Health Matters newsletter: Ahoy, an age of frenetic scientific discovery is here
On scientific and medical innovations and breakthroughs, early identification of postpartum depression, the importance of diet, the blistering heat and its effects on health and more
It truly seems to be the age of innovation that we are living in, not in the conventional sense of the term, but innovation at a pace that we have never seen before. It seems as if the development of the COVID vaccine in record time has been like a magic wand that's opened up a Pandora's box of possibilities. Of course technological improvements, not to mention the employment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) have come a long way in facilitating this. Not a day passes by, literally, when we have not heard of some jaw-dropping strides marked in the treatment for Parkinson's, or how scientists grew a spine in a petri dish, or a tooth, or invented a new gene editing tool, or used AI to reduce the time for an accurate diagnosis, or even devised new, hitherto unimagined ways of treating a particular condition.
Here, I write about how Indian scientists helped develop Brain-Computer Interface that enables movement for people who are paralysed. At the University of California, San Fransisco, Indian-origin scientists Karunesh Ganguly and Nikhilesh Natraj have worked together as a team to help a person with paralysis use just thought to drive movement. The team developed a framework that allows a paralysed man to control a robotic arm with the assistance of AI, for seven months straight, using just his thoughts alone, with minimal calibration. While this is proof of concept and more work needs to be done on the product and its applications, before it is deployed to the benefit of more people, the achievement is nothing short of miraculous - given the participant in the trial cannot move at all.
The study participant had tiny sensors implanted on the surface of his brain that could pick up brain activity when he imagined moving. The sensors do not send pulses to the brain, but only read out the intent to move from the movement regions of the brain, Dr. Natraj explains. He tried out with a virtual robotic arm first, which allowed him to refine his control and direction, and then eventually, was able to control an actual robotic arm which would carry out the actions.
Somdatta Karak reports on a finding from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, which argued that lipids also, in addition to DNA and proteins, guide evolution. 'Most labs study the roles of DNA, RNA, and proteins in evolution because a large community has grown around it,' a researcher at the lab said. 'However, evolution happens through all kinds of molecules that make up living cells and we need to study them.' Not just in evolution: the study also opens up the possibility of understanding human health better. Drugs like statins are commonly used to control cholesterol — another prominent lipid — in cells. As scientists develop a fuller understanding of the roles lipids essay, they may assess and optimise the long-term use of substances like statins. The role of lipids in controlling the entry of pathogens into cells also demands attention.
In other uplifting news, indigenously developed HPV test kits for cervical cancer screening were launched in Delhi. The test kits have been developed under the Department of Biotechnology's partnership programme Grand Challenges India at the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council. The key feature of these kits is the inclusion of only the seven/eight most common cancer-causing types that will allow a very efficient and cost-effective screening programme, which will be most suitable for India.
Afshan Yasmeen reports on a NIMHANS study that identified blood-based biomarkers for early detection of postpartum depressive symptoms. There are currently no blood-based biomarkers available to identify postpartum depressive symptoms at an early stage of pregnancy. One of the researchers said: 'Therefore, our discovery allows for earlier intervention, which can help reduce the harmful effects of depression. Our findings open up the possibility of a simple blood test during early pregnancy that could help identify women at risk, allowing for timely intervention and support,'
Serena Josephine M. reports that Tamil Nadu's unique Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam scheme hits the mark by improving hypertension, diabetes control in the State. A model of public health care that attempts to take diagnosis and treatment to the people's doorsteps, the MTM scheme was evaluated for efficiency and the study found that there was much better control with reference to blood pressure and blood glucose levels in the population after the roll out of the scheme. Perhaps, here is an innovation/model for other States to follow, even as we are in the middle of a burgeoning non communicable diseases epidemic.
Let's stay on course here, and look at NCDs in depth. Earlier this week, Zubeda Hamid in a conversation with Dr. Nihal Thomas, elaborates on a story we written about earlier - Type 5 diabetes. Here, the pair discuss Type 5 diabetes and why is it a concern in India?
Athira Elssa Johnson reports on how Thandav, a dance-based movement therapy for school students, girls, managed to reduced the risk of NCDs. For more, read on here: School-based dance routines reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases among girls, study finds
Pawan Agarwal makes a very important point that in the battle against NCDs, an important factor is awareness generation, and Teaching children to eat well must begin in school. Since diet is a very important factor of the ideal lifestyle factors that enable one to keep the risk of NCDs at bay, it is key, When it comes to edible oil, to find the right balance. More on diet, Dr. Uday Nagesh Shivaji writes a detailed note on how snacking on processed foods might be leading to a reduction in your quality of life: Your go-to snacks could be fuelling chronic inflammation – here's why.
As part of the 'Healthy India Happy India' series of webinars between Naruvi Hospital, Vellore and The Hindu, experts, last week, discussed how Smoking is a major risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.
In other important developments in the health sector this past week, infectious diseases flagged a significant concern - emerging drug resistance even to newer antibiotics in the market. Experts warned against overuse of last-line antibiotics and urged the Drug Controller General of India to make sure clear pathways are laid out for the medical use of such new antibiotics to prevent newer strains of resistance from emerging for these otherwise powerful drugs.
More on AMR, Drs. Ankur Mutreja, Tikesh Bisen and Balaji Veeraraghavan wrote of several latest innovations in the field of AMR which are likely to lead from the front, including AMRSense, a surveillance tool we had outlined here some weeks ago. For more on the article: Surveillance, R&D innovation and communication are key levers for India to lead the fight against AMR.
Making a small note on the heat impact on communities and people, here. The Centre told States to ensure that work hours are rescheduled, in order to protect workers from the very harsh impact of working midday in summer. The Labour Ministry kicked in to issue an advisory to the States, here. Incidentally, it is already upon us: Conservancy workers' unions demand revised summer work hours after man dies on duty in Madurai. The conservancy worker fainted while working on the road, and fell down, hitting a stone, which caused a head injury and eventually, led to his death. The union has now urged the government to advance the work timings by an hour in the morning, keeping the workers off the streets at noon.
In context, also look at our reports on the subject: Assessed temperature-related deaths in urban heat islands, and Temperatures soar past 45°C in four Telangana districts, heatwave warning issued.
Friday, this past week, was World Malaria Day and we recorded it with these two stories: Dr. C. Aravinda wrote about the significant history of malaria, taking a broad look at how it influenced the course of history itself: The Mosquito Effect: how malarial chaos influenced human history.
Bindu Shajan Perappadan did a full-length email interview with Dr. Jane Carlton is a globally recognized leader in malaria genomics and director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute. And she talks about what the health sector has been fearing, since the ascension of US President Donald Trump and his team: U.S. funding cuts likely to impact long-term research in malaria.
Moving on to the subject of mental health, Dr. Bino Thomas touches on a key aspect of dealing with youngsters and also provides tips to handle a younger person better, in this article: When correcting a young person is perceived as rejection: Understanding how to parent and mentor adolescents.
Dr. Pushkala M.S. focuses on the importance of early diagnosis and support for children on the Autism Spectrum Disorder while Uma Mahadevan-Dasgupta reexamines the concept of play in the current educational and cultural context. She says: All stress and no play is making children anxious, with fragile mental health.
We keep a keen eye out for issues relating to access and affordability here, and here are a few articles from that segment, this week. This first one is on increasing the number of organ donors for human kidneys, given the magnitude of people suffering with kidney disease today. The supply has never kept pace with demand and As India's kidney transplant gap widens, experts call for donor pool expansion.
A study found that Senior citizens in India grapple with long distances to health facilities. It found that older adults, on an average, travelled a distance of 14.54 km to seek outpatient services and 43.62 km for inpatient care respectively; those living rurally have to travel far greater distances than their urban counterparts. As an increasingly greying nation, India has a requirement to make healthcare services accessible to the older population in future.
The UNDP India chief Angela Lusigi spoke to The Hindu on how Community participation and digital innovation is vital for universal immunisation, while complimenting India for achieving 93 % immunisation coverage.
The article that chose itself for the tail piece this week will have you craning your neck to figure it out. Dr. Mohit Muttha writes on the very real and interesting phenomena of The rise of 'text neck' and how phones are reshaping our spines. People who use a smartphone frequently have a downward gaze to focus lower, and keep their heads in a forward position for lengthy periods, which can cause neck strain, eventually hastening the process of ageing in the cervical spine. The symptom can result from improper workstations, poor ergonomics, inadequate breaks, and prolonged improper postures. Remember you heard it here first, but at the health desk here, we are learning to adopt better postures and hope you are taking the precautions recommended here.
In our explainers section, we have:
R. Sujatha Looking back to how it was a people's movement against filariasis that created an impact.
Benjamin Scrivener, in The Conversation writes about Functional Neurological Disorder: Tremors, seizures, paralysis: this brain disorder is more common than multiple sclerosis - but often goes undiagnosed.
In the All you need to know about series, we have shingles and anxiety disorders.
Here's a deep dive into last week's news on the WHO's pandemic deal.
If you have a few moments extra, do also tarry at the following links:
V.P. Jeyaseelan: More than a smile: why orthodontic care for students is imperative
Blood pressure treatment could lower risk of dementia, clinical trial data suggests
Dialysis patients struggle to get treatment in blockaded Gaza; officials say hundreds have died
U.S. health officials seek to phase out artificial dyes from food supply
Tamil Nadu bans mayonnaise made from raw eggs for one year
For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
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Erectile Dysfunction is not just a bedroom issue. It's a symptom – a red flag that something isn't right with your physical, emotional, or psychological well-being yoga Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, is running this weekly sex column, titled 'Let's Talk Sex'. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance. In this article, we will explain how yoga can genuinely support men struggling with erectile dysfunction. Erectile Dysfunction is not just a bedroom issue. It's a symptom – a red flag that something isn't right with your physical, emotional, or psychological well-being. While medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular disease are well-known contributors to ED, psychological triggers like performance anxiety, chronic stress, depression, and low self-esteem are equally significant. And that's where yoga comes in — not just as a workout, but as a lifestyle practice that calms the nervous system, regulates blood flow, strengthens the body, and quiets the mind. How Yoga Can Improve Erectile Dysfunction The Role of Stress Reduction: One of the key ways yoga can help with erectile dysfunction (ED) is through stress reduction. Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your sex life, often leading to or exacerbating ED. By engaging in yoga, you can tap into a powerful tool to combat stress. Practicing yoga encourages mindfulness and relaxation, helping you to find a calm centre amidst life's chaos. As your stress levels decrease, so may the frequency and severity of your ED episodes. This isn't just theory—it's backed by studies that highlight yoga's effectiveness in reducing cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Enhancing Blood Flow & Erections: Yoga is also an excellent way to enhance your circulation. An erection is all about blood flow. If circulation is weak, the penis won't receive sufficient blood to stay erect. Yoga poses that involve hip opening, core strengthening, and spinal flexibility naturally increase circulation to the lower abdomen and pelvis — enhancing oxygen and nutrient supply to sexual organs. Various yoga poses, such as the cobra pose or downward-facing dog, promote increased blood flow throughout your body, including your pelvic region. Improved circulation is crucial for achieving and maintaining erections. When blood flow is optimized, you're more likely to experience improved erectile function. Strengthens Pelvic Muscles: Yoga, especially poses like Mula Bandha (Root Lock), functions similarly to Kegel exercises. These movements engage the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles, which support erectile function and ejaculation control. Over time, these exercises lead to firmer erections and more stamina. Balances Hormones: ED is sometimes linked to low testosterone levels. Certain yoga poses stimulate endocrine glands such as the adrenal and thyroid glands, which are crucial in hormonal regulation. Practices like Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation) and Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) are known to balance hormone production and improve overall vitality. Builds Body Awareness and Self-Confidence: ED often triggers a vicious mental cycle of fear, shame, and low confidence. Yoga teaches you to become more aware of your body — how it feels, how it breathes, how it responds. This mindfulness translates into better self-esteem, better communication with your partner, and improved sexual expression. Boosting Overall Fitness: It's no secret that physical activity is good for your health, and yoga is no exception. Regular practice contributes to overall physical fitness by increasing flexibility, strength, and stamina. These benefits translate into better sexual performance as well. Being in good shape can boost confidence and energy levels, both of which are important for a healthy sex life. So, unroll that yoga mat and embrace the journey towards better physical and sexual health with each pose. Advertisement Key Yoga Poses to Improve Erectile Function Engaging in regular yoga practice can be more than just a path to flexibility and stress relief; it may also contribute to enhancing your sexual health. Let's dive into some key postures that can potentially transform your intimate life. Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): The Cobra Pose is a staple in many yoga routines, and it's particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their erectile function. 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How to do it: Lie on your back, lift your legs over your head, and try to touch the floor behind you with your toes. Hold the position gently without straining your neck. advetisement By incorporating these poses into your regular routine, you might notice not only an improvement in your overall well-being but also in your sexual health. Remember, like any exercise, consistency is key, so try to practice these poses regularly for the best results. It's a Lifestyle Change The true beauty of yoga lies not just in the postures, but in the philosophy it offers. Yoga encourages a disciplined, healthy lifestyle: balanced meals, restful sleep, avoiding excessive screen time, and creating emotional harmony. When you combine all these habits, ED doesn't stand a chance. Your energy improves. Your confidence returns. You become more connected to yourself and to your partner. top videos View All Yoga offers a safe, natural, and deeply transformative path to reclaiming your sexual health. It may not be a magic bullet, but it creates the right environment for healing: a calm mind, a healthy body, and a confident spirit. So, if you're struggling with ED or simply want to improve your intimacy and vitality, it's time to roll out that mat, take a deep breath, and start your journey inward. The answers you're looking for may just be found in silence, stillness, and a few powerful stretches. About the Author Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : lets talk sex Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 22, 2025, 17:15 IST News lifestyle Let's Talk Sex | Can Yoga Help with Erectile Dysfunction? Science Says Yes
