docTLDR

A large cross-sectional study using NHANES data found that probiotic ingestion in adults with coronary artery disease is associated with lower A1c, triglycerides, and ASCVD risk scores, as well as higher HDL-C. Probiotic supplements were linked to reduced LDL-C and total cholesterol. These findings suggest that probiotics may beneficially impact cardiovascular risk profiles, supporting their adjunctive use alongside standard therapies. Further research is needed to clarify mechanisms and long...

AHPI has directed 20,000+ hospitals to suspend cashless treatment for Bajaj Allianz from September 1, and CARE Health may follow. Doctors should inform affected patients about upfront payment requirements and help them navigate reimbursement processes, as delays could disrupt continuity of care.

Delhi has reported 121 dengue and 56 malaria cases in August amid record rainfall, with experts warning of a likely surge in the next two weeks. Hospitals are seeing increased admissions for dengue and severe influenza, especially among children and high-risk groups. Vigilance and early intervention are advised for clinicians.

Dr. Ganesh Rakh, a Pune physician, has waived all delivery fees for over 1,000 baby girls born at his hospital in a decade-long mission to challenge gender bias and support the 'Save the Girl Child' initiative. His compassionate act, recently highlighted by Anand Mahindra, has sparked widespread admiration and inspired calls for greater recognition of such social impact in Indian healthcare.

Eighteen months after receiving Neuralink’s brain-computer interface, Noland Arbaugh—paralysed from the shoulders down—can now control a computer cursor, type, and play games like Mario Kart and chess using only his thoughts. The implant, placed in 2024 via surgical robot, connects thousands of electrodes to neurons, translating brain signals into digital commands. Arbaugh uses the device up to 10 hours daily for studying, gaming, and managing daily tasks, regaining independence and purpose. ...

A 26-year-old Mumbai doctor, a first-year PG resident, was denied a US B1/B2 visa despite a travel history spanning nearly ten countries and valid US visas for both parents. During her interview, she disclosed her profession, income, and intention to travel with family for tourism. The officer cited ineligibility, leaving her questioning if details about income or family travel influenced the outcome. The incident highlights ongoing unpredictability and scrutiny in US visitor visa approvals f...

The Madras High Court has quashed the Tamil Nadu Medical Council's order exonerating a hospital from medical negligence charges, criticizing the Council for disregarding an expert committee's report. The Court directed the Council to re-examine the case based on the committee's findings and issue a reasoned order within twelve weeks. This ruling underscores the judiciary's insistence on procedural fairness and reliance on expert input in medico-legal inquiries.

A meta-analysis of 27 studies (6015 patients) found that early switch from IV to oral antibiotics for Gram-positive bloodstream infections significantly reduced 30- and 90-day all-cause mortality, especially in S. aureus cases, and shortened hospital stay by over 6 days. Recurrence, readmission, and adverse event rates were similar to prolonged IV therapy, supporting early oral switch as a safe, effective strategy in stable patients.

A Kanpur doctor’s iPhone was stolen by a man disguised as a disabled person at his clinic on August 20. The thief, Mohammad Faiz, pretended to have a leg injury and asked for medical help. While the doctor was distracted, Faiz stole the iPhone and fled. Using the 'Find My iPhone' feature, police traced and arrested him within an hour, recovering the device. The incident highlights the importance of digital tracking in theft recovery.

A major global analysis published in The Lancet Global Health finds that over 10 years, only 12.5% of people with prediabetes progress to type 2 diabetes, while 36.1% revert to normal blood sugar. Higher fasting glucose, older age, male sex, obesity, and low HDL reduce reversion chances. Latinx ethnicity and central obesity increase diabetes risk.

Apollo 24/7 is integrating digital health services with insurance, targeting India’s affordability gap and fragmented care. The platform’s unified model could streamline hospital, diagnostic, and insurance workflows, potentially improving patient access and continuity of care for clinicians. Doctors should watch for new digital insurance-linked care pathways.

India will design, build, and operate a super-speciality hospital in Fiji, and supply affordable medicines under the Janaushadhi Scheme. This move strengthens India’s regional health leadership and may open new opportunities for Indian clinicians in international collaborations and telemedicine.

A large UK Biobank study of over 21,000 adults shows that visceral and liver fat, rather than BMI, are the strongest predictors of premature cardiovascular ageing in both sexes. Fat around the hips and thighs may protect women, while abdominal fat increases risk in men. The findings highlight the importance of fat distribution over total body weight for heart health.

A global multicenter study found that about 1 in 3 young women (≤40 years) with BRCA mutations who had breast cancer during pregnancy later achieved a subsequent pregnancy, with no negative impact on maternal prognosis or reproductive outcomes. Most pregnancies were delivered at term and without complications, supporting the safety of conception after breast cancer in this high-risk group.

A large US cohort study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases found that recent rhinovirus (common cold) infection reduced the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection by 48% and lowered viral load nearly tenfold. The protective effect is linked to a surge in airway antiviral gene expression, especially in children, helping explain their milder COVID-19 outcomes. These findings highlight the role of viral interference and innate immunity in respiratory disease susceptibility.