docTLDR

A new multi-trial analysis reveals that continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy reduces major cardiovascular events by 17–24% in patients with high-risk obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)—those with significant oxygen desaturation or heart rate spikes during sleep. However, in low-risk OSA patients, CPAP was linked to a 22–30% increased cardiovascular risk, especially among those without daytime sleepiness. These findings highlight the need for personalized OSA management.

A multidisciplinary team at King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow, performed a rare surgery to save both the life and eyesight of an auto driver after a 6-cm glass shard from a duplicate windscreen pierced his eye and penetrated his brain. The patient, initially misdiagnosed at several hospitals, underwent the complex operation involving neurosurgery, anaesthesia, and ophthalmology specialists. Doctors urge stricter regulation of vehicle safety glass to prevent such injuries.

The GST Council has reduced GST on medical devices, diagnostic kits, and health insurance from 18% to 5%, and exempted life-saving and cancer medicines from GST. These reforms will lower treatment costs, improve access to essential therapies, and support early disease detection. The move also standardizes GST rates across preventive, curative, and rehabilitative care, expanding access in semi-urban and rural markets and aligning taxation with public health priorities.

A comprehensive molecular atlas of the human kidney, created using advanced imaging mass spectrometry and machine learning, maps lipid species across over 100,000 functional tissue units from 29 donors. This open-access resource enables researchers to compare healthy and diseased tissue, potentially identifying new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets for kidney diseases.

The Karnataka High Court has stayed the National Medical Commission's ban on admissions at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Belagavi, following bribery allegations against an NMC assessor. The court restored 200 MBBS seats for the 2025–26 academic year, allowing student admissions via ongoing counselling. The HC clarified that this relief does not affect ongoing CBI criminal proceedings against college officials, and noted that JNMC had rectified previously identified deficiencies.

The GST Council has eliminated the 18% tax on health and life insurance premiums, effective September 22, 2025. This move is expected to make policies more affordable, potentially reducing premiums by up to 15% and encouraging wider uptake of health cover. Doctors should anticipate increased insurance penetration and improved patient access to care.

A preclinical study found that semaglutide, a GLP-1 inhibitor used for diabetes and weight loss, reduced cocaine self-administration by 26% and cocaine-seeking behavior by 62% after abstinence in rats. Motivation to obtain cocaine also dropped by 52%. While these results are promising, larger animal studies and human trials are needed before considering semaglutide for cocaine dependence, as no approved pharmacological treatments currently exist.

A large Canadian study of 7,251 postmenopausal women found that the type of estradiol-based hormone therapy impacts memory differently: transdermal estradiol (patches/gels) improved episodic memory, while oral estradiol pills enhanced prospective memory. Hormone therapy did not affect executive function. These findings suggest tailoring hormone therapy delivery method may optimize cognitive outcomes after menopause.

A McMaster University study published in NEJM overturns decades of understanding by revealing that heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)—a life-threatening complication in 1% of hospitalized patients on heparin—is caused by a single monoclonal antibody, not a mix of many. This breakthrough promises more accurate diagnostics and targeted therapies, reducing misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.

A phase 2b trial (Advance-HTN) demonstrated that lorundrostat, a novel aldosterone synthase inhibitor, significantly reduced 24-hour systolic blood pressure in patients with uncontrolled and treatment-resistant hypertension. At 12 weeks, lorundrostat lowered systolic BP by 6.5–7.9 mmHg more than placebo, with efficacy observed across diverse populations. Adverse events included hyperkalemia and hyponatremia, especially at higher doses. These findings highlight lorundrostat as a promising opti...

A new study finds that individuals with high neuroticism are more likely to use maladaptive music listening—such as repeatedly playing sad songs—to cope with breakup distress, which intensifies negative emotions rather than alleviating them. Adaptive music listening, like choosing uplifting music, did not significantly reduce distress. The authors recommend mental health programs teach students to recognize and avoid maladaptive coping strategies, tailoring interventions to personality traits...

Dr. Devan, a 42-year-old associate professor of cardiology at Manakula Vinayaga Medical College, died of a massive cardiac arrest, marking the fourth doctor lost to sudden cardiac events in a week. His death has sparked concern over rising cardiac fatalities among young Indian doctors, with speculation linking causes to high stress, excessive workload, and mental strain. The incident has triggered widespread grief and debate on doctors' health and occupational risks.

Udupi police have arrested a doctor and two others for their roles in an illegal child procurement racket. The case surfaced when a couple attempted to register a newborn, bought for Rs 4.5 lakh from a rape survivor, as their own. Investigations revealed falsified hospital records and improper discharge of the biological mother, a mentally ill rape survivor. The accused face charges under the Juvenile Justice Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Authorities suspect more such cases may exist.

A recent case demonstrates successful use of endoscopic thulium-fiber laser deroofing and dual stenting for adult ureterocele in a young South Indian woman. This minimally invasive approach offers rapid recovery and symptom relief, suggesting a promising option for similar cases in Indian urology practice.

A new study from South Asia underscores the need for targeted interventions, training, and institutional reforms to reduce surgical errors and improve surgeon well-being. Indian hospitals should prioritize error reporting systems, coping support, and continuous education to enhance patient safety and reduce medico-legal risks.