New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) High midlife stress may increase the chances of Alzheimer’s disease…

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) If you are finding it hard to control hypertension or high blood pressure then eating dark chocolate, grapes, or drinking tea may help you, according to a study.Researchers from the University of Surrey, UK, found that naturally occurring compounds called flavan-3-ols — found in cocoa, tea, apples, and grapes — may improve blood pressure and the health of our blood vessels.The research, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analysed data from 145 randomised controlled studies, and found that regular consumption of flavan-3-ols can lead to a reduction in blood pressure readings, particularly in people with elevated or high blood pressure.In some cases, the average blood pressure-lowering effects were comparable to those seen with some medications, said the researchers.”The findings are encouraging for those looking for accessible ways to manage their blood pressure and support their heart health through enjoyable dietary changes,” said lead author Professor Christian Heiss, Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Surrey.“Incorporating small amounts of commonly consumed foods like tea, apples, dark chocolate, or cocoa powder into a daily balanced diet could provide beneficial amounts of flavan-3-ols,” Heiss added.Flavan-3-ols were also found to improve the function of the endothelium — the inner lining of blood vessels — which is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.This improvement occurred independently of blood pressure changes, suggesting a broader positive impact on the circulatory system.”While not a replacement for prescribed medications or medical advice, including more flavan-3-ol-rich foods in a daily routine could be a valuable addition to a healthy lifestyle, especially for those with higher blood pressure. These are findings that, although promising, require ongoing investigation,” Heiss said.Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major global health concern, affecting an estimated 1.28 billion adults worldwide.This common, deadly condition leads to stroke, heart attack, heart failure, kidney damage, and many other health problems.Lifestyle changes like eating a healthier diet, quitting tobacco, and being more active can help lower blood pressure.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) The combination of air pollution, dense urban development and limited green spaces increases the risk of asthma in both children and adults, according to a new study.Improving these can help prevent one in 10 cases of asthma — a chronic respiratory condition characterised by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult.Previous studies have typically calculated the risk of one environmental factor at a time. The new study combined several environmental factors and described how they together affect the risk of developing asthma.This provided a better picture of environmental risks, as life in a city usually involves exposure to several environmental risk factors at the same timeResearchers from Karolinska Institutet, in Sweden, found that 11.6 per cent of asthma cases could be explained by the combination of environmental factors.In other words, in a favourable environment, approximately one in ten people with asthma would not have developed the disease.The combination of air pollution, lack of green spaces, and dense urban development was most relevant for the development of asthma.“This finding is useful for politicians and others involved in urban planning. The method makes it possible to identify risk areas in existing urban areas, but it can also be used when planning future urban environments,” said Erik Melén, Professor at the Department of Clinical Research and Education.The study covered nearly 350,000 people of different ages, from 14 cohorts in seven European countries.Information on home addresses of each individual made it possible to link data on various environmental risks in the urban environment to individual people.The environmental exposures included were air pollution, outdoor temperatures, and the level of urban density. The assessment was partly based on satellite images showing grey, green, or blue areas, i.e., where there were buildings, green spaces, or water.During the study period, nearly 7,500 of the study participants developed asthma as children or adults. The researchers foundThe researchers next aim to examine blood samples from some of the study participants to identify their metabolome, that is, a composite picture of the body’s metabolism and breakdown products.The purpose is to understand how external environmental factors affect the body, which could provide a better understanding of how asthma develops.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) Embracing a healthy lifestyle, eating balanced diet, and monitoring timely can help control high blood pressure, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on World Hypertension Day on Saturday.World Hypertension Day is observed every year on May 17 to raise awareness of hypertension and its serious medical complications.“On World Hypertension Day, we unite to raise awareness about the prevention and management of high blood pressure,” Nadda said in a post on social media platform X.“By embracing a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and timely monitoring, we can control hypertension effectively,” he added.This year’s theme is “Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer”.It “reminds us that timely monitoring and proper management can save lives and improve overall well-being,” Nadda said.Hypertension, often termed the “silent killer,” is a leading risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. India alone has over 220 million individuals suffering from hypertension, with nearly one in three adults affected.Worryingly, many people don’t even know about it. This concerning trend is driven by sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets, rising obesity, high alcohol consumption, and chronic stress.Modifiable behavioural risk factors, including tobacco and alcohol consumption, excessive salt intake, sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary choices, and mental stress significantly contribute to the rising prevalence of hypertension.The outcomes of uncontrolled hypertension are severe, significantly increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and other cardiovascular diseases (CVD).To combat hypertension, the Health Ministry recently launched the National NCD Screening Drive. During the drive, health officials held “37.36 crore hypertension screening across India” and “4.51 crore are now on treatment for high blood pressure”.Hypertension is diagnosed if blood pressure readings are 140/90 or above on two different days.It can be prevented by proper diet, exercise, and reducing the amount of salt and oil intake, said the ministry, on X.–IANSrvt/

Los Angeles, May 17 (IANS) The United States has reported 1,024 measles cases so far in 2025, marking a sharp increase from previous years, according to the latest data released by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).A total of 14 measles outbreaks have been recorded nationwide this year. The CDC defines an outbreak as three or more related cases.Confirmed infections have been reported across 31 US jurisdictions, with 128 hospitalisations and three deaths recorded, the CDC said.Approximately 96 per cent of the cases occurred in individuals who were either unvaccinated or whose vaccination status was unknown.This year’s total represents a significant surge compared to 2024, when just 285 cases were reported throughout the entire year. It is also the highest annual total since 2019, when 1,274 cases were documented, Xinhua news agency reported.The CDC stressed that vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent measles. Two doses of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine provide strong protection against the disease.According to the World Health Organisation, Measles is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by respiratory droplets and direct contact. Measles spreads easily when an infected person breathes, coughs or sneezes. It can cause severe disease, complications, and even death.Measles can affect anyone but is most common in children.Measles infects the respiratory tract and then spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose and a rash all over the body.Any non-immune person (not vaccinated or vaccinated but did not develop immunity) can become infected. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant women are at highest risk of severe measles complications.Being vaccinated is the best way to prevent getting sick with measles or spreading it to other people. The vaccine is safe and helps your body fight off the virus.Before the introduction of measles vaccine in 1963 and widespread vaccination, major epidemics occurred approximately every two to three years and caused an estimated 2.6 million deaths each year.An estimated 107,500 people died from measles in 2023 – mostly children under the age of five years, despite the availability of a safe and cost-effective vaccines.In 2023 as many as 74 per cent of children received both doses of the measles vaccine, and about 83 per cent of the world’s children received one dose of measles vaccine by their first birthday.Two doses of the vaccine are recommended to ensure immunity and prevent outbreaks, as not all children develop immunity from the first dose.–IANSint/jk/rad

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) The Indian biotech companies are actively developing mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics, said a team of scientists at the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science and Technology.They were speaking at the 14th Webinar under the ‘Webinar Series on Biofoundry and Biomanufacturing Initiative’, along with Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC).The session focused on “Biomanufacturing for mRNA Therapeutics”, a vital component under the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy.“The BioE3 Policy’s vision is to foster high-performance biomanufacturing by supporting sustainable green growth. This approach marks a global shift toward sustainability, fuelling a ‘BioRevolution’ with the potential to reshape economies and societies,” said Dr. Alka Sharma, Senior Adviser/Sc ‘H’, DBT.She also informed that the 14th Webinar in this series focuses on mRNA therapeutics, a key thematic subsector under the policy.“Several Indian biotech companies and research institutions are actively involved in developing mRNA-based vaccines and therapeutics,” Sharma said, while also highlighting certain challenges plaguing the sector such as product delivery, product stability, and import dependence for raw materials.Approved by the Union Cabinet and released by the Minister of Science and Technology, the BioE3 Policy aims to position India as a global leader in bio-based innovations.It focuses on promoting sustainable biomanufacturing in diverse thematic areas including Precision Therapeutics such as mRNA therapeutics, supporting economic growth while promoting affordable healthcare accessible to the Indian population.Dr. Varshneya Singh, Scientist ‘D’, DBT, provided an insightful overview of the mRNA therapeutics subsector.“mRNA-based therapies represent a groundbreaking advancement in biotechnology, with the potential to tackle a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer, genetic conditions, and infectious diseases,” Singh said.He provided a SWOT analysis of the subsector, identifying its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.Dr. Raghavan Varadarajan, IISc Bangalore explored cutting-edge advances in mRNA-LNP vaccine technology, emphasising its revolutionary role in modern medicine.He talked about the mRNA vaccine design workflow; major advantages of mRNA vaccine modality; key structural elements of mRNA; workflow for LNP preparation, comparative analysis of different mRNA-LNP formulations, different kinds of microfluidic chips used, and comparison of different formulation methods.The Webinar served as a collaborative forum, bringing together academia, industry experts, start-ups, and researchers to explore the latest developments and emerging opportunities in the field of mRNA therapeutics biomanufacturing.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 17 (IANS) The Digital Life Certificate Campaign has revolutionised pension disbursal, said Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology.Singh noted that the campaign roped in technology to make it easier for elderly to get their pensions. It also abolished several outdated rules that were hindering the process.“The Digital Life Certificate Campaign has revolutionised pension disbursal by enabling elderly pensioners to verify their identity using facial recognition technology, eliminating the need for physical visits to bank branches,” Singh said.“Significant strides have also been made in simplifying administrative processes, including the introduction of a single pension form, a unified fellowship application portal, and the abolition of over 1,600 outdated rules,” he added.Addressing the IAS trainees and civil servants at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), Mussoorie, Singh also highlighted several groundbreaking reforms introduced to enhance transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in public service delivery.He said that to promote inclusivity, government recruitment exams are now conducted in 13 regional languages. The Union Minister also informed of plans to extend this to all 22 scheduled languages recognised by the Constitution.Ensuring a level playing field, interviews for certain Group B and C posts have been abolished, promoting merit-based selection.In addition, Rozgar Melas — large-scale employment fairs — have been launched to provide job opportunities and raise aspirations among the youth, Singh said.Further, Singh underscored the significance of the Swachhata Campaign, which not only optimised office space but also generated more than Rs 250 crore in revenue from the disposal of scrap materials.Highlighting initiatives for young officers, Singh spoke about the Assistant Secretaryship Programme, where IAS officers work in central ministries for two months.“During the Covid-19 pandemic, officers who had undergone this programme displayed greater confidence and adaptability,” he noted.The MoS also mentioned the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration, which now emphasise initiative and impact, rather than individual recognition. Over two dozen regional conferences have been conducted by the ministry across the country — from Leh to Kanyakumari, emphasising decentralised governance and participatory development.–IANSrvt/

Amaravati, May 16 (IANS) The government of Andhra Pradesh aims to set a new Guinness World Record for the largest gathering for a yoga session at one place, with about 2.5 lakh participating in the session at Visakhapatnam on International Yoga Day on June 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the 11th International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam along with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, state ministers and other leaders.The authorities are making arrangements for approximately 2.5 lakh people to participate in yoga from RK Beach to Bheemunipatnam Beach.Officials informed the Chief Minister at a review meeting on Friday that 68 locations have been identified for the event, including public spaces like RK Beach, Rushikonda, schools, cricket grounds, police and sports complexes, navy premises, and other open grounds, altogether providing capacity for 2,58,948 participants.In 2023, Surat hosted a yoga session with 1.53 lakh participants at one location, setting a new Guinness World Record. The Andhra Pradesh government now plans to surpass that record with the event at Visakhapatnam.Given that the event marks 10 years of International Yoga Day, the Chief Minister instructed that the event should be held in the grandest possible manner.He suggested involving up to 5 lakh people by organising yoga sessions across all suitable locations from RK Beach to Srikakulam along the coastline.The Chief Minister stressed that the event must be historic and unforgettable. He noted that this year’s theme is ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’.The event will be conducted in coordination with the Health Department, AYUSH Ministry, and Central Government agencies.”This is a prestigious event. The Prime Minister’s presence makes it even more special. It must be conducted spectacularly and mark the beginning of a widespread yoga movement across the state. Every citizen should be made a stakeholder. The programme must reach at least two crore people. The state-wide campaign should be launched under the theme ‘Yogandhra-2025’,” CM Naidu said.To prepare people for the event, a ‘Yoga Month’ will be observed from May 21 to June 21. During this period, yoga sessions will be conducted across all village and ward secretariat jurisdictions. Private individuals, trainers, yoga associations, and experts will be involved as partners.CM Naidu said citizens should be offered online and offline training for a month, and those completing it should be awarded certificates of recognition.Registrations for Yoga Day participation should be facilitated through the village and ward secretariats. Students from schools and colleges should also be actively involved, he said.He suggested that organisations like Isha Foundation and Art of Living should be engaged.The United Nations designated June 21 as International Yoga Day at the initiative of Prime Minister Modi.The first such event in 2015, featuring 36,000 participants on a single stage, entered the Guinness World Records. In the inaugural year, yoga was held in 84 countries. Today, more than 170 countries observe International Yoga Day.–IANSms/svn

Geneva, May 16 (IANS) Acute food insecurity and child malnutrition rose for the sixth consecutive year in 2024, pushing more than 295 million people across 53 countries to the brink, according to a joint report by UN agencies released on Friday.This is an increase of 13.7 million from 2023, said the report, blaming conflict, economic shocks, climate extremes, and forced displacement for the global rise in food insecurity and malnutrition.It showed that the prevalence of acute food insecurity is worsening — standing at 22.6 per cent of the population. 2024 marks the fifth consecutive year in which the figure has remained above 20 per cent.During the same period, the number of people facing catastrophic hunger more than doubled to reach 1.9 million — the highest since tracking began in 2016, the report said, adding that hunger shocks will likely persist into 2025.“This Global Report on Food Crises is another unflinching indictment of a world dangerously off course,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.“Long-standing crises are now being compounded by another, more recent one: the dramatic reduction in lifesaving humanitarian funding to respond to these needs. This is more than a failure of systems — it is a failure of humanity. Hunger in the 21st century is indefensible. We cannot respond to empty stomachs with empty hands and turned backs,” he added.Further, the report cited “extremely high levels” of malnutrition, particularly among children in the Gaza Strip, Mali, Sudan, and Yemen. Nearly 38 million children under five were acutely malnourished across 26 nutrition crises.The report also highlights a sharp increase in hunger driven by forced displacement, with nearly 95 million forcibly displaced people, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers, and refugees, living in countries facing food crises such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia, Sudan, and Syria out of a global total of 128 million forcibly displaced people.Acute food insecurity and malnutrition have increased to record levels, yet global funding is experiencing its fastest decline in years, and political momentum is weakening.The report called for a bold reset — one that prioritises evidence-driven and impact-focused action — to break the cycle of rising hunger and malnutrition.–IANSrvt/

New Delhi, May 16 (IANS) Hypertension or high blood pressure is a silent killer that affects over 294 million people in the Southeast Asia region, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Friday, ahead of World Hypertension Day.World Hypertension Day is observed every year on May 17 to raise awareness of hypertension and its serious medical complications.The theme this year is “measure your blood pressure accurately, control it, live longer”. It emphasises the importance of regular and accurate blood pressure measurements.“Hypertension continues to be a major public health challenge — a silent killer that affects over 294 million people across the WHO South-East Asia Region,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia.“Modifiable behavioural risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, high salt intake, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, and mental stress continue to drive its prevalence,” she added.Wazed noted that the condition continues to be a leading contributor to premature mortality from heart attacks and strokes in SE Asia.India alone has over 220 million individuals suffering from hypertension, with nearly one in three adults affected.Worryingly, Wazed stated that the unmet need — defined as the gap between those with high blood pressure and those adequately diagnosed, treated, and controlled — remains as high as 88 per cent.“This indicates that 9 out of every 10 people with hypertension are not receiving optimal care,” the Regional Director said.She called for intensifying and implementing initiatives promoting healthy diets, physical activity, tobacco and alcohol control, and reducing salt and trans-fat consumption.Strengthening collaboration between health programmes — including maternal and child health, mental health, and infectious disease services – is also crucial for hypertension and related NCDs.“With strong political will, community engagement, and innovative approaches, we can reduce the burden of hypertension and move closer to achieving our global goal of reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases by one-third by 2030,” Wazed said.–IANSrvt/