

The company has received final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to manufacture and market Estradiol Transdermal System USP in the American market.

In Pics: All about the Ozempic, the diabetes drug touted as a miracle for weight loss

Ozempic is a brand name for the generic drug semaglutide, which is FDA-approved to treat Type-2 Diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya responds to Mallikarjun Kharge on medicine price 'hike'

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Twitter, responded to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge's attack on the centre government over the rise in the prices of medicines.

USFDA grants ODD status to Zydus Lifesciences medicine to treat CAPS

The grant of Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for ZYIL1 provides eligibility for certain development incentives, including tax credits for qualified clinical testing, prescription drug user fee exemptions and seven-year marketing exclusivity upon FDA approval, the company said in a regulatory filing.

Woman delivers rare ‘MoMo twins’. What that means

Just over a year after having twin boys, this teacher gave birth to two baby girls -- who are the rarest kind of twins in the US.