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After 14 months, there is a 70-80% chance that non-small cell lung cancer, one of the two main forms of lung cancer, would develop resistance to the pharmacological therapy used to treat it. If this occurs, there aren’t many known treatment options.

Raghuraman Kannan, the Michael J. and Sharon R. Bukstein Chair in Cancer Research at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, is dedicated to finding a cure for cancer. “We want to figure out why people are developing resistance to the therapeutic substance and how we might help them overcome that difficulty,” he says.

The researchers had previously uncovered two genes linked to the formation of this drug resistance.

With the help of this award, researchers will be able to put their resistance-fighting approach to the test.

Kannan noted that their technique blends protein-based nanoparticles with the biological mechanism RNA interference (RNAi). The nanoparticles will securely transfer the RNA to the cancerous tumour, thereby halting resistance. As a result, the cancer will be more vulnerable to the effects of the first pharmaceutical therapy.

“We have something called a silencing RNA (siRNA) through RNAi,” he explained. “As the name implies, it silences the gene of interest, which in this case are the two genes responsible for drug resistance.” However, siRNAs are naturally unstable in blood.

As a result, we must devise a method to deliver this siRNA to the [cancer] tumour. This is where the nanoparticle comes into play.”

Kannan has created similar nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems to provide therapy for ovarian, breast, pancreatic, and liver cancers. He holds seven patents and has written more than 55 articles. He mentioned that his ultimate goal is to make the work more accessible so that doctors can use it to help more patients.

According to one study, the time it takes a cancer patient to see a doctor, get a diagnosis, and start treatment varies significantly depending on the patient’s location and the type of cancer, with those in lower-income countries requiring up to four times longer to get started.

These findings were published in the open-access journal PLOS Medicine by Dafina Petrova of the Biomedical Research Institute ibs.GRANADA and CIBER of Epidemiology and Public Health in Spain and colleagues. Cancer is the top cause of death worldwide, and early detection and treatment are critical for improving patient outcomes.

Researchers analysed the relevant scientific literature and did a meta-analysis of 410 papers from 68 nations and over 5.5 million patients to better understand how the timing of cancer therapy differs across cancer types and in high- and low-income countries. They specifically examined three time intervals: from the onset of symptoms to the first consultation with a doctor, from the first consultation to diagnosis, and from diagnosis to the commencement of treatment. Most patients in high-income nations saw a doctor within a month of developing symptoms, but in low-income countries, this interval was 1.5 to 4 times longer for practically all cancer types.

Cancers that caused non-specific symptoms, such as myeloma, colorectal, and gynaecological cancer, took the longest to diagnose across all countries, with prostate and gynaecological cancers having the greatest treatment delays, on average.

The new study emphasises the global differences in early cancer diagnosis and treatment. The researchers advocate for initiatives to minimise the time it takes patients in low-income nations to receive care after experiencing symptoms. They recognise that their estimates for the time it takes to diagnose and begin treatment came primarily from high-income nations, which have comprehensive health information systems in place to collect this data.

Furthermore, these data highlight cancer types where research into earlier diagnosis and therapy may result in better patient outcomes.

“Our new study identifies cancers where diagnosis and treatment initiation may take the longest and reveals significant global differences in early cancer diagnosis and therapy,” Petrova says.

With India reporting a highly infectious novel COVID-19 variety, former Delhi AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria advised the general public on Wednesday to practise COVID-appropriate behaviour. “I would advise everyone to wear a mask if they are going out, especially in crowded settings,” he stated. High-risk populations, such as the elderly, should avoid going out since there is a high possibility of infection spreading, and some may contract a serious infection.”

“New varieties are expected, and this variety has a proclivity to mutate, which will continue, but the situation has changed; formerly, there was no vaccine, but people are now immunised as well.”

“However, this does not mean that people will cease taking measures; festival season is approaching, and cases are also on the rise,” he added.

According to Guleria, the likelihood of hospitalisation and ICU admission is low. “The likelihood of hospitalisation and ICU admission is low.” This time of year, there will be a minor infection, fever, cold, cough, and body soreness, with a probability of recovery in 3-4 days; often, viral fever is recorded owing to COVID as well.”

On Tuesday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya convened a high-level conference with senior health officials to discuss the development of Omicron’s new sub-variants, which resulted in the decision to continue masks and COVID19-appropriate behaviour across the country.

The panel of scientists, medics, and senior government officials also advocated for more surveillance and genetic sequencing.

The health experts also recommended Eligible Population on Mission Mode to receive their COVID-19 prophylactic dose as soon as possible.

According to official sources, Niti Aayog member VK Paul, Chairperson of COVID-19 working group NTAGI NK Arora, NTAGI officials, NEGVAC officials, and other senior health authorities attended.

According to a state health department advisory issued earlier on Tuesday, Maharashtra saw a 17.7 percent increase in coronavirus cases compared to the previous week.

The state has reported additional Covid cases, including XBB, a new sub-variant of the Omicron version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus discovered in regions of India, including Kerala.

Apart from this, Maharashtra has reported cases from additional sub-variants of Omicron- BA.2.3.20 and BQ.1 variant, which was found for the first time in India on Monday from a patient’s sample in Pune.

XBB, a recombinant lineage between two Omicron sublineages BJ.1 and BA.2.75, is a rapidly spreading variation that has caused a surge in Singapore.

According to a Maharashtra Health Department assessment, the XBB has a growth edge over BA.2.75 and evasive immune qualities.

According to statistics, new COVID cases in the state are predicted to climb by 17.7 percent this week in the October 10-16 period, compared to the October 3-9.

According to the health department’s official release, this increase has been observed in Thane, Raigad, and Mumbai.

On October 17, India discovered the first case of Omicron’s BQ.1 subvariant in a patient sample from Pune. According to sources, the BQ.1 is a descendant of the BA.5, which is responsible for 60% of COVID cases in the United States (US).

Some health department experts projected an increase in the coming winter season, particularly in a festive setting. BA.2.75 was reduced from 95% to 76% in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS).

The Maharashtra health department and specialists have advised people not to disregard flu-like symptoms and to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

They recommended following Covid Appropriate Behavior in Public Places and getting immunised in accordance with Government of India standards.

According to department experts, people with comorbidities should take extra precautions when entering public spaces. People suffering from influenza-like illnesses should limit their exposure to the public as much as possible.

The BF.7 has also been reported and validated in Gujarat by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre.

BF.7 is a ‘Omicron spawn’ that was discovered in China and has now spread to the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Belgium.

Meanwhile, the Kerala government held a high-level conference on October 17 under the leadership of health minister Veena George, and stated that it is stepping up preventive measures in light of new genetic variations of COVID-19 (XBB and XBB1) being reported from other areas of the world.

“All districts have received the necessary directives. The new strain is more contagious than any other Covid-19 strain to date. As a result, resistance is strengthened. Approximately 1.8% of individuals affected may require hospitalisation. There is currently no cause for alarm. However, everyone should use caution. For self-protection, everyone should wear a mask appropriately. The elderly and those with co-morbidities must wear masks.

The minister requested that masks be used at the airport and in other restricted areas “Kerala’s health department stated.

Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, a Kerala Health Expert, stated, “Immune escape variations are what these are. Omicron has been emitting branches that divide into smaller branches since its arrival in November 2021. BA.2 and BA.5 performed better than the others.”

“A succession of sublineages appeared between BA.2 and BA.5. Each of these has additional alterations focused on the RBD or receptor binding domain of the virus’s spike protein. This is the area where the virus attaches to the human cell “He continued.

“With convergent evolution involving roughly 5 typically detected changes, the virus is now able to bypass the immune response to earlier versions, either through spontaneous infection or vaccination,” he said.

This is why they are referred to as immune evasive variations. BA.5.1.7 and BF.7 are names given to BA.5’s descendants.”

Dr. Rajeev went on to say that the pandemic isn’t over and that safeguards must still be taken.

“What we must realise is that the pandemic is not over,” he stated. There will be periodic regional surges, particularly around festivals and group meetings. Wearing masks indoors and preferring outdoor parties to indoor gatherings are both safe choices. Individuals who are vulnerable will require special protection.”

Mental health involves emotional, psychological & social wellbeing. It is all about how we think, feel, act, manage stress, relate to others & make healthy decisions childbirth is a profound psychological experience which can have a positive, empowering impact or a negative, traumatizing impact. Changing hormones during pregnancy can cause heightened emotions & one generally swings between being overjoyed to being stressed & overwhelmed. 1 in 5 women have mental health problem in pregnancy or after birth.

According to World Health Organisation, about 10% of pregnant women & 13% of new mothers experience a mental disorder, most common being depression. Poor maternal mental health can have long term implications on children’s health & may result in low birth weight babies & preterm delivery.
Babies exposed to stress hormones during pregnancy seem to show increased anxiety levels.

Women feel stressed thinking about pregnancy

• Labour pains, interventions or pregnancy complications
• Good parenting
• Changes in relationship
• Lack of support

Risk factors for Poor Mental Health during pregnancy are:
1. Pre-existing mental illness – Stopping medication for pre-existing mental disorder
2. Adverse life events
3. Difficult childhood memories
4. Family history of psychiatric illness
5. Substance abuse
6. Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
7. Exposure to domestic violence
8. Social adversity
9. Discrimination, stigma, racism
Ways to improve health during pregnancy are:
1. One has to prepare mind, body &soul
2. Positive affirmations help e.g. I’ll be strong, I’ll be brave, I’ve the power to deliver naturally
3. See pain as a friend, something useful which helps the baby to come out
4. Listen to positive, inspiring stories about childbirth
5. Talk therapy –Talk about your feelings to a friend, family member, doctor, therapist or support groups. Understand options & risk factors
6. Self-care: Listen to your body & mind and be aware of what you need
7. Sleep- 8 hours sleep is vital for being in happy emotional state
8. Diet- Eating healthy & natural foods promotes physical & mental health
9. Deep breathing exercises & relaxation techniques are helpful
10. Physical exercise improves mood & promotes good sleep
11. Reduce alcohol intake, stop smoking, treatment may include prescription medicine but one must consult the doctor before starting or stopping any medication.

Post-Partum Depression is a depressive illness which affects 10-15% of women within 1-2 months of childbirth.
One may experience various symptoms like:
1. Feeling low, tearful, unhappy & depressed
2. Irritability, Fatigue, sleeplessness with loss of appetite
3. Loss of interest in sex or unable to enjoy anything
4. Negative thinking
5. Feeling guilty
6. Loss of confidence
7. Anxiety about baby’s overall health. May present with racing pulse, breathlessness, sweating, thumping heart, may resent the baby also
8. Feeling hopeless & having suicidal thoughts
9. Hostility to new born & decreased emotional involvement
While 12-16% of women experience postpartum blues, post-natal psychological distress is also prevalent across cultures.
Most common factor was history of depression in antenatal period. Other contributory factors may be: Biological, psychological, obstetric, economic & cultural factors:
1. Biological- Poor physical health
2. Psychological- Depression, anxiety, past psychiatric history stressful life, child care stress, low self esteem
3. Obstetric- Previous abortion, loss of baby, unplanned pregnancy, absence of breast feeding
4. Unemployed, uneducated, domestic violence, lack of emotional support

Few tips that may help you to keep well & prevent depression
• Do make friends with other women who are pregnant or had a baby
• Do find someone to talk
• Do go to antenatal class
• Do make a well being plan
• Don’t try to be superwoman
• Don’t stop antidepressant medications during pregnancy without advice
Treatment involves medications but most women get better without medications within 3-6 months. 1 in 4 mothers may have postpartum depressions till 1 year of birth.
PND can affect one’s child development & behaviour & hence treatment is essential.

By Dr Lovelina Nadir
Gynaecologist and obstetrician
At rosewalk hospital
New Delhi

An unwanted pregnancy – alarm bells start sounding ! Panic buttons set and there is a need to immediately terminate the pregnancy .

Is there a right way to do this ?

The answer is yes .
Instead of hurrying to the nearest chemist shop and buying the kit over the counter , often with no instructions or half baked instructions of the pharmacist , which often leads to disastrous consequences it’s best to meet your gynaecologist . And why is that ?
Let’s go over the correct way of a medical abortion using pills .
The pregnancy must first be confirmed , initially with a urine pregnancy test or a serum B HCG test and then with an ultrasound . The ultrasound confirms an early pregnancy as also it’s location . Sometimes the pregnancy may be lodged in the tubes , called an ectopic pregnancy and at other times a molar pregnancy may be diagnosed ( grape like growths which develop in the uterus instead of an embryo ) In both cases if the abortion kit is used without supervision there may be life threatening risks . Medical abortion kits are recommended for intrauterine pregnancies upto 8 weeks , not more as there are higher chances of failure and heavy bleeding due to the procedure . That’s the reason an early pregnancy inside the uterus must be confirmed on ultrasound . Contraindications to use of medicine include asthma and severe respiratory disease , allergy to the medicine , adrenal disorders , long term corticosteroid use, porphyria, known blood thinning or anticoagulant therapy . This method is also undesirable for people who will not be able to understand or to follow instructions about use and risks and for those who can’t be in regular follow up with their gynaecologists or registered medical practitioners . So that’s a huge check list of people who are eligible or ineligible for the medical abortion kit .
Once you are eligible to use the medical abortion kit by a proper history , examination and ultrasound examination , you are counselled on how to take the medicine , the procedure , side effects and follow up . You are made to sign a consent form and asked to be in touch with your doctor in case there is the slightest problem during the course of this treatment which is somewhat long drawn and not always fool proof in terms of a complete abortion .

What to expect during the course of a medical abortion and what can go wrong ?
Once you are given the pills by specific protocols , you can expect to have severe cramping in the abdomen and heavy bleeding . This bleeding is initially heavier than a normal period and may be accompanied by fleshy pieces which are products of conception along with clots . This bleeding usually may become a little less in the following days but typically remains for 7-10 days or slightly longer . Other side effects of the medicine include headache , vomiting , diarrhoea , chills , fever , dizziness and lightheadedness .You are asked to get an ultrasound on day 10-14 of the procedure to see if the abortion is complete or if there are residual products of conception which may required to be removed by another medicine or a surgical aspiration or cleaning .

Now what can go wrong ?
There may be severe bleeding that is precipitated due to the abortion pills . If you soak more than one maxi pad completely in one hour for 2 successive hours it implies you are bleeding heavily . Moreover bleeding slightly more than normal may also be relatively heavy for a patient with low haemoglobin levels or anaemia . This heavy bleeding may be life threatening as it leads to hemorrhagic shock and may require to be stopped by a surgical evacuation and even blood transfusion in around 0.1 % of medical abortions . Imagine if you are sitting at home while this happens ; the events are horrific .
In case you’ve taken the medicines without ruling out an ectopic pregnancy , that could rupture leading to severe internal bleeding , shock and collapse . And in case any eventuality like this happens , who will be held responsible ? Certainly not the chemist who sold and prescribed the medicine because according to the MTP act , an abortion can only be done by a qualified gynaecologist or an experienced registered medical practitioner .
However this does not mean you will be in hospital for the entire course of a medical abortion . Your doctor will prescribe the medicine and you will be at home under her / his care and supervision just in case anything goes wrong . Also remember , though rare , medical abortions may lead to infertility due to infections of the genital tract ; hence proper screening , evaluation and follow up is of vital importance .

Unwanted pregnancies are definitely bothersome but remember contraception and prevention is the key . However should they happen always remember to take medical abortion kits in the right way and under supervision , equipped with all the knowledge ( not with Google or your peers) and with all the choices available .
Medical abortion kits used at home without medical supervision can indeed be disastrous and sometimes life threatening so choose to be safe and sensible . Talk to your doctor right away !

By
Dr Shelly singh
Gynaecologist and obstetrician
At rosewalk hospital
New Delhi

Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII), announced on Thursday that the medical firm has halted manufacture of the Covishield vaccine since December 2021.

“We have ceased production of the Covishield vaccination from December 2021.” We had a supply of a few hundred million doses at the time, and 100 million of those doses had already expired,” Poonawalla told reporters on the sidelines of the poor countries Vaccine Manufacturers Network’s annual general meeting on Thursday in Pune.

“Now Covovax should be permitted to be mixed soon in two weeks, therefore I think they will and should probably have the policy to mix boosters,” he added.

“If WHO allows it, then perhaps the Indian regulator would and should authorise it, but boosters are now in short supply.” People appear to be drowsy in general. COVID vaccinations are being administered to the public. To be honest, I’m sick of it as well. “We are everyone,” he added.

“There is no such thing as a flu vaccine culture in India as there is in the West. When we released a few vaccinations in 2010, we tried. No one took it during the H1NI epidemic in 2011. People do not associate the flu with fear. They simply refuse to accept it “He went on to say.

The Delhi government announced on Thursday that persons who do not wear face masks in public locations in the national capital will face no penalties. The authorities, on the other hand, recommended people to continue wearing masks in busy public places.

The Delhi Government’s Health and Family Welfare Department announced in a statement that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to rescind the order that made wearing face masks in public mandatory and imposed a Rs 500 fine on those who did not comply.

The Delhi government has reduced the fine of Rs 500 for not wearing a face mask in public.

The Delhi government announced on Thursday that persons who do not wear face masks in public locations in the national capital will face no penalties. The authorities, on the other hand, recommended people to continue wearing masks in busy public places.

The Delhi Government’s Health and Family Welfare Department announced in a statement that the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to rescind the order that made wearing face masks in public mandatory and imposed a Rs 500 fine on those who did not comply.

The authorities, on the other hand, recommended citizens to wear masks in busy public places.

“The law imposing a Rs 500 fine on the general public for not wearing a face mask in public places has been repealed. However, everyone is urged to use masks in busy public places “it was added

The DDMA reinstated the punishment for not wearing face masks in public areas in April.

The announcement came just days after Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya convened a conference to discuss the appearance of the new Omicron variety.

Mandaviya emphasised the importance of community awareness in order to continue implementing the COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB), especially with the forthcoming festival season.

The scientists, doctors, and top administrators also advocated for increased surveillance and genomic sequencing.

Meanwhile, new Covid cases, including those caused by the XBB, a novel sub-variant of the Omicron version of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, have been reported in India.

According to a new study, women who used chemical hair straightening treatments had a greater risk of uterine cancer than women who did not use these products. The researchers discovered no links between other hair products used by the women and uterine cancer, such as hair colours, bleach, highlights, or perms.

The data set includes 33,497 U.S. women aged 35 to 74 who took part in the Sister Study, a study run by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), which is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to investigate risk factors for breast cancer and other health issues.

The women were followed for almost 11 years and during that time 378 uterine cancer cases were diagnosed. The researchers found that women who reported frequent use of hair straightening products, defined as more than four times in the previous year, were more than twice as likely to go on to develop uterine cancer compared to those who did not use the products.

“We estimated that 1.64% of women who never used hair straighteners would go on to develop uterine cancer by the age of 70; but for frequent users, that risk goes up to 4.05%,” said Alexandra White, Ph.D., head of the NIEHS Environment and Cancer Epidemiology group and lead author on the new study. “This doubling rate is concerning. However, it is important to put this information into context — uterine cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer.”

Uterine cancer accounts for about 3% of all new cancer cases but is the most common cancer of the female reproductive system, with 65,950 estimated new cases in 2022. Studies show that incidence rates of uterine cancer have been rising in the United States, particularly among Black women.

Approximately 60% of the participants who reported using straighteners in the previous year were self-identified Black women, according to the study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Although, the study did not find that the relationship between straightener use and uterine cancer incidence was different by race, the adverse health effects may be greater for Black women due to higher prevalence of use.

“Because Black women use hair straightening or relaxer products more frequently and tend to initiate use at earlier ages than other races and ethnicities, these findings may be even more relevant for them,” said Che-Jung Chang, Ph.D., an author on the new study and a research fellow in the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch.

The findings are consistent with prior studies showing straighteners can increase the risk of hormone-related cancers in women.

The researchers did not collect information on brands or ingredients in the hair products the women used. However, in the paper they note that several chemicals that have been found in straighteners (such as parabens, bisphenol A, metals, and formaldehyde) could be contributing to the increased uterine cancer risk observed.

Chemical exposure from hair product use, especially straighteners, could be more concerning than other personal care products due to increased absorption through the scalp which may be exacerbated by burns and lesions caused by straighteners.

“To our knowledge this is the first epidemiologic study that examined the relationship between straightener use and uterine cancer,” said White. “More research is needed to confirm these findings in different populations, to determine if hair products contribute to health disparities in uterine cancer, and to identify the specific chemicals that may be increasing the risk of cancers in women.”

This team previously found that permanent hair dye and straighteners may increase breast and ovarian cancer risk.

Also read: Scientists find no heart damage in hypertension patients with shortened fingers

Following a series of related tests that were initially thought to have launched the global epidemic in China, Boston University researchers claim to have generated a new COVID strain with an 80% fatality rate.

The version, a combination of omicron and the original virus in Wuhan, killed 80% of the mice infected with it, according to Fox News. Mice only showed modest effects when exposed to omicron. A team of scientists from Florida and Boston conducted the study at the school’s National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories.

As per the reports of Fox News, they extracted the spike protein from omicron and attached it with the strain first detected at the onset of the pandemic that began in Wuhan, China. They then documented how the mice reacted to the hybrid strain. “In…mice, while Omicron causes mild, non-fatal infection, the Omicron S-carrying virus inflicts severe disease with a mortality rate of 80 percent,” they wrote in a research paper.

According to researchers, the new strain has five times more contagious virus particles than the omicron variety. In a statement, the university stressed that the replicated strain was less dangerous than the original strain.

“First, this research is not gain-of-function research, meaning it did not amplify the Washington state SARS-COV-2 virus strain or make it more dangerous. In fact, this research made the virus replicate less dangerous,” the statement read.

“Secondly, the research was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), which consists of scientists as well as local community members. The Boston Public Health Commission also approved the research.

Furthermore, this research mirrors and reinforces the findings of other, similar research performed by other organizations, including the FDA. Ultimately, this research will provide a public benefit by leading to better, targeted therapeutic interventions to help fight against future pandemics.”

According to Fox News, COVID-19 was thought to have originated in a wet market in Wuhan, although many believe the virus was created at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The World Health Organization is still being chastised for how it handled the crisis in its early, critical days. Even among fully vaccinated people, the omicron variation is extremely transmissible. According to experts, the spike protein is responsible for virus infectivity rates; other modifications to the virus’s structure control its timeliness. One disadvantage of the study was the type of mouse utilised, as other species are more human-like.

Also read: Scientists find no heart damage in hypertension patients with shortened fingers

Turning on the stress response in cells at a post-reproductive age may be the key to reducing ageing and enhancing longevity, according to researchers.

The NTU Singapore team discovered that turning on this stress response in aged worms by giving them a high-glucose diet enhanced their longevity compared to worms fed a regular diet in lab trials on a kind of roundworm that shares parallels with humans. The NTU team’s findings, published on October 19 in Nature Communications, are the first to establish a relationship between this stress response and ageing.

While further studies are needed to gain a deeper understanding of this link, the scientists said their findings open the door to the development of therapies that could delay the onset or even tackle age-related disorders such as cancer, dementia, and stroke.

Cell biologist and study lead Associate Professor Guillaume Thibault from the NTU School of Biological Sciences said: “Ageing is a critical risk factor for a variety of human pathologies, from metabolic diseases such as diabetes to cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. From a public health perspective, determining the cellular pathways that underpin the ageing process could take us one step closer to developing novel therapeutic strategies to treat age-related disorders.

“While our study found that a high-glucose diet could be useful to slow down ageing and promote longevity in aged worms, we are not recommending that the aged population should now turn to a high-sugar diet. This study shows that triggering certain stress responses in cells may translate to longevity, and that activating this stress response with a drug might be critical to decelerate cellular ageing.”

Aside from showing that the effect of manipulating this stress response in aged worms, the NTU scientists also showed that the same response, when ‘switched off’ in young worms fed a high-glucose diet, helped them to live longer than worms on a normal diet.

Commenting as an independent expert, Professor Rong Li, Director of the Mechanobiology Institute at the National University of Singapore said: “Metabolic diseases have serious consequences in the elderly if left untreated. This work is impactful because the scientists identified a cellular pathway, called the unfolded protein response, which affects lifespan in animals fed a high-glucose diet. They found that inhibiting this pathway dramatically extended the lifespan of these animals. They, therefore, propose that targeting this pathway may extend lifespan in humans with metabolic disorder.”

This research is in line with the University’s NTU2025 five-year strategy plan, which focuses on health and society as one area with substantial intellectual and societal influence.

Also Read: People who have diabetes more often affected by trigger finger: Study