Thyroid hormones and vitamin A in the retina shape foetal vision

 The development of vision begins long before a baby opens its eyes. During pregnancy, a complex series of biological processes carefully shapes the formation of the retina—the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Recent scientific findings suggest that Vitamin A and thyroid hormones play a critical and coordinated role in guiding this early visual development, influencing how fetal vision is formed even before birth.

The retina contains specialised cells called photoreceptors, which detect light and send signals to the brain. These photoreceptors are divided into rods, responsible for vision in low light, and cones, which enable colour perception and sharp central vision. The proper formation and differentiation of these cells are essential for healthy eyesight later in life.

Medcare Symposium Highlights Advances in Minimally Invasive Surgery Revolutionising Spine, Brain, and Orthopaedic Surgery

 The recent Medcare Symposium brought together leading surgeons, specialists, and healthcare professionals to showcase groundbreaking advances in minimally invasive surgery for brain, spine, and orthopaedic conditions. The event highlighted how modern surgical innovations are reducing patient recovery times, lowering complication risks, and transforming outcomes across complex medical procedures.

Minimally invasive surgery has rapidly evolved over the past decade. Unlike traditional open surgery, which often requires large incisions and extended hospital stays, minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions, specialised instruments, and advanced imaging technology. This approach significantly reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in less pain, minimal blood loss, and quicker rehabilitation.

The time of day Immunochemotherapy Increases the Survival of NSCLC

 A growing body of research suggests that when cancer treatment is given may be just as important as what treatment is given. A recent study has found that administering immunochemotherapy at specific times of the day significantly improves survival outcomes in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer worldwide.

NSCLC accounts for nearly 85% of all lung cancer cases. Treatment often involves a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy—known as immunochemotherapy—which works by both directly attacking cancer cells and stimulating the body’s immune system to recognise and destroy them. While advances in these therapies have already improved survival rates, researchers are now exploring how the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, may influence treatment effectiveness.

Experts Say the Deadly Nipah Virus Is "Limited"

 

The Nipah virus, known for its high fatality rate and severe symptoms, continues to raise concerns across parts of South and Southeast Asia. However, recent assessments by scientists suggest that while the virus is deadly, its ability to spread widely remains “limited” under current conditions. This distinction offers cautious reassurance to public health officials and communities alike.

Nipah virus is a zoonotic disease, meaning it spreads from animals to humans. Fruit bats are considered its natural reservoir, and human infections often occur through direct contact with infected animals or consumption of contaminated food, such as raw date palm sap. In some cases, human-to-human transmission has been documented, particularly in hospital settings.

One of the most alarming aspects of Nipah virus infection is its high mortality rate, which can range between 40% and 75%, depending on outbreak conditions and healthcare response. Symptoms typically begin with fever, headache, and respiratory issues but can quickly progress to severe neurological complications, including encephalitis (brain inflammation). There is currently no specific antiviral treatment or licensed vaccine available.

Despite these serious characteristics, scientists studying recent outbreaks have concluded that Nipah’s transmission pattern remains relatively contained. Unlike highly contagious viruses such as influenza or COVID-19, Nipah does not appear to spread easily through casual contact. Transmission usually requires close, prolonged interaction with an infected individual’s bodily fluids.

Epidemiologists point out that past outbreaks have generally been small and geographically limited. Rapid identification of cases, contact tracing, and strict infection control measures have helped prevent widespread community transmission. Public awareness campaigns advising against consuming raw date palm sap and promoting hygiene practices have also contributed to reducing infection rates.

Another reason scientists describe the virus as “limited” is its reproduction number, or R-value. This metric estimates how many people one infected individual is likely to pass the virus to. In most Nipah outbreaks, the R-value has remained below the threshold required for sustained large-scale transmission. However, experts caution that viruses can mutate, and ongoing surveillance is essential.

Global health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Climate change, habitat loss, and increased human-wildlife interaction may raise the risk of future spillover events. As urban areas expand and agricultural practices shift, opportunities for animal-to-human transmission could increase.

Public health preparedness remains critical. Strengthening laboratory capacity, improving hospital infection control, and investing in vaccine research are considered key strategies. Scientists emphasise that while Nipah may currently have limited spread potential, complacency could lead to greater risks.

In conclusion, although the Nipah virus is undeniably deadly, current scientific evidence suggests its capacity for widespread transmission is restricted. Continued vigilance, early detection, and coordinated response efforts are vital to keeping outbreaks contained. The situation serves as a reminder that even limited viruses require serious attention to prevent larger health crises.

Changing Your Diet Significantly Decreased Symptoms of Crohn's Disease

 For years people living with Crohn’s disease have focused mainly on what they eat. But new research suggests that when you eat may be just as important. According to recent findings, adjusting meal timing significantly reduced symptoms in individuals with Crohn’s disease, offering a promising, non-medication-based approach to managing this chronic inflammatory condition.

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the digestive tract. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Flare-ups can be unpredictable and severely impact quality of life. While medications and dietary adjustments remain key treatments, researchers are now exploring how the body’s internal clock—also known as the circadian rhythm—affects gut health.

Five Weeks of Brain Training Could Prevent Dementia for Twenty Years

 A new study has offered encouraging news in the fight against dementia: just five weeks of targeted brain training may provide protective benefits lasting up to 20 years. The findings suggest that short-term cognitive exercises could have long-term effects on memory, thinking skills, and overall brain health.

Researchers followed participants who took part in structured brain training programmes designed to improve processing speed, memory, and reasoning abilities. These programmes typically involved computer-based exercises that challenged individuals to quickly identify patterns, recall information, or solve problems under time pressure. Remarkably, those who completed as little as five weeks of consistent training showed a significantly lower risk of developing dementia two decades later.

Early Risk Factors for Heart Disease in U.S. South Asian Adults

 A growing body of research has identified early risk factors for heart disease among South Asian adults living in the United States, raising concerns within the medical community. Despite often appearing healthy and maintaining average body weight, many individuals from South Asian backgrounds face a disproportionately higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease at younger ages compared to other ethnic groups.

Studies show that South Asian adults—including those with roots in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal—tend to develop heart disease nearly a decade earlier than the general U.S. population. Researchers have been working to understand why this trend exists, and recent findings highlight several contributing risk factors that appear earlier and progress more aggressively.