Latest news with #NationalInstituteofHealth
Boston Globe
2 hours ago
- Health
- Boston Globe
Harvard has collected 3 million biological samples over decades. Now researchers may not have the money to preserve them.
The samples are kept at temperatures as low as minus-170 degrees Celsius (or minus-274 degrees Fahrenheit), in a network of liquid nitrogen freezers at the Chan School as well as at Brigham and Women's Hospital, according to 'If we really don't have any funding, we would lose the samples,' said Dr. Walter Willett, a Harvard professor and a principal investigator for the studies, in an interview. 'We're doing everything possible to not let that happen.' Advertisement The two programs affected are among the most comprehensive and long-running public health studies in the country. The Nurses' Health Study is A similar project, the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, tracks lifestyle and nutrition factors for men. Advertisement The two projects have yielded a number of landmark findings, including the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer and the effects of trans fats on heart disease. The dataset generated from the massive project has informed countless additional studies by other researchers. Related : As part of the projects, researchers collected biological samples from roughly 350,000 individuals, monitoring various components, including nutrients, contaminants, and hormone levels. That research has been crucial to the growing understanding of factors that contribute to breast cancer, heart disease, and dementia, Willett said. 'Looking at what's going on inside the body a few decades before the disease occurs, that's what we can do [with the samples],' he said. 'That's really critical, because we know for many cancers, it's not what's in the blood or in the urine at the time of diagnosis, it's what was going on decades before that's probably most important. And we can go back to the samples and look at that today.' The collection of samples is among the most comprehensive in the world, Willett said. Its scientific potential — which will only increase as new research technologies are developed — is something that 'no amount of money can buy,' he added. Related : Both projects were funded in large part by two grants issued by the National Institute of Health's National Cancer Institute. Those grants were terminated on May 6, according to an affidavit filed by Willett June 2. Now, researchers are scrambling to keep the freezers running. Advertisement 'We have probably a couple of months worth of resources for paying our nitrogen bills,' Willett said. 'But the nitrogen company is very efficient in cutting off supply if we don't pay.' Though it's not clear exactly when the funding will run out, Willett said the research team may soon have to decide which samples are kept and which will be allowed to spoil. But because the sweeping nature of the study relies on having multiple samples from hundreds of thousands of people over a multi-year period, it's difficult to say which will be more useful for research purposes. 'We don't yet know who's going to get breast cancer,' Willett said. 'Which makes it impossible to predict exactly which samples will be the most valuable.' Nicole Romero examines samples on the campus of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health on June 11, 2025. Kent Dayton/Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health Camilo Fonseca can be reached at
Express Tribune
19 hours ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Congo virus claims three lives in K-P
Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Adviser Ehtesham Ali has confirmed that three individuals have died from the Congo virus so far in the province, while one patient currently undergoing treatment at the hospital has tested positive. Additionally, six suspected patients are admitted and are undergoing diagnostic procedures. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of precious lives due to the Congo virus at Hayatabad Medical Complex. According to the adviser, two of the deceased patients - both from Karak district - succumbed to the virus last night, while a third, hailing from North Waziristan, passed away on June 16. He attributed the recent outbreak to the lack of precautionary measures during Eid celebrations as animal markets had been established across the province. Ehtesham Ali appealed to the public to strictly follow the health department's guidelines for Congo virus prevention and to exercise caution when handling livestock to avert further loss of life. He further informed that the Department of Health has activated its Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) system to monitor and respond to Congo virus cases promptly. District Health Officers (DHOs) in the affected areas have been notified, and contact tracing along with sanitization efforts are underway at the homes of the deceased to prevent the virus from spreading. It may be recalled that last week, two patients affected by the Congo virus were admitted to HMC in Peshawar with their condition reported to be out of danger initially. According to the hospital spokesperson, 28-year-old Aijaz from Karak was brought to the hospital in critical condition on June 14. Another 23-year-old patient, Safiyan, also from Karak, was admitted on June 15. After receiving medical treatment, both patients are now stable and no longer in critical condition, he claimed. The spokesperson added that both affected individuals work in animal care. In April, Pakistan's National Institute of Health (NIH) issued public health advisories regarding the risks of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) .
The Hindu
a day ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Funding, infrastructure, general environment woes unattractive for senior international scientists to work in India: Nobel laureate Venki Ramakrishnan
With the U.S. terminating several research programmes, firing thousands of federal scientists, and cancelling important, high-value federal research grants— $8 billion already and further cuts of almost $18 billion next year for National Institute of Health (NIH), proposed cuts of about $5 billion next year to National Science Foundation (NSF), proposed cut of nearly 25% to NASA's budget for 2026, and billions of dollars cut in grants to several universities — many U.S. scientists are planning to move to other countries. According to an analysis carried out by Nature Careers, U.S. applications for European vacancies shot up by 32% in March this year compared with March 2024. A Nature poll found that 75% of respondents were 'keen to leave the country'. The European Union and at least a handful of European countries have committed special funding to attract researchers from the U.S. But the committed funding is dwarfed by the scale of funding cuts by the U.S., and the funding is already highly competitive in Europe, senior scientists from the U.S. moving to Europe in large numbers may not happen. 'There will be a few scientists who will move, but I do not see a mass exodus. Firstly, salaries in Europe are well below those in the U.S. Secondly, moving is always difficult both professionally and personally. Finally, the U.S. is still the pre-eminent scientific country, and that will be hard to walk away from. I say this as someone who actually did move from the U.S. to England over 25 years ago, with a salary that was just over half what I was making there,' Nobel Laureate Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, professor at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, U.K., says in an email to The Hindu. In comparison, India has only a handful of institutions such as IISc, NCBS, TIFR, IISERs and IITs that can possibly attract U.S. scientists. According to him, even the renowned institutions in India are 'world class only in some very specific areas'. 'I do not see India as a general magnet for international science,' Prof. Ramakrishnan says. Though funding for science in India has increased in absolute terms, the percentage of GDP allocated to R&D has actually reduced. India's gross expenditure on R&D is estimated to be around 0.6-0.7% of GDP in 2025. Specifically, with long-term assured funding for basic research, which is an absolute necessity to attract researchers based in America, not guaranteed by existing programmes, can India take advantage of the situation in the U.S.? 'India's R&D investment as a fraction of GDP is much less than China's and is about a third or less of what many developed countries have, and far below countries like South Korea. It will not be competitive without a substantial increase,' he says. Lack of funding and infrastructure in India About funding in general and funding for basic research in particular, Prof. Ramakrishnan says: 'Neither the funding, the infrastructure nor the general environment in India is attractive for top-level international scientists to leave the U.S. to work in India. There may be specific areas (e.g. tropical diseases, ecology, etc) where India is particularly well suited, but even in these areas, it will be easier for scientists to do field work there while being employed in the West.' Given a choice between some European country or India, he strongly vouches Europe as 'far more attractive as a scientific destination'. Some of the key pain points Indian science faces are delayed release of funding every year, researcher scholars not being paid scholarship for as long as one year, and whimsical ways in which science policies are changed with little discussion with scientists. Even the Ramalingaswami re-entry fellowship, which aims to support the return of early-career life scientists with at least three years of international postdoctoral training, has faced abrupt policy changes. Currently, there are no national policies to attract senior scientists from other countries. 'If India is serious about attracting Indian scientists abroad to return, it needs to provide far better incentives. China has shown that with sufficient investment and a stable commitment, it can be done,' he says. Funding in India is available mainly from the government agencies such as DBT, ICMR, DST, SERB with negligible private funding. In 2021, the government announced ₹50,000 crore for Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will replace SERB. In December 2024, Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply to the Lok Sabha said that only ₹14,000 crore budgetary provision has been made by the government for 2023-2028. The balance ₹36,000 crore will be sourced through 'donations from any other sources' including public and private sector, philanthropist organisations, foundations and international bodies. 'In many developed countries, the ratio of private to public investment is almost two or more. In India, it is almost the opposite. This is really a failing on the part of Indian industry,' he says. Years ago, Singapore succeeded in attracting senior scientists to move permanently or as visiting fellows. He attributes Singapore's success in attracting talent from other countries to high salaries with low taxes, and excellent scientific infrastructure. On the societal front, Singapore, which is clean and well-run, with first-rate schools, health care, mass transit, and safety, has become the desired destination for scientists from developed countries, he adds. Scientists moved from Germany to the U.S. and other countries in the 1930s because they were in significant personal danger. 'They and others moved to the U.S. because the U.S. could actually offer more facilities, higher salary, all in a free society. India does not offer any of these advantages,' he says. Lack of better roads, cleaner air To attract senior scientists from other countries and to encourage talented people already working in India, he stresses on two critical aspects — scientific and social. 'India needs a strong, stable commitment to science, which means not only much more funding but also more stable funding, much better infrastructure and, just as importantly, insulating science from politics and excessive bureaucratic rules and regulations.' About the social factors, he says: 'The other detriment to attracting scientists (especially non-Indians) from abroad is India itself. Today, well-off Indians have essentially seceded from public spaces in India. Today, the streets are filthy and full of trash, the sidewalks are not navigable, and the air is unbreathable in most cities... Which non-Indian would want that sort of life for themselves and their children?' He is full of praise and appreciation for researchers in India contributing to science despite several challenges. 'I have many scientific friends in India and I am always amazed by how they manage to do such good work in such difficult conditions, and yet be so cheerful. Young Indians are so bright and enthusiastic, but they are being let down by the country as a whole. India has a demographic dividend — it is one of the few large countries with a youthful population. However, this is a temporary advantage, and if India squanders it, it may find itself unable to be competitive in the future with other Asian countries and the West,' he cautions.
NDTV
a day ago
- Health
- NDTV
Nutritionist Shares Why Harmless Sparkling Water Is Not Ideal For Everyone
Sparkling water is quickly becoming the drink of choice among celebrities, fitness enthusiasts, and the health-conscious elite. With its fizzy appeal and zero calories or sweeteners, it offers a refreshing and guilt-free alternative to sugary sodas. It's also known to support better hydration and may aid digestion, making it a stylish yet healthy pick. Nutritionist Palak Nagpal points out that sparkling water can be especially helpful for those trying to quit sugary colas, the familiar 'crack and fizz' is still there, minus the excess sugar, caffeine, or artificial additives. That said, she advises that people with acid reflux should avoid it, as the carbonation can trigger symptoms. While it may seem like the perfect upgrade at first glance, bubbly, calorie-free, and effortlessly chic, sparkling water isn't for everyone. Still, for most, it's a smart and trendy swap in the journey to healthier sipping. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palak Nagpal - Clinical Nutritionist (@nutritionwithpalaknagpal) If you are someone who deals with leaky gut, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), or overall gut sensitivity, acid reflux (the burning feeling that occurs as acid moves back up your food pipe), constant burping or bloating, then sparkling water might not be the ideal option for you. The carbonation can raise gas, strain your digestive tract, and in some cases, cause or exacerbate reflux symptoms. The fizz itself may irritate a sensitive or inflammatory gut, even if it is sugar-free. Therefore, even while sparkling water seems tidy and stylish, it is not always "healthier" for everyone. Thus, they should choose alternative beverages so as not to exacerbate this problem, said Palak Nagpal. 'What works for your friend might mess with your gut,' she noted. According to the National Institute of Health, high acidity and carbonation properties of carbonated drinks can make gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) worse. Thus, it is often advised that patients with GERD change their lifestyles by giving up carbonated beverages. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Health
- Express Tribune
Sindh reports first Congo virus death of 2025
Sindh has reported its first death from Congo virus this year, following the passing of a 42-year-old man in Karachi. The patient, a resident of District Malir, was admitted to Indus Hospital in Korangi on June 16 after testing positive for the virus. He succumbed to the illness the following day. According to a provincial health department official, the patient had no recent travel history, suggesting local transmission of the virus. Congo virus is a severe viral disease transmitted primarily through tick bites or contact with the blood and tissues of infected animals, particularly during and immediately after slaughter. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a case fatality rate of 10-40 per cent, with no vaccine currently available. In April, the National Institute of Health (NIH) issued an advisory urging preventive measures ahead of Eidul Azha, when the movement of sacrificial animals increases.
