docTLDR

The Supreme Court dismissed the IMA’s appeal against Patanjali, ending Rule 170’s prior approval requirement for AYUSH medicine ads. AYUSH producers can now advertise with fewer regulatory hurdles, raising risks of misleading claims. Doctors should counsel patients on evidence-based use and remain alert for unsubstantiated product promotions in clinical practice.

A new study finds that women with obesity who lose at least 5% of their body weight before undergoing IVF have significantly higher live birth rates compared to those who do not lose weight. The research suggests that preconception weight loss interventions could improve IVF outcomes and should be considered in fertility treatment protocols for obese women.

A new study shows that AI can detect subtle changes in voice quality—especially variability in harmonic-to-noise ratio—to identify early benign and malignant vocal fold lesions. Using over 12,500 recordings, researchers found distinct vocal biomarkers that could enable noninvasive, scalable screening for laryngeal cancer, potentially allowing earlier intervention and improved outcomes.

India’s CDSCO has granted the world’s first approval for NorUDCA (Nor Ursodeoxycholic Acid) 500 mg tablets, offering a novel, dual-action therapy for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). With 188 million Indians affected, most undiagnosed, this therapy promises to halt NAFLD progression to NASH, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Clinical trials show significant efficacy and safety, with immediate launch planned across India.

The HOPE randomized trial shows that intravenous alteplase administered 4.5–24 hours after acute ischemic stroke onset significantly increases functional independence at 90 days (40% vs 26% with standard care) in patients with salvageable brain tissue and no initial plan for thrombectomy. However, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage risk is higher (3.8% vs 0.5%), with no difference in 90-day mortality. These findings support extending the thrombolysis window for carefully selected patients.

Dr. Meenakshi Vijayakumar, 37, a surgeon at a private hospital in Aluva, was found dead in her Marampally flat near Perumbavoor. Police suspect suicide by self-injection of an anaesthetic, as a syringe and medicine bottle were found nearby. No suicide note was recovered; her phone is locked and under analysis. Autopsy results are awaited to confirm the cause of death.

A large retrospective cohort study found that patients with diabetes who used metformin for at least 5 years had a significantly lower risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), with a hazard ratio of 0.68 compared to non-users. The protective effect was consistent for both dry and wet AMD, though only statistically significant for dry AMD. These findings suggest metformin may offer long-term ocular benefits beyond glycemic control.

A large cohort study of nearly 80,000 adults found that vegetarians have a 12% lower overall risk of developing cancer, with even greater reductions for specific types: 45% lower risk for stomach cancer, 25% for lymphomas, and 21% for colorectal cancer. Vegans showed the greatest benefit, with a 24% lower overall cancer risk. The study, part of the Adventist Health Study-2, also noted significant reductions in breast and prostate cancer among younger vegans. These findings suggest dietary pat...

Prime Minister Modi’s Independence Day address spotlights India’s rising obesity rates, urging families to reduce cooking oil by 10% and embrace active lifestyles. He links personal choices to national health, reinforcing Fit India and POSHAN Abhiyaan. Doctors should expect increased patient interest in preventive care and lifestyle interventions.

Chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness, palpitations, and extreme fatigue during exercise are key warning signs of heart attack. Doctors should educate patients, especially those over 30 or with risk factors, to seek immediate care if these symptoms occur. Early recognition can prevent fatal outcomes in exercise-induced cardiac events.

A physician recounts surviving a bomb blast, detailing the physical and psychological trauma he endured and how the experience reshaped his approach to medicine. His journey highlights the importance of empathy, resilience, and mental health support for both patients and healthcare professionals exposed to violence and disaster.

A new research project at NIT Trichy and MGMGH is developing a portable, lightweight prosthetic for paralyzed legs using EMG sensors and IoT technology. The device aims to reduce user fatigue and improve movement flexibility compared to current options. Doctors can expect more accessible, energy-efficient rehabilitation tools for disabled patients in the near future.

New research reveals that GIPR signaling in the brain is crucial for the full weight loss effect of GLP-1-based therapies. Blocking GIPR or activating GLP-1R alone is less effective, but targeting both receptors in the CNS enhances weight loss. This insight could inform next-generation obesity treatments, especially dual incretin therapies.

A pilot study from the University of Kansas Medical Center found that high-dose creatine supplementation (20g/day for 8 weeks) in 19 Alzheimer’s patients increased brain creatine levels by 11% and led to moderate improvements in working memory and executive function. The supplement was well tolerated, with no major safety issues. While the study lacked a control group and was small, these early results suggest creatine could be a novel, safe adjunct for cognitive support in Alzheimer’s, warra...

New research highlights that if one family member is diagnosed with prediabetes, it may indicate an elevated risk for type 2 diabetes in the entire family. Family history is a major non-modifiable risk factor, and shared genetics and lifestyle habits amplify this risk. Experts urge proactive screening and lifestyle changes for all family members when prediabetes is detected in one person, especially in high-risk ethnic groups like South Asians.