Research has found that children genetically susceptible to Type 1 diabetes who consume bananas, oats, and yoghurt are at a higher risk of developing the disease. In contrast, eating strawberries and blueberries appears to reduce this risk. Wheat also emerged as a risk factor, while vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage seem to offer protective benefits.

Professor Suvi Virtanen, who led the study at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, suggested that the presence of pesticides on some fruits might explain why some foods increase the risk of type 1 diabetes, while others decrease it. The study analyzed the diets of 5,674 Finnish children from birth to age six. By the end of the study, 94 children had developed type 1 diabetes, and another 206 had developed islet autoimmunity, putting them at high risk.

The research indicated that a diet rich in bananas, oats, and rye was associated with a greater risk of the disease, which might confuse parents given these are often considered healthy foods. However, berries like strawberries, blueberries, and blackcurrants were found to lower the risk, possibly due to their polyphenols, which may reduce inflammation linked to type 1 diabetes.

Virtanen further emphasized the need for further research to identify which specific factors in these foods affect diabetes risk. While the findings are intriguing, she cautioned against making dietary recommendations for infants at this stage. Notably, these findings contrast with Diabetes UK’s stance, which maintains that the causes of type 1 diabetes are not fully understood and are not believed to be related to diet. Additionally, separate research presented at the conference revealed that "night owls" are nearly 50% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who go to bed earlier, though the exact reasons remain unclear.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is a crucial hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels and enables cells to use glucose for energy. Without sufficient insulin, blood sugar levels become uncontrollable, leading to various health complications. This form of diabetes typically develops early in life and requires lifelong management through insulin therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

As so much of the world adjusts to a new beat of post-pandemic existence, the virus responsible for one of the 21st century's most significant worldwide health crises continues to mutate, perturb, and resurface. In the past few weeks, Southeast Asia has been back in the international limelight, with high Covid-19 case spikes reported in Hong Kong and Singapore—two of the world's most important international centers. The episode has created fresh alarm about whether Asia is on the cusp of a second wave of pandemics, and what implications that has for the health world.

Latest figures from Southeast Asian health ministries show a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health's infrequent update—its first in almost a year—registered a 28% increase in weekly cases to 14,200 in the week up to May 3. Daily hospital admissions have also risen around 30%.

At the same time, Hong Kong is also facing a sharp spike. The Centre for Health Protection reported that the rate of positivity of respiratory samples jumped from 1.7% in mid-March to 11.4%—higher than the peak reached in August 2024. There have been 30 deaths among 81 severe adult cases over the last month, most involving people above 65 and with prior medical conditions.

The trend is troubling and part of a larger pattern spreading across the region. Thailand saw new clusters of infections after its heavily promoted Songkran holiday in April, and mainland China's test positivity rates have increased by more than two times since late March, nearing that of its summer 2024 wave.

What's Fueling the Latest Covid-19 Surge in 2025?

The increase in Covid cases does not seem to be driven by much more virulent strain. Singapore's health ministry reports that the leading strains—LF.7 and NB.1.8, both offshoots of the JN.1 Omicron branch—do not at this moment have higher rates of transmission or severity compared to previous strains.

Rather, specialists attribute a blend of declining immunity and enhanced public mobility as the most probable causes. Booster vaccination rates have declined throughout the region, and without any dramatic changes in variants, numerous individuals have presumed the danger has reduced. But as immunity wears off with time and preventive measures such as masking and distancing are forsaken, populations become more vulnerable to infection—even from previously circulating strains.

Seasonality has also diminished. In contrast to other respiratory diseases that rose during winter months, Covid-19 continues to confound seasonal patterns, with waves now mounting even as the Northern Hemisphere enters summer. This unpredictability highlights the endemic character of the virus—and the necessity for vigilance to continue.

Asian governments are reacting cautiously, but not alarmingly. Singapore has urged high-risk individuals—such as the elderly and immunocompromised—against taking an extra dose of vaccine if over a year has lapsed from their previous shot. It has also reminded everyone of the need for face-masking in crowded areas, hand washing, and self-isolation when unwell.

In Hong Kong, higher viral loads in sewage and rising medical consultations for respiratory symptoms have led authorities to term activity as "quite high." Public awareness campaigns are being reinstated, and local politicians are demanding stronger protection for the vulnerable.

China and Thailand also have recognized the increase but are not imposing limiting measures. They're instead urging citizens to stay current with their vaccinations and exercise personal caution.

What Are the Symptoms of the New Covid Variants in 2025?

As typical Covid-19 presentation through fever, cough, and sore throat continues to be widespread, new strains are manifesting with varied symptom patterns. Of specific note is anosmia (loss of smell), an earlier signature presentation that waned with Omicron but has been increasingly reported more recently with JN.1 infection, particularly in Europe.

Medical professionals also continue to point to the risk of Long Covid—ongoing symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and brain fog—that even for mild infections can continue indefinitely. These long-term symptoms are still a big concern for international health systems and are yet another reason that ongoing monitoring and mitigation strategies are needed.

Is the World Ready for Another Wave?

Although today's reality in Asia does not yet justify claims of a fresh world wave, the trends are familiar—and ominous. Covid-19's recurrence in largely vaccinated, metropolitan populations serves as a reminder that the disease never vanished. It merely adapted, evolved, and learned how to take advantage of gaps in immunity and behavior.

For the time being, international health officials are waiting closely. The World Health Organization has not issued new warnings but remains monitoring mutations and case trends. Priority is being kept on safeguarding high-risk populations, accelerating lagging vaccination programs, and maintaining health systems' ability to endure localized surges.

The recent surge in Covid-19 cases throughout Asia might not foretell a crisis of 2020 scale, but it marks a crucial stage in the evolution of the pandemic. The virus is endemic—but dynamic. It needs adaptive, flexible responses that weigh public health against everyday existence.

As countries move through this next stage, the lesson continues: complacency is the enemy. Vigilance, vaccination, and responsible public action are still our best weapons for keeping one step ahead of Covid-19, whether in Asia, the U.S., or anywhere else on the planet.

In a landmark decision, U.S. health officials on Friday approved the first blood test designed to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially transforming the way the memory-destroying illness is detected and treated.

How the New Blood Test Works

The newly approved test, developed by Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc., is designed for patients aged 55 and older who are experiencing early symptoms of cognitive decline, such as forgetfulness or confusion. The test detects the presence of beta-amyloid, a sticky protein that builds up into plaques in the brain—a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.

Until now, confirming the presence of amyloid plaques has required invasive spinal taps or expensive PET scans, both of which are limited in availability. This blood test offers a far more accessible and less invasive option.

What Is Alzheimer's?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out even simple tasks. It is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for 60–70% of dementia cases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

As described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging, although the greatest known risk factor is advancing age. The condition begins with mild memory loss and can lead to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment. Changes in the brain often begin years before symptoms appear.

More than 6 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s, and the number is expected to rise significantly as the population ages. Worldwide, the disease affects an estimated 55 million people with dementia, according to WHO figures.

Expanding Access to New Treatments

The test’s approval is also expected to broaden the use of recently approved Alzheimer’s drugs such as Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab). These drugs work by targeting and helping to clear beta-amyloid plaques from the brain. However, before treatment can begin, doctors must confirm amyloid buildup.

With the new test, that confirmation could come from a simple blood draw rather than more complex procedures. According to Dr. Michelle Tarver, deputy director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health, “Today’s clearance is an important step for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, making it easier and potentially more accessible for U.S. patients earlier in the disease.”

Only for Symptomatic Patients

It’s important to note that the test is not designed for widespread screening or for people who don’t yet show symptoms. It must be ordered by a physician and used in conjunction with other clinical evaluations. The goal is to support doctors in distinguishing Alzheimer’s from other conditions that can cause memory loss or cognitive problems, such as vitamin deficiencies, depression, or stroke.

Concerns Over Unregulated Tests

For several years, some specialized labs have offered their own amyloid tests without FDA oversight. These tests varied in quality and were typically not covered by insurance, leading to a confusing and unregulated marketplace that some experts have described as a “wild west” of Alzheimer’s diagnostics.

The new approval offers a validated option that doctors and patients can trust, paving the way for more standardized care and insurance coverage.

World Hypertension Day is observed every year to raise awareness about high blood pressure—also called hypertension—and its dangers. This global health campaign highlights the risks of uncontrolled blood pressure, encourages regular check-ups, and promotes healthy living to prevent or manage the condition. Hypertension is a major cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, but early detection and proper care can help save lives.

When is it Observed?

World Hypertension Day is marked on May 17 every year. In 2025, it falls on a Saturday—a great opportunity for communities to organize health events, free screenings, and educational drives to spread the message.

Origin

The first World Hypertension Day was held in 2005, started by the World Hypertension League (WHL). This global health group launched the day to bring more attention to the rising problem of hypertension. Over the years, more countries and health organizations have joined the movement to inform people about how to prevent, detect, and treat high blood pressure.

Significance

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition where the force of blood against the artery walls is consistently too high. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hypertension is defined as having a systolic blood pressure reading of 140 mmHg or higher, and/or a diastolic reading of 90 mmHg or higher, on repeated measurements.

The WHO notes, “An estimated 1.28 billion adults aged 30–79 years worldwide have hypertension, most (two-thirds) living in low- and middle-income countries. Only 1 in 5 people with hypertension have it under control.”

High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually has no clear symptoms but can cause serious harm to the heart, brain, and kidneys. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that about 1.13 billion people around the world suffer from it—many without knowing. World Hypertension Day aims to:

Raise Awareness: Teach people that high blood pressure can be managed with regular checks and early action.

Prevent Health Problems: Help reduce cases of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure by promoting blood pressure control.

Encourage Healthy Living: Highlight the role of good food, exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress, and limiting alcohol.

Improve Healthcare Access: Push for better access to testing and treatment, especially in poorer areas.

Theme

Each year, the day has a theme to focus efforts. The theme for World Hypertension Day 2025 is:

“Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.”

This theme encourages people to check their blood pressure regularly and take steps to manage it.

Past themes have included:

1. 2024: “Measure Your Blood Pressure, Control It, Live Longer”
2. 2023: “Blood Pressure: Measurement, Action, and Knowledge”
3. 2022: “Know Your Numbers”

How Can You Take Part?

• Get Checked: Visit a clinic, pharmacy, or use a home monitor to check your blood pressure.
• Spread the Word: Share facts on social media, talk to loved ones, or join awareness events.
• Live Healthy: Start or maintain heart-healthy habits like eating well, moving more, and cutting back on salt and stress.
• Support Change: Advocate for health policies that offer free screenings and affordable treatment for everyone.