docTLDR

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has released NEET PG 2025 results ahead of schedule on August 19. Over 2.4 lakh candidates can check their results on natboard.edu.in, with individual scorecards available from August 29 for six months. The qualifying percentiles are: General/EWS 50th, SC/ST/OBC 40th, UR PwD 45th. No re-evaluation or re-checking will be permitted.

A new review highlights mounting evidence that metformin, a widely used diabetes drug, may slow biological aging and extend health span. Recent studies in animals and humans suggest metformin can decelerate molecular aging clocks, lower risk of age-related diseases, and potentially delay cognitive decline. Large-scale clinical trials, including the TAME study, are underway to confirm these effects in older adults.

The Kerala High Court has clarified that Section 304A of the IPC applies to doctors only if their actions are rash or grossly negligent, directly causing a patient's death. The court emphasized that mere errors or delays, especially during extraordinary circumstances like the pandemic, do not constitute criminal liability unless the standard of care is grossly breached. This ruling offers significant legal protection to doctors from unwarranted criminal prosecution for medical negligence.

A 15-year-old girl presented with sudden inability to walk despite normal blood tests and MRI. Dr. Kumar at CMC Vellore identified Hoover's sign, indicating non-organic weakness. Further discussion revealed severe psychological distress from bullying, leading to a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). With therapy and support, the patient fully recovered and returned to active life within months.

A growing number of over-the-counter 'brain-boosting' supplements claim to enhance memory and cognition, but experts caution that many contain unapproved pharmaceutical ingredients not listed on labels. These hidden substances may pose serious health risks, including harmful drug interactions and side effects, especially since their safety and efficacy are largely untested in humans. Physicians are urged to advise patients about these dangers and recommend evidence-based approaches to cogniti...

India’s National TB Elimination Programme has adopted vulnerability mapping, upfront NAAT for all presumptive cases, and decentralized care via Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Doctors should leverage free screening, diagnosis, and treatment, and engage in IEC activities to boost early detection and reduce TB mortality in high-risk populations.

A new study suggests that pre-pregnancy metformin use may reduce the risk of recurrent hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) by 82% in women with prior history. Metformin, routinely used before and during pregnancy, could offer a safe and affordable preventive option. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for this indication before widespread adoption.

Nearly 20,000 National Health Mission employees in Maharashtra have launched an indefinite strike over delayed regularisation and benefits, severely disrupting services in maternity wards, ICUs, vaccination, and drug distribution. Doctors should anticipate interruptions in surveillance, screening, and essential care, especially for cancer, TB, and NCDs, and prepare contingency plans for affected patients.

A new study highlights that artificial intelligence (AI)-driven risk assessment tools for cardiovascular disease (CVD) offer a highly effective, non-invasive alternative to traditional methods. These AI models can analyze complex datasets, improve early detection, and personalize risk prediction, potentially transforming preventive cardiology and reducing the burden of CVD.

A large real-world analysis found that rivaroxaban monotherapy is as effective as combination therapy (with antiplatelets) for preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) and major bleeding, regardless of patient age. The findings suggest that age should not be a deciding factor when choosing rivaroxaban alone versus combination therapy for VTE management, supporting simplified anticoagulation strategies.

A comprehensive review finds consistent evidence that young people who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking cigarettes and face increased risks of health issues such as asthma, mental health concerns, and substance use. Researchers urge stronger public health policies to restrict youth access to e-cigarettes and call for more research on long-term effects, including brain development and cardiovascular health.

Rajasthan's government is launching a pilot project for free home delivery of medicines to seniors, aiming to improve medication adherence and access. If successful, this initiative could be scaled nationally, offering a replicable model for improving chronic disease management and reducing hospitalizations among India's aging population.

A new analysis shows that rivaroxaban monotherapy is as effective and safe as combination therapy with antiplatelets for preventing recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE) across all age groups. The findings suggest that age should not be a limiting factor when considering rivaroxaban alone for VTE management, potentially simplifying treatment protocols and reducing bleeding risks associated with combination regimens.

Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) has received FDA approval for noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate to advanced fibrosis. With robust efficacy in improving liver histology, this expands therapeutic options for Indian doctors treating obesity-linked liver disease.

A large US cohort study found that drinking coffee in the morning is associated with a 16% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 31% lower risk of cardiovascular death compared to non-coffee drinkers. The protective effect was not seen in those who drank coffee throughout the day. Researchers suggest timing may influence benefits due to circadian rhythms and inflammation. Moderate intake (2–3 cups) yielded the greatest benefit.