Author: BharatSpeaks
In a significant stride toward bolstering India’s public health research infrastructure, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune has inaugurated a high-performance computing (HPC) facility designed to dramatically speed up genomic sequencing and pathogen surveillance across the country. Named Nakshatra, the facility is India’s first centralized HPC cluster dedicated to next-generation sequencing (NGS) research under the aegis of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Officials say it could mark a turning point in how India responds to emerging infectious diseases, pandemic threats, and genomic data analysis. Born Out of a Pandemic’s Lessons The creation of the HPC facility…
In a discovery that could reshape how we understand aging and longevity, researchers have developed a blood test that they say can offer a glimpse into a person’s biological age—and potentially how long they might live. The study, published in Nature Aging, focuses on DNA methylation, a biological process that modifies gene activity without altering the DNA sequence. These chemical changes accumulate over time and reflect how fast—or slowly—the body is aging. “Our biological age may offer a better picture of our health than the number on our birth certificate,” said Dr. Jamie Justice, co-author of the study and a…
In the world of weight loss, where fads and miracle cures dominate headlines, one nutrient continues to quietly earn the respect of health professionals: dietary fiber. Long known for its benefits in digestive health, fiber is now being recognized for its role in supporting sustainable weight loss. But how exactly does it work—and how much is enough? Dietitians say the science is clear, even if public awareness lags behind. “Fiber helps people feel fuller for longer and improves blood sugar regulation,” said Lisa Andrews, a registered dietitian based in Ohio. “Those two factors alone can make a significant impact on…
When U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently claimed that autism rates are skyrocketing due to “environmental toxins” and dismissed genetic causes, he reignited one of the most persistent and controversial public health debates of the last 30 years. But autism researchers and medical professionals say those assertions are not supported by science. The increase in autism diagnoses, they argue, reflects expanded diagnostic criteria, earlier and broader screening, and increased public awareness — not a sudden spike in the condition itself, and certainly not one caused by vaccines or environmental exposure alone. “There’s no credible evidence that toxins or…
In what experts are calling a defining public health emergency of the decade, a new global analysis published in The Lancet reveals a sharp rise in both obesity and mental health disorders among adolescents. The dual epidemic, fueled by post-pandemic disruptions, urban lifestyle shifts, and systemic neglect, places the future of an entire generation at risk. If current trends persist, the report estimates that by 2030, 464 million adolescents will be overweight or obese—a staggering increase of over 100 million in just 15 years. More alarmingly, mental illness has now emerged as the leading health challenge for teens worldwide, surpassing…
Once considered a niche fitness trend, Pilates is now cementing its place in modern preventive medicine and holistic health routines. Developed more than a century ago by German physical trainer Joseph Pilates, the low-impact exercise method is now backed by growing scientific evidence, linking it to 19 measurable physical and psychological benefits. From core strengthening and pain relief to improved mental clarity and immune support, Pilates has emerged as a well-rounded practice adaptable to nearly every age and fitness level. Strength at the Center: The Core Advantage At the heart of Pilates lies its most widely recognized benefit: core strength.…