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The New York State Department of Health has confirmed a new case of mpox, marking the fourth reported instance of the clade Ib strain in the U.S. This follows previous cases in California, New Hampshire, and Georgia. The confirmation raises global concerns about the virus’s spread and evolving variants. According to the CDC, the newly detected case is not linked to the previous three, underscoring the need for continued surveillance. Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the orthopoxvirus family, which also includes the smallpox virus. The disease primarily spreads through close contact with infected individuals or animals. While its symptoms resemble smallpox, they are typically milder. Common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash that spreads across the body. Health officials continue to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing preventive measures and public awareness to curb further transmission.

IIT Madras has announced the release of the Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (BCGA), a comprehensive database aimed at bridging the genomic gap in cancer studies. The initiative focuses on improving early detection, treatment strategies, and drug development for Indian breast cancer patients. The project, undertaken in collaboration with Karkinos Healthcare, Chennai Breast Clinic, and Cancer Research and Relief Trust, has successfully sequenced 960 whole exomes from 480 breast cancer patient tissue samples collected from across the country. The resulting database is now publicly accessible to researchers and clinicians at bcga.iitm.ac.in. Key Highlights of the Initiative Rising Cancer Burden: According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), one in nine Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, with a 12.8 percent annual increase in cases since 2022. Lack of Representation in Global Research: India has historically been underrepresented in global cancer genome studies, making it difficult for diagnostic tools and treatments to be tailored to Indian patients. First-of-its-Kind Indian Breast Cancer Genome Database: The BCGA provides a crucial repository of genetic variants specific to Indian breast cancer cases, addressing a long-standing gap in cancer genomics. Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, stated that the initiative aligns with the institution’s commitment to societal impact. “By releasing this data, we hope to provide critical insights into the genetic factors contributing to cancer, enabling early intervention and more effective treatments. This dataset fills a major gap in India’s genomic research and offers new possibilities for precision medicine.” How BCGA Will Contribute to Cancer Research and Treatment Early Detection: Identification of cancer-specific biomarkers to improve early diagnosis. Personalized Medicine: Facilitating treatments tailored to genetic and molecular profiles. Improved Treatment Strategies: Enabling the development of novel drug targets. Collaborative Research: Providing an open-access platform for researchers to contribute and analyze data. The project was led by the Centre of Excellence on Cancer Genomics and Molecular Therapeutics at IIT Madras, under the Government of India’s ‘Institutions of Eminence’ initiative. The research was also supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. Prof. S. Mahalingam, Project Coordinator, emphasized the significance of BCGA, stating: “This database will be an invaluable resource for identifying high-risk groups, monitoring cancer progression, and advancing precision oncology in India. It will also serve as a foundation for developing better treatment strategies specific to the Indian population.” The BCGA is part of a broader effort under the National Center for Precision Medicine in Cancer, a joint initiative between IIT Madras and Karkinos Healthcare aimed at fostering interdisciplinary research for affordable cancer care solutions. With World Cancer Day being observed on February 4, 2025, the release of the BCGA marks a major milestone in India’s cancer research landscape, reinforcing the country’s commitment to advancing precision medicine and improving patient outcomes. Source: iitm. ac

A groundbreaking study titled “Dengue Dynamics, Predictions, and Future Increase under Changing Monsoon Climate in India” projects a 13% rise in dengue-related mortality in Pune by 2040. Conducted by scientists from IITM, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and international collaborators, the study was published in Scientific Reports on January 21. Highlighting the interplay between climate and dengue, the researchers warned that rising temperatures and erratic monsoon patterns could escalate dengue deaths by 25-40% by mid-century (2040–2060). Pune, a known dengue hotspot, is particularly vulnerable due to increasing average temperatures, uneven rainfall distribution, and higher humidity levels. The study revealed that temperatures above 27°C, moderate and evenly distributed rainfall, and humidity levels between 60% and 78% during monsoon significantly drive dengue transmission. Conversely, extreme rainfall exceeding 150 mm in a week can reduce mosquito prevalence by flushing out larvae and eggs. Under fossil fuel emission scenarios, Pune’s temperature is predicted to rise by 1.2–3.5°C by 2100, amplifying conditions favorable to dengue outbreaks. However, researchers emphasize that socio-economic factors, not included in the projections, could also influence future trends. Lead scientist Dr. Roxy Koll from IITM stressed the need for early warning systems based on health and climate data. Using AI/ML models, the team developed a system capable of predicting dengue outbreaks over two months in advance. “Cooperation from health departments is critical for saving lives,” Dr. Koll said. The findings underscore the urgency for region-specific interventions and better health data integration to combat climate-sensitive diseases. Policymakers in high-burden states can utilize this study to allocate resources effectively and mitigate the public health impact of climate change.