New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have found that the black scorpion sting injects 25 distinct deadly toxins, which can cause significant damage to the liver and the immune system.Given its considerable mortality and morbidity, the sting of the glossy black scorpion — found particularly in Eastern and Southern India forests — constitutes a…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) MicroRNAs (miRNAs) — the discovery of which received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine last year — may play a significant role in the treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), said researchers from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR).Alzheimer’s Disease is a devastating condition that steals away mental faculties and debilitates day-to-day life of patients. Characterised by the accumulation of protein clumps in the brain, memo…

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 6 (IANS) Ahead of the forthcoming crucial elections — local body (December) and Assembly (April/May 2026) — the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government on Wednesday approved the second phase of the Medisep medical insurance scheme for state government employees and pensioners.There are about one million families which will now avail this new facility.The scheme will see significant enhancements in insurance coverage and treatment options.Under the new phase, basic insura…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The World Health Organization has urged countries to invest in health systems and support breastfeeding mothers to strengthen children’s health, development, and survival in the early stages of life.Breastfeeding is crucial for the babies’ health and well-being. It acts as their first vaccine, protecting against diseases including diarrhoea and pneumonia.World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated every year in the first week of August.“Investing in breastfeeding is an inv…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) tested 86,401 food samples for pesticide residues between 2022 and 2025, the government informed the Parliament on Wednesday.In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, stated that “2.8 per cent samples” were found to exceed the limits.“FSSAI through its regional offices and State/UT Food Safety authorities undertakes regular surveillance, mon…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) More than 7 lakh persons have been rehabilitated from drug de-addiction centres in the year 2024-25, said Dr. Virendra Kumar, Union Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment, in the Parliament on Wednesday.Replying to a question in Rajya Sabha, Kumar shared that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) has formulated and enacted National Action Plan for Drug Demand for Reduction (2018-2025), which supports rehabilitation and drug-deaddiction centres.“Ove…

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) The study undertaken by India that showed the positive impact of nutrition on the outcome of tuberculosis (TB) contributed to global guidance on the world’s most infectious disease, said the World Health Organization (WHO), while calling for more research and innovation to fight TB.Led by ICMR, the study conducted in Jharkhand, offered the first evidence that providing extra nutrition is effective in preventing TB cases and mortality in India.”The findings from India’s …

New Delhi, Aug 6 (IANS) Are you someone who reaches for a cup of coffee every night? According to a new study, nighttime caffeine consumption can increase impulsive behaviour, potentially leading to reckless actions, especially among women.The findings could have negative implications for shift workers, health care, and military personnel who consume coffee at night, particularly females, said a team of biologists from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).The study, published in the journal…

Dehra Dun, Aug 5 (IANS) In response to the devastating cloudburst that struck Dharali village in Uttarkashi district on Tuesday, the Uttarakhand government has activated an emergency health response under the direct supervision of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.The Chief Minister is closely monitoring the relief efforts and is in constant contact with senior officials to ensure swift assistance to the victims. Following his instructions, Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar has mobilised a t…

Ranchi, Aug 5 (IANS) The Jharkhand High Court has asked the state Health Secretary and the Director of the state’s premier health institution, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), to appear in person on Wednesday over the shocking state of affairs of the hospital.During the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Tuesday, a division bench of Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajesh Shankar, expressing grave concern, directed both officials to appear in person on…