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BMI at Age 10 and Childhood Growth Rate Linked to Higher Risk of Diabetes and Heart Disease: Study

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A new study published in Nature Communications has found that body mass index (BMI) at age 10 and overall growth rate between ages one and 18 may play a significant role in determining the risk of developing diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease later in life. The research, led by Nicole Warrington, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, examined how genetic factors influence changes in a child’s BMI over time. According to Warrington, approximately 25 per cent of the variation in children’s body weight trajectories from age one to 18 can be attributed to genetics. She noted that relying solely on population averages to assess child growth may overlook crucial individual genetic differences. The study analysed nearly 66,000 BMI measurements collected from around 6,300 children and adolescents aged between one and 18 years. By tracking growth patterns longitudinally rather than at a single age, researchers were able to better understand how genetics shapes the pace and pattern of growth. Geng Wang, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Queensland, said the findings may help reassure parents concerned about early weight gain or growth differences in their children. He explained that genetic factors affecting body size in infancy may differ from those influencing body size during adolescence. Importantly, the researchers found that body size differences in early childhood do not necessarily indicate a lifelong risk of obesity. Warrington emphasised that further research is needed to identify the most effective stages in childhood to intervene for preventing obesity or poor growth outcomes in the long term. The data for the analysis was drawn from the “Children of the 90s” study, conducted by the University of Bristol, a long-term research project investigating environmental and genetic influences on health and development. Source: PTI

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Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Stresses Global Potential of AYUSH

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President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday inaugurated the National Arogya Fair 2026 at Shegaon in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, emphasising the vital role of AYUSH systems in promoting holistic healthcare. During the event, the President felicitated six senior Vaidyas in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the field of traditional Indian medicine. Addressing the gathering, President Murmu highlighted that in Indian philosophy, good health is considered the highest form of happiness, and healthy citizens are fundamental to nation-building. She noted that AYUSH systems — including Ayurveda, Yoga and Siddha — have long supported public health and continue to complement modern medicine. The President underlined India’s rich natural heritage, pointing out that farms, kitchens and forests are abundant sources of medicinal plants and healing herbs. She stressed the importance of conserving and enhancing this biodiversity to ensure sustainable raw materials for medicines while maintaining ecological balance. Cultivation of medicinal plants, she added, boosts farmers’ incomes and supports soil conservation. She further stated that strengthening AYUSH not only promotes physical well-being but also drives economic growth and environmental sustainability. Systems such as Ayurveda and Yoga, she said, offer comprehensive guidance for leading a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Observing growing global interest, President Murmu remarked that integrative medicine is gaining recognition worldwide, with increasing adoption of yoga for stress management and Ayurveda for preventive and therapeutic care. She emphasised the need for evidence-based research, standardisation of medicines, and robust quality control measures to enhance the global credibility and acceptance of AYUSH systems. Expressing satisfaction over ongoing efforts, the President said the Ministry of AYUSH has aligned research and drug development guidelines with international standards. With continued scientific validation and global collaboration, she expressed confidence that traditional Indian medicine will play a pivotal role in advancing holistic healthcare globally. Source: DD News 

Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates National Arogya Fair 2026 in Shegaon, Stresses Global Potential of AYUSH Read More »

1 in 7 Stroke Patients in India Below 45, Says National Registry Analysis

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Nearly one in seven stroke patients in India is under the age of 45, while delayed hospital arrival continues to undermine survival and recovery, according to findings from the country’s largest hospital-based stroke registry study published in the International Journal of Stroke. The analysis, led by Prashant Mathur of the ICMR–National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR) along with investigators from the National Stroke Registry Programme, reviewed 34,792 stroke cases recorded across 30 hospitals between 2020 and 2022. The mean age of patients was 59.4 years, but 13.8 per cent were younger than 45, highlighting the rising burden of stroke among younger Indians. Men accounted for 63.4 per cent of cases, while 72.1 per cent of patients were from rural areas, underscoring disparities in awareness, prevention and access to timely care. Hypertension emerged as the most significant risk factor, present in 74.5 per cent of patients. Diabetes affected 27.3 per cent, smokeless tobacco use 28.5 per cent, tobacco smoking 22.6 per cent and alcohol consumption 20.2 per cent. The study observed gender differences, with women showing higher rates of hypertension and diabetes, while men reported greater tobacco and alcohol use. Timely treatment remains a major challenge. Only 20 per cent of patients reached hospital within the critical 4.5-hour window for emergency stroke therapy, while 37.8 per cent arrived after 24 hours. Consequently, just 4.6 per cent of ischemic stroke patients received intravenous thrombolysis and 0.7 per cent underwent mechanical thrombectomy. Delayed hospital arrival, imaging bottlenecks and limited availability of medicines were cited as key barriers. Ischemic strokes accounted for 60 per cent of cases, while intracerebral haemorrhage comprised 34.2 per cent. Dr Manjari Tripathi, Head of Neurology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS Delhi), stressed the urgency of rapid response. She emphasised that patients should reach hospital within three hours, undergo immediate brain imaging and receive thrombolysis without delay if eligible, noting that every minute of delay leads to irreversible brain damage and long-term disability. Outcomes remain severe. In-hospital mortality stood at 13.9 per cent, rising to nearly 28 per cent at three months, suggesting many deaths occurred after discharge. Overall, more than half of patients experienced poor outcomes — defined as death or significant disability. Women were more likely than men to have disability at follow-up, indicating possible gaps in rehabilitation and post-discharge care. Recurrent stroke within three months was reported in 1.1 per cent of patients. Researchers called for stronger control of hypertension and diabetes, tobacco cessation efforts, faster referral systems and improved access to acute stroke care, particularly in rural India. Without stronger prevention and rapid treatment systems, they warned, stroke will continue to affect younger populations and leave families facing avoidable disability. Source: TNN

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India, France Inaugurate Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS Delhi

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In a major step to deepen bilateral cooperation in healthcare and emerging technologies, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and French President Emmanuel Macron jointly inaugurated the Indo-French Centre for AI in Health (IFCAIH) at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi. The newly launched centre is envisioned as a pioneering platform to accelerate AI-driven research, strengthen medical education, and promote clinical innovation. According to official sources, the IFCAIH aims to tackle complex healthcare challenges while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between Indian and French institutions. Addressing the gathering, President Macron underlined the importance of developing sovereign AI capabilities. He stressed that India and France must build their own computing capacity and skilled talent to create trusted AI systems, rather than relying entirely on technologies developed elsewhere. He added that artificial intelligence must serve humanity, with strong safeguards for children, algorithmic transparency to reduce bias, and a commitment to preserving linguistic and cultural diversity. The launch of the centre coincided with the Rencontres Universitaires et Scientifiques de Haut Niveau (RUSH) 2026, a high-level academic and scientific forum organised at AIIMS on February 18 and 19 by the French Embassy. A key session titled “Indo-French Forum: AI in Brain Health and Global Healthcare” brought together scientists, clinicians, policymakers, and academic leaders from both nations to explore collaborative solutions in global health. The IFCAIH has been established under a joint Memorandum of Understanding between AIIMS, Sorbonne University, and Paris Brain Institute, with additional collaboration from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and other leading French institutions. The initiative builds upon ongoing India-France cooperation in priority areas such as digital health, antimicrobial resistance, human resources for health, and the responsible use of health data. As part of the RUSH 2026 programme, President Macron engaged with young Indian innovators, including Priyanka Das Rajkakati and Manan Suri, during an interactive session moderated by Clara Chappaz, spotlighting youth-led innovation and cross-border AI collaboration. The event also featured a special segment at the Jawaharlal Auditorium highlighting major scientific and academic cooperation milestones between France and India. Moderated by Prof. Vijay Raghavan and Dr. Thierry Coulhon, Chairmen of RUSH, the session showcased expanding partnerships in higher education, research, and innovation. Union Minister JP Nadda reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening AI-enabled healthcare collaboration with France, noting that the new centre will serve as a catalyst for innovation, capacity building, and global knowledge exchange. President Macron later posted on X that France and India are mobilising AI for research, training, and innovation for the common good, reinforcing the shared vision of ethical, inclusive, and globally beneficial AI in healthcare. Source: ANI

India, France Inaugurate Indo-French Centre for AI in Health at AIIMS Delhi Read More »

Physical Inactivity Linked to 13% of Heart Failure Cases Among Diabetics in India: Global Study

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A global study has found that more than 13 per cent of heart failure cases among people living with diabetes in India may be attributed to physical inactivity, underscoring the growing health burden linked to sedentary lifestyles. The research, published in the Journal of Sport and Health Science, estimates that 9.6 per cent of coronary heart disease cases and 9.4 per cent of cardiovascular complications among diabetics in India are also associated with insufficient physical activity. On a global scale, researchers reported that nearly one in ten cases of macrovascular complications—conditions affecting large blood vessels—as well as diabetic retinopathy in individuals with diabetes can be traced to a lack of regular exercise. Lead author Jayne Feter from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul said the findings challenge the perception that diabetes-related complications are unavoidable. According to her, a substantial proportion of these conditions could be prevented through realistic and sustained increases in physical activity. The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week. The study analysed data from over 2.3 million adults with diabetes across multiple global regions, including South Asia. Globally, physical inactivity was linked to over 10 per cent of stroke cases, 9.7 per cent of diabetic retinopathy cases, 7.3 per cent of heart failure cases, and roughly five to seven per cent of cardiovascular and coronary heart disease cases among diabetics. The researchers also observed that women and individuals with lower educational attainment face a disproportionately higher risk of complications related to physical inactivity, highlighting persistent social and gender inequities in health outcomes. India accounts for more than a quarter of the world’s diabetic population, according to a 2024 study published in The Lancet. Long-term elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to serious complications that increasingly strain healthcare systems. The authors emphasised that integrating structured physical activity promotion into routine diabetes care and national strategies to combat noncommunicable diseases is essential. Co-author Natan Feter from the University of Southern California said policies must be adapted to local contexts and directly address social and gender disparities to effectively reduce hospitalisations, disability, and rising healthcare costs. Source: PTI

Physical Inactivity Linked to 13% of Heart Failure Cases Among Diabetics in India: Global Study Read More »

AstraZeneca Secures CDSCO Approval for Expanded Use of Imfinzi in Endometrial Cancer Treatment

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AstraZeneca Pharma India Ltd announced on Tuesday (February 10, 2026) that it has obtained approval from India’s drug regulator to market its cancer therapy, Durvalumab (brand name Imfinzi), for an additional indication. In a regulatory filing, the company stated that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), under the Directorate General of Health Services, has granted permission to import, sell, and distribute Durvalumab solution for infusion in strengths of 120 mg/2.4 ml and 500 mg/10 ml for expanded therapeutic use. With this latest approval, Durvalumab can now be used in combination with chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and paclitaxel as a first-line treatment for adults diagnosed with primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer who are eligible for systemic therapy. Following combination treatment, the drug is also approved as a standalone maintenance therapy for patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) endometrial cancer. The company noted that this regulatory clearance enables the commercial rollout of Imfinzi for the newly approved indication in India, subject to completion of other necessary statutory formalities. Source: PTI  

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​​Zydus secures USFDA orphan drug tag for sickle cell therapy Desidustat

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Zydus Lifesciences has received Orphan Drug Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for Desidustat, its novel oral therapy being developed for the treatment of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), the company said on Friday. The USFDA grants orphan status to medicines intended to treat rare conditions affecting fewer than 200,000 people in the United States, with the aim of encouraging research and development in areas of high unmet medical need. Commenting on the development, Zydus Lifesciences Managing Director Sharvil Patel said the designation highlights the critical need for new treatment options for patients with sickle cell disease. He added that the company believes Desidustat has the potential to address gaps in current therapies, which remain limited. Zydus also said it has successfully completed a Phase II, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, multi-centre proof-of-concept study to assess the efficacy and safety of Desidustat in patients with SCD. The clinical data from the study is expected to be published in a peer-reviewed medical journal. The orphan drug status makes Desidustat eligible for several regulatory incentives, including tax credits for clinical trials, exemption from certain USFDA user fees, and the possibility of seven years of market exclusivity in the US following regulatory approval. Source: PTI

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PGIMER Doctors Make Major Breakthrough in Treatment of Deadly Celphos Poisoning

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Doctors at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, have achieved a significant medical breakthrough in treating aluminium phosphide poisoning—commonly known as Celphos—one of the most lethal forms of pesticide poisoning in India. In a first-of-its-kind clinical study, researchers from PGIMER’s Department of Internal Medicine have demonstrated that intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) can act as a life-saving therapy when used alongside standard treatment. The findings mark a major advancement in managing a condition that has historically carried a very high mortality rate. The study has been published in the internationally respected European Review of Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, earning global recognition. The research was conducted under the guidance of Dr Sanjay Jain, Dean (Academics) and Professor & Head of Internal Medicine at PGIMER, whose leadership in emergency and critical care was instrumental in treating severely ill patients. The study was funded by the Medical Education and Research Cell, PGIMER, reflecting strong institutional backing for impactful clinical research. The randomised clinical trial was led by Dr Mandip Singh Bhatia, Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, PGIMER, as the principal investigator, with Dr Saurabh Chandrabhan Sharda serving as co-investigator, along with other faculty members from the department. According to the study, patients who received intravenous lipid emulsion in addition to conventional medical therapy showed a significant reduction in mortality. They also experienced quicker correction of severe metabolic acidosis, improved blood pressure stability, and better overall outcomes, even in cases involving shock and cardiac complications. Researchers noted that early administration of the therapy can substantially change the clinical course of aluminium phosphide poisoning. A key strength of this treatment is its feasibility. Intravenous lipid emulsion is affordable, widely available, and already stocked in most hospitals across India, including district and peripheral healthcare centres. This makes it especially valuable for rural and remote areas, where Celphos poisoning is most prevalent and access to advanced critical care is limited. Aluminium phosphide poisoning remains a major public-health concern, particularly in agricultural states such as Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, where the chemical is commonly used as a grain preservative. The availability of an effective, low-cost, and evidence-based treatment could have a transformative impact in these high-burden regions. The study further reinforces PGIMER’s commitment to research that addresses region-specific health challenges and delivers tangible benefits to local populations. Source: PTI  

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AI boosts breast cancer detection in routine scans, landmark trial shows

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Artificial intelligence can significantly improve the detection of breast cancer during routine screening, according to findings from a world-first clinical trial released on Friday. The results point to AI as a potential solution to both diagnostic gaps and rising workload pressures faced by radiologists globally. Published in The Lancet, the study is the first completed randomised controlled trial to rigorously evaluate AI-assisted breast cancer screening. Conducted in Sweden, the trial followed more than 100,000 women who underwent routine mammography in 2021 and 2022. Participants were randomly divided into two groups. One group had their scans reviewed by a single radiologist supported by an AI system, while the other followed the standard European protocol of double reading by two radiologists. The outcomes showed that the AI-assisted approach identified 9% more cancer cases than the conventional method. Importantly, over a two-year follow-up period, women in the AI-supported group had a 12% lower incidence of “interval cancers” — cancers detected between regular screening rounds, which are often more aggressive. The benefits were consistent across age groups and breast density levels, and the rate of false positives remained comparable between both groups. Kristina Lang, senior author of the study and a researcher at Lund University, said the findings indicate that large-scale adoption of AI-supported mammography could ease staffing pressures in radiology departments while improving early cancer detection. However, she emphasised that any rollout must be done carefully, with ongoing evaluation and oversight. Experts cautioned that AI should complement, not replace, human expertise. Jean-Philippe Masson, head of the French National Federation of Radiologists, noted that radiologists must validate AI-generated findings, as the technology can sometimes flag benign tissue changes as cancer. He also pointed out that high costs and concerns around overdiagnosis have slowed AI adoption in countries like France. Stephen Duffy, emeritus professor of cancer screening at Queen Mary University of London, who was not involved in the research, said the trial adds to growing evidence that AI-assisted screening is safe. However, he flagged that the reduction in interval cancers was not statistically significant and called for longer follow-up to assess whether outcomes between the two groups eventually converge. Earlier interim results from the trial, published in 2023, showed that AI nearly halved the time radiologists spent reviewing mammograms. The AI system used in the study, Transpara, was trained on over 200,000 mammography exams from 10 countries. Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, more than 2.3 million women were diagnosed with the disease and around 670,000 died from it in 2022. Source: PTI

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Nipah outbreak under control in India, government says as neighbouring countries step up vigilance

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Indian authorities have moved to reassure the region after confirming that a recent outbreak of the Nipah virus has been successfully contained. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said late Tuesday that swift action helped prevent further spread after two cases were detected in West Bengal. According to the ministry, a total of 196 contacts linked to the confirmed cases were traced, monitored and tested, with all results returning negative. Officials said the clarification was issued to counter what they described as “speculative and inaccurate reporting” in sections of the media. “The situation is under constant monitoring and all necessary public health measures are in place,” the ministry said, noting that enhanced surveillance, laboratory testing and field investigations have been rolled out to ensure early detection of any new cases. Despite India’s assurance, several Asian countries have introduced additional health screening for travellers arriving from India. China said it was tightening disease prevention measures in border regions, with state media reporting risk assessments and specialised training for medical personnel. Countries including Indonesia and Thailand have stepped up airport checks through health declarations, temperature screening and visual assessments. Myanmar advised against non-essential travel to West Bengal and intensified fever surveillance at airports, a system originally introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic. Vietnam and Malaysia also directed authorities to strengthen monitoring at borders, ports of entry and healthcare facilities. The Nipah virus, a zoonotic disease first identified in Malaysia in the late 1990s, spreads through fruit bats, pigs and close human contact. There is no vaccine or specific treatment, with care limited to managing symptoms and complications. With a fatality rate estimated by the World Health Organization at 40–75%, Nipah is considered significantly more lethal than coronavirus infections. The first known human outbreak in 1998 led to more than 100 deaths among pig farmers and butchers in Malaysia and Singapore. Since then, sporadic outbreaks have been reported in Bangladesh, the Philippines and India, with Kerala witnessing Nipah cases almost annually since 2018. Source: Aljazeera

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