Category: LIFESTYLE

Beijing, Jan 9 (IANS) The world’s oceans absorbed more heat in 2025 than in any other year since modern record-keeping began, a new international study revealed on Friday.

Published in the journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, the analysis shows that the ocean’s heat increased last year, amounting to a staggering 23 Zetta Joules of energy — equivalent to 37 years of global energy consumption at the 2023 level, Xinhua news agency reported.

The findings stem from a major collaboration involving over 50 scientists from 31 research institutions worldwide.

By integrating data from leading international centers and independent research groups across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, the scientists concluded that the heat content in the upper 2,000 meters of the ocean reached its highest recorded level in 2025, underscoring a clear and sustained upward trend.

The researchers, including those from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, highlighted that ocean warming is not uniform. In 2025, about 16 per cent of the world’s ocean area saw record-high heat, while an additional 33 per cent ranked among the top three warmest years in their historical records. The fastest warming occurred in regions including the tropical and South Atlantic, the North Pacific, and the Southern Ocean.

While heat stored in the deep ocean set a new record, surface temperatures exhibited a slightly different pattern. The global average sea-surface temperature in 2025 was the third warmest on record, remaining about 0.5 degrees Celsius above the recent baseline and slightly below the peaks observed in 2023 and 2024.

Nevertheless, these elevated surface temperatures have significant real-world impacts, driving increased evaporation and heavier rainfall. They played a key role in intensifying extreme weather events in 2025, such as severe flooding in Southeast Asia and Mexico and drought in the Middle East, the researchers said.

The study warned that continued ocean heating carries profound consequences. It directly contributes to sea-level rise through thermal expansion, exacerbates and prolongs marine heatwaves, and adds more heat and moisture to the atmosphere, which can strengthen storms and other extreme weather phenomena.

Scientists emphasised that as long as the planet continues to accumulate heat, ocean heat records will keep being broken.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Maternal use of antibiotics during pregnancy may raise the risk of babies developing Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease — a common bacterial disease, according to a study.

While the bacteria usually live harmlessly in the gut or genital tract, they can cause serious infections, especially in newborns, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals, leading to sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia.

The study led by an international team from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, University of Antwerp in Belgium, showed that prenatal antibiotic exposure was associated with an increased risk of neonatal GBS disease, within four weeks of delivery. Early third-trimester exposure showed the strongest association.

“Prenatal antibiotic exposure can raise GBS risk within four weeks postpartum, especially in neonates not covered by risk-based intrapartum prophylaxis, with the early third trimester being a critical window of susceptibility,” said the researchers in the paper in the Journal of Infection.

The team conducted a population-based cohort study including all singleton live births in Sweden from 2006 to 2016, using national registers.

Among 1,095,644 liveborn singletons, 24.5 per cent were exposed to antibiotics.

GBS incidence was found to be higher among exposed neonates than unexposed (0.86 vs. 0.66 per 1,000 live births), particularly among neonates without GBS risk factors.

According to the researchers, the study is the first to examine prenatal antibiotic exposure in relation to the risk of neonatal GBS disease. However, it aligned with previous Nordic studies, which reported a 16-34 per cent increased risk of infections during early childhood (ages 1-5 years) following prenatal antibiotic exposure.

The study found that GBS-active antibiotics given close to delivery (within four weeks) offered no protection.

The association of prenatal exposure to any antibiotics with neonatal GBS disease appeared to depend on the presence of clinical GBS risk factors, with a positive association observed only among pregnancies without such risk factors.

This suggests that neonates without established GBS risk factors may benefit more from limiting prenatal antibiotic exposure, the team said.

Calling for more research, the team also underscored the need for increased vigilance in monitoring neonates who fall outside existing GBS prevention guidelines, particularly those exposed to antibiotics in utero during the early third trimester.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) Even a single drinking binge — roughly four drinks for women or five for men within about two hours — can weaken the gut lining, according to a study.

The study showed that a single session of binge drinking can decrease the gut’s ability to keep bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream — a phenomenon known as “leaky gut.” The findings are published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research.

“We know that excessive drinking can disrupt the gut and expose the liver to harmful bacterial products, but surprisingly little was known about how the upper intestine responds in the earliest stages,” said corresponding author Gyongyi Szabo, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.

“Our study shows that even short bouts of binge drinking can trigger inflammation and weaken the gut barrier, highlighting a potential early step in alcohol-related gut and liver injury,” Szabo added.

Together, the team from Harvard Medical School and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the US identified how binge drinking damages the gut, and why those leaks in the system may set off harmful inflammation long after the last drink is poured.

The scientists examined how short bursts of high-dose alcohol affected different parts of the gut.

The results suggested that even brief episodes of heavy drinking cause injury, calling in cells normally reserved for fighting invading germs to the lining of the gut.

Certain immune cells — neutrophils — can release web-like structures known as NETs that directly damage the upper small intestine and weaken its barrier, helping explain the leaky gut that can let bacterial toxins slip into the bloodstream.

When the researchers blocked the NETs using a simple enzyme to break them down, they observed a reduced number of immune cells in the gut lining and less bacterial leakage; that is, the enzyme prevented gut damage.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 9 (IANS) India’s dairy sector is undergoing a remarkable digital transformation that will help not only to enhance its productivity but also boost transparency and inclusiveness with farmer welfare, said the government on Friday.

India is the world’s largest producer of milk, accounting for 25 per cent of global output.

The transformation, including the development of digital platforms that connect farmers, cooperatives, and stakeholders across the dairy value chain, is being spearheaded by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

“These systems are not just enhancing operational productivity but also ensuring that millions of small and marginal dairy farmers are directly linked to a modern, tech-driven ecosystem,” said an official statement.

The integrated digital tools include the Automatic Milk Collection System (AMCS), which has benefitted over 17.3 lakh milk producers across 54 milk unions. This ensures transparent payments and efficient operations.

The Internet-based Dairy Information System (i-DIS) is being used by around 198 milk unions and 15 federations for data-driven decision-making and performance benchmarking.

Milk route optimisation using GIS technology has helped cooperatives in several states save significantly on transportation costs and improve delivery efficiency.

“The initiatives aim to modernise operations, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance traceability, ultimately strengthening the world’s largest dairy ecosystem,” the statement said.

Further, the National Digital Livestock Mission (NDLM), implemented by NDDB in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), represents a major step toward a unified digital livestock ecosystem called “Bharat Pashudhan.”

The NDLM uses digital tools such as unique animal identification, data integration, and mobile applications to empower farmers and improve productivity. It aims to ensure every animal in India has a digital identity, linking it to health records and productivity data. NDDB provides both technical and financial support to implement this mission across states.

More than 35.68 crore animals have been issued “Pashu Aadhaar” under NDLM, enabling traceable livestock management.

“By combining cooperative strength with digital innovation, India is setting new standards in sustainable dairy development, one where every litre of milk and every animal is part of a connected, traceable, and efficient value chain,” the statement said.

“The ongoing efforts reflect NDDB’s vision of creating a digitally empowered dairy sector that serves both producers and consumers, driving India closer to its goal of being the global leader in safe, sustainable, and technology-driven milk production,” it added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expected to launch the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite aboard PSLV-C62 rocket on January 12, marking the first mission of 2026.

The EOS-N1 (also called Anvesha) is an Earth observation satellite designed to enhance India’s remote sensing capabilities across agriculture, urban mapping, and environmental monitoring.

“The integration of the vehicle and satellites has been completed, and pre-launch checks are in progress. The PSLV-C62 mission is proposed to lift off on January 12, 2026, at 10:17 am, from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota,” ISRO said.

In addition, the mission will carry 15 co-passenger payloads, making this a significant multi-satellite deployment.

“The PSLV-C62 mission will also demonstrate KID or Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator from a Spanish startup, which is a small-scale prototype of a re-entry vehicle being developed by the startup,” the Indian space agency added.

The KID will be the last co-passenger to be injected, after which it is slated to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere towards splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean.

The PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission is the 9th dedicated commercial mission undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO.

This mission will be the 64th flight of PSLV, and the launch will be the fifth to use the PSLV-DL variant with two solid strap-on motors.

PSLV has completed 63 flights, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1, and Astrosat Mission. In 2017, PSLV set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission.

ISRO undertook the 101st launch endeavour with PSLV-C61 mission, in May, to deploy the 1,696 kg EOS-09 Earth Observation Satellite into a 505 km Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit.

While the initial stages of the flight performed as expected, a technical anomaly in the rocket’s third stage prevented the mission from reaching its intended orbit.

–IANS

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Hyderabad, Jan 8 (IANS) Intensifying its drive against banned Chinese Manja, Hyderabad police seized a large quantity of the contraband item worth Rs 1.24 crore and arrested 143 people.

Ahead of the Sankranti festival, the authorities stepped up enforcement against the banned Chinese Manja (synthetic/nylon kite string) to curb its sale, storage, and transportation across the city.

Police Commissioner V. C. Sajjanar told a news conference that as part of the ongoing drive, the police registered 103 cases and arrested 143 persons. A total of 6,226 bobbins of Chinese Manja, with an estimated market value of Rs 1,24,52,000, have been seized.

Sajjanar said Sankranti is a festival of joy and kite-flying, but celebrations should not endanger lives. He reiterated that the government has imposed a complete ban on Chinese Manja due to the serious threat it poses to humans, birds, and the environment.

“Despite the ban, illegal sales are being carried out clandestinely. There will be zero tolerance. Anyone found selling, storing, or transporting Chinese Manja will face immediate criminal action. Special teams have been deployed across the city,” he said.

The Commissioner also pointed out that some traders have shifted to online platforms to evade enforcement. “We have put in place round-the-clock surveillance on e-commerce platforms and social media. Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in the online sale or purchase of Chinese Manja,” he warned.

He further cautioned parents about the dangers of the metallic coating on Chinese Manja, which can cause severe injuries and even electric shocks, especially to children.

Sajjanar had already warned that there would be zero tolerance for Chinese Manja.

He said that Chinese Manja is a silent killer that has caused serious injuries and even deaths of pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, birds, and animals.

Hyderabad police have formed special teams to curb the illegal manufacture, storage, transport, and sale.

The Chinese Manja has left four motorcyclists, including a constable and a student, injured over the last week. They sustained grievous neck injuries.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) US space agency NASA on Thursday postponed its scheduled spacewalk over a ‘medical concern’ with an astronaut.

Two Expedition 74 NASA astronauts — Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman — were slated for the first spacewalk of 2026. They had planned to exit an airlock aboard the International Space Station for the power upgrade work.

The space agency, however, has not provided details about the medical issue or the name of the astronaut involved.

“NASA is postponing the Thursday, January 8, spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The agency is monitoring a medical concern with a crew member that arose Wednesday afternoon aboard the orbital complex,” the US space agency shared in a blog post.

“Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for NASA to share more details about the crew member. The situation is stable. NASA will share additional details, including a new date for the upcoming spacewalk, later,” the post added.

During the six-and-a-half-hour spacewalk, the Station Commander Fincke and Flight Engineer Cardman aimed to install a modification kit and routing cables for a future roll-out solar array.

The duo also planned to include installing jumper cables, taking hardware photos, and collecting microorganism samples.

The spacewalk would be a first for Cardman, a 38-year-old geobiologist who was selected for the astronaut corps in 2017.

On Wednesday, Fincke and Cardman organised their spacewalking tools and supplies inside the Quest airlock, where they were intended to exit the orbital outpost. They also finished configuring their spacesuits and the associated life support and emergency components, NASA said.

At the end of their shift, they were joined by Flight Engineers Chris Williams of NASA and Kimiya Yui of JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) for a final spacewalk procedures review and a readiness conference with mission controllers on the ground.

Williams and Yui will assist the astronauts in and out of their spacesuits, pressurise and depressurise the Quest airlock, and monitor the spacewalkers as they work outside the orbiting lab, it added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) India accounted for 26 per cent of Asia‑Pacific healthcare private equity (PE) deal volume in 2024, making it the largest PE market in the region by volume, a report said on Thursday.

The report from Bain & Company said that the global healthcare PE deal value hit a record $191 billion in 2025.

India was the largest market in the region by volume as buyout activity shifted away from China toward India, Japan, and South Korea due to the countries’ macroeconomic fundamentals, the report said.

“We are optimistic about the outlook for healthcare private equity this year, particularly given investor confidence in market fundamentals remained high in the face of headwinds last spring,” said Nirad Jain, partner at Bain & Company and co-leader of its Healthcare Private Equity team.

Investment activity in India has been concentrated in provider and related services and biopharma and related services. In the provider space, investor interest has focused on hospitals, clinics, and supporting services.

It noted healthcare buyout volumes in India fell 18 per cent year‑on‑year in 2024, compared to a nearly 49 per cent decline across Asia‑Pacific overall.

The biopharma deal value rose to an estimated $80 billion in 2025 from $55 billion in 2024 globally. The volume is expected to increase nearly 20 per cent to over 130 deals, the report said.

Deal value in Asia-Pacific set a record in 2025, exceeding the high of 2021 by over 30 per cent despite the second-quarter slowdown.

The biopharma and provider segments continue to drive most of the region’s healthcare PE market, but MedTech and healthcare IT experienced growth as well.

As global healthcare PE sets a new record, the surge in deal value was propelled by a sharp increase in deals exceeding $1 billion and offsetting second-quarter tariff-related slowdowns in North America and Asia-Pacific.

Deal volume was similarly robust, with investors announcing 445 buyouts, the second-most on record.

Global growth was propelled by Europe’s sustained activity, and a resurgence in North America as well as Asia-Pacific after second-quarter tariff-related pullbacks in those regions.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) OpenAI has introduced ChatGPT Health, a dedicated experience to securely connect people’s medical records and wellness apps.

The San Francisco-based artificial intelligence (AI) giant has developed the new experience, with close collaboration from more than 260 physicians practicing across 60 countries.

“You can securely connect medical records and wellness apps to ground conversations in your own health information, so responses are more relevant and useful to you. Designed in close collaboration with physicians, ChatGPT Health helps people take a more active role in understanding and managing their health and wellness — while supporting, not replacing, care from clinicians,” Open AI said in a blog post.

OpenAI noted that the feature comes amid heavy demand for health queries on ChatGPT — over 230 million people globally ask health and wellness-related questions on ChatGPT every week.

However, the company stated that the new feature is just “designed to support, not replace, medical care”.

“It is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Instead, it helps you navigate everyday questions and understand patterns over time — not just moments of illness — so you can feel more informed and prepared for important medical conversations,” it said.

With ChatGPT Health, individuals can securely connect medical records and wellness apps — like Apple Health, Function, and MyFitnessPal. The new feature will help individuals decode test results, prepare for appointments with a doctor, get advice on how to approach diet and workout routine, or understand the tradeoffs of different insurance options based on healthcare patterns.

OpenAI also mentioned that it is taking several measures to protect sensitive health information beyond basic ChatGPT security.

Users will be able to delete chats from OpenAI’s systems within 30 days, and it has been trained not to retain personal information from user chats. While conversations and files across ChatGPT are encrypted by default at rest, individuals can further strengthen access controls by enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA)⁠.

ChatGPT Health will be initially rolled out to a small group of early users to learn and continue refining the experience. The company noted that users with ChatGPT Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans outside of the European Economic Area, Switzerland, and the UK are eligible.

In the coming weeks, the company plans to expand access and make Health available to all users on the web and iOS. It noted that medical record integrations and some apps are available in the US only, and connecting to Apple Health requires iOS.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Jan 8 (IANS) People who eat more industrially processed foods and beverages laced with preservatives, widely used to extend shelf-life, may increase the risk of cancer, according to a study.

The study, published in The BMJ, showed that higher intakes of several preservatives (mostly non-antioxidants, including potassium sorbate, potassium metabisulfite, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrate, and acetic acid) were associated with a higher risk of cancers, compared with risks in non-consumers or lower consumers.

For example, total sorbates, specifically potassium sorbate, were associated with a 14 per cent increased risk of overall cancer and a 26 per cent increased risk of breast cancer, while total sulfites were associated with a 12 per cent increased risk of overall cancer.

Sodium nitrite was associated with a 32 per cent increased risk of prostate cancer, while potassium nitrate was associated with an increased risk of overall cancer (13 per cent) and breast cancer (22 per cent).

Total acetates were associated with an increased risk of overall cancer (15 per cent) and breast cancer (25 per cent), while acetic acid was associated with a 12 per cent increased risk of overall cancer.

Among antioxidant preservatives, only total erythorbates and specific sodium erythorbate were found to be associated with a higher incidence of cancer.

“This study brings new insights for the future re-evaluation of the safety of these food additives by health agencies, considering the balance between benefit and risk for food preservation and cancer,” said the research team from the Université Paris Cité, France.

“At the individual level, public health guidance is already more definitive about the reduction of processed meat and alcohol intake, offering actionable steps even as evidence on the carcinogenic effects of preservatives is evolving,” they added.

While more studies are needed to better understand these potential risks, the researchers noted that several of these compounds can alter immune and inflammatory pathways, possibly triggering the development of cancer.

The study included 1,05,260 participants aged 15 years and older who were free of cancer. A total of 17 individual preservatives were analysed, including citric acid, lecithins, total sulfites, ascorbic acid, sodium nitrite, potassium sorbate, sodium erythorbate, sodium ascorbate, potassium metabisulfite, and potassium nitrate.

During the follow-up period, 4,226 participants received a diagnosis of cancer, comprising 1,208 breast, 508 prostate, 352 colorectal, and 2,158 other cancers.

–IANS

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