docTLDR

The Delhi High Court granted interim relief to JNTL Consumer Health, allowing sale of ₹180 crore worth of existing ORSL stock despite FSSAI's recent ban on using 'ORS' in beverage branding. Hyderabad paediatrician Dr. Sivaranjani Santosh, who led an eight-year campaign against misleading 'ORS' labels on sugary drinks, warns this move risks renewed consumer confusion and potential harm to children, as such drinks do not meet WHO-recommended ORS standards and may worsen dehydration in paediatri...

A 56-year-old Bengaluru dermatologist was arrested and remanded to judicial custody after a 21-year-old woman alleged sexual harassment during a skin infection consultation at his clinic. The complaint states the doctor forced her to undress, touched her inappropriately, hugged and kissed her multiple times, and suggested booking a hotel room. Police registered a case under Sections 75 and 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The doctor denies the allegations, claiming misunderstanding.

Obesity is increasingly linked to chronic conditions in younger populations, leading to health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues. This trend highlights the need for early intervention and lifestyle changes to mitigate these risks.

A woman with Hyper IgE Mediated Mast Cell Activation Syndrome died after delayed diagnosis and lack of government support in Karnataka. The case has prompted calls for investigation, compensation, and health minister's resignation. Doctors should be aware of advocacy for improved rare disease management and government responsiveness.

Pune has reported a 50–60% spike in allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, and nasal polyposis due to worsening air pollution and festive emissions. Children and elderly are most affected, with acute breathlessness and airway constriction. Doctors should prepare for increased respiratory cases and counsel patients on pollution mitigation during Diwali.

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have discovered that two gut bacteria—Limosilactobacillus mucosae and Ligilactobacillus ruminis—can produce bioactive serotonin, which is crucial for bowel function. In germ-free mice, these bacteria increased gut serotonin levels, normalized intestinal transit, and boosted colon nerve cell density. Notably, people with IBS had lower levels of L. mucosae, which also carries the enzyme needed for serotonin production. This breakthrough suggests that ...

Delhi hospitals reported over 200 burn cases during Diwali, with a notable rise in severe injuries and children disproportionately affected. Despite restrictions and the use of green crackers, safety norms were widely ignored. Doctors urge proper first aid—cooling burns under running water and avoiding home remedies—to prevent complications. Eye injuries also surged, with many requiring surgery.

Kerala government medical college doctors have begun weekly OPD boycotts, demanding pay revision and protesting unscientific transfers. Essential services like ICUs and OTs remain unaffected, but OPDs and classes are disrupted. Doctors should monitor for potential escalation and anticipate increased patient load in private sector and possible delays in public hospital care.

The Supreme Court has referred the contentious issue of parity between AYUSH and MBBS doctors to a larger bench. The decision will have significant implications for retirement age, pay scales, and service conditions, especially as states seek to address shortages of allopathy doctors. The outcome could reshape workforce policies in public healthcare.

Punjab & Haryana HC set aside Rs 30,000 compensation in failed sterilization case, ruling that unsuccessful surgical outcomes don't automatically establish negligence. Court emphasized need for positive evidence proving incompetence or negligence.

A large international study published in The Lancet Healthy Longevity found that quitting smoking in midlife or later is linked to significantly slower cognitive decline. Over six years, ex-smokers experienced a 20% slower decline in memory and a 50% slower decline in verbal fluency compared to those who continued smoking. These findings suggest that smoking cessation, even after age 50, may help preserve cognitive health and reduce dementia risk.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a complex, dynamic interface protecting the brain by selectively allowing nutrients and blocking harmful substances. Recent research highlights its role in neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and strokes, emphasizing its selective filter function rather than being an impermeable wall. Understanding BBB's intricacies is crucial for developing new neurological therapies.

Despite recent reforms, the WHO warns that India must intensify efforts to prevent toxic cough syrup incidents. Regulatory gaps remain, especially in raw material and batch testing. Doctors should be alert to product recalls, adverse event reporting, and ensure only quality-assured medicines are prescribed and dispensed.

Researchers have developed a noninvasive optical device that uses speckle contrast optical spectroscopy (SCOS) to accurately measure blood flow in the brain, distinguishing cerebral signals from scalp circulation. By analyzing scattered laser light, the system provides reliable, depth-specific blood flow data, aiding diagnosis and monitoring of stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia. The technology is affordable, uses a high-resolution camera, and has been validated in human studies, pa...

Astellas and Pfizer’s Padcev combined with Merck’s Keytruda significantly improved outcomes in cisplatin-ineligible muscle-invasive bladder cancer patients, reducing the risk of tumor recurrence, progression, or death by 60% and cutting the risk of death by 50% compared to surgery alone. In the phase 3 trial, 74.7% of patients on the combination were event-free at two years versus 39.4% with surgery only. The therapy is not yet approved for this use; companies plan to discuss results with glo...