Since the beginning of the HIV epidemic, scientists, doctors, and public health experts have spent decades trying to understand the virus and control its spread. Modern treatments now allow people living with HIV to reduce the virus in their bodies to undetectable levels, helping them stay healthy while also preventing transmission to others. Still, these treatments do not eliminate the virus entirely. Now, new research exploring the use of CRISPR gene-editing technology has shown promising results. This raises a question that has lingered for years: are we any closer to a cure for HIV?

What Is CRISPR?

CRISPR, short for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats, is a powerful gene-editing tool adapted from a natural defense system found in bacteria. It works by acting like precise molecular scissors that can cut, remove, or alter specific sections of DNA inside living cells. Scientists use a guide RNA to direct an enzyme, such as Cas9, to a targeted stretch of genetic material, allowing them to make exact changes.

According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, CRISPR has transformed genetic research because it is faster, more accurate, and more affordable than older gene-editing methods, with applications across medicine, science, and agriculture.

CRISPR Slices HIV Out Of Infected Cells Completely

Researchers at Amsterdam UMC have used Nobel Prize-winning CRISPR gene-editing tools to remove HIV DNA from infected T cells. Their work focused on targeting the virus where it hides inside immune cells known as reservoirs. By attacking parts of the HIV genome that remain stable across different strains, the researchers were able to target the virus in several types of cells, as per BBC.

In laboratory studies, the team successfully eliminated HIV from T cells that typically allow the virus to resurface once antiretroviral treatment is stopped. Unlike current HIV medications, which keep the virus under control but do not remove it, CRISPR physically cuts the viral DNA out of dormant reservoir cells. These hidden cells have been one of the biggest obstacles to finding a cure for HIV for decades.

How CRISPR Works Against HIV

According to the National Institutes of Health, CRISPR can fight HIV in several ways.

Removing the virus: CRISPR can cut out HIV DNA that has integrated into a person’s own genetic material, effectively removing the virus from the cell. This approach has been demonstrated in studies highlighted by the NIH, the World Economic Forum, and other research bodies.

Blocking viral activity: The technology can also disrupt viral genes or target host cell receptors, such as CCR5, which HIV needs to enter cells. This helps prevent new infections from taking hold.

Multiple-target strategies: Scientists are developing approaches that use more than one guide RNA to attack different parts of the virus at the same time. This reduces the chances of HIV mutating and escaping treatment, according to reports from the NIH, Aidsmap, and the World Economic Forum.

Study Details And Key Findings

Led by Dr Elena Herrera-Carrillo, the research team tested a CRISPR-Cas system using two guide RNAs aimed at conserved regions of the HIV genome. By focusing on these shared genetic sequences, the scientists hoped to create a treatment effective against many HIV variants. One major challenge they identified was the size of the delivery system used to transport the CRISPR components into cells. The vector carrying the gene-editing tools was initially too large.

To address this, the team tested different methods to shrink the CRISPR cassette and improve delivery. They compared several CRISPR-Cas systems derived from different bacteria in HIV-infected CD4+ T cells. Among them, saCas9 showed especially strong results. With one guide RNA, it completely shut down HIV activity, and with two guide RNAs, it fully removed viral DNA from the cells.

Reducing the vector size improved delivery efficiency, and the researchers were also able to target hidden HIV reservoir cells by focusing on proteins found on the surface of CD4+ and CD32a+ cells.

The researchers stated: “We have developed an effective combined CRISPR approach that attacks HIV in different cell types and in the locations where it hides. We also showed that these treatments can be delivered specifically to the cells that matter. This work marks an important step toward designing a cure strategy.”

What Happens Next?

Looking ahead, the authors explained that their next goal is to improve how the treatment is delivered so it reaches most HIV reservoir cells in the body. They plan to combine CRISPR-based therapies with receptor-targeting tools and move into preclinical testing to closely examine safety and effectiveness.

They added: “This will help ensure that CRISPR-Cas is delivered mainly to reservoir cells while avoiding healthy cells. Our aim is to make the system as safe as possible for future use in patients. Finding the right balance between effectiveness and safety is essential. Only then can clinical trials begin to explore whether this cure strategy can disable HIV reservoirs in humans.”

In a remarkable emergency response, Dubai paramedics revived a man who collapsed from a heart attack, earning widespread praise on social media.

The man reportedly collapsed suddenly and showed no signs of consciousness or a pulse. People at the scene immediately alerted emergency services, who responded within minutes. The team began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an advanced CPR machine.

A video now going viral on social media shows paramedics arriving within minutes and performing CPR using the LUCAS 3 automatic chest compression device. The machine, which delivers high-quality chest compressions more consistently than manual CPR, helped circulate blood to vital organs and revived the man within minutes.

“Dubai’s emergency response looks like the future: a man collapses from a heart attack, paramedics arrive within minutes, strap on the LUCAS 3 automatic CPR device, and revive him right there,” a social media user wrote.

“If there were a machine like this, it would be a huge help because people wouldn’t have to perform CPR for a long time,” another user added.

How The LUCAS 3 Device Saves Lives

The LUCAS 3 chest compression system is a mechanical CPR device originally developed by Swedish startup Jolife AB in collaboration with Norwegian inventor Willy Vistung and cardiologist Stig Steen. The device and company were later acquired by medical technology company Stryker in 2016.

The device is designed to deliver continuous, high-quality chest compressions while reducing physical strain on caregivers.

According to the company, studies have shown that the LUCAS device can improve blood flow to the brain and achieve higher EtCO2 values compared to manual chest compressions. With more than 50,000 devices in use worldwide, including within the Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, a patient is reportedly treated using the device approximately every minute, it added.

What Is CPR? How To Give CPR?

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is an emergency life-saving technique used when a person stops breathing or their heart stops beating. Quick action is critical, as CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival.

Steps to keep in Mind While Giving CPR

Step 1: Check The Surroundings

Ensure the area is safe by checking for dangers such as traffic, fire, or falling objects.

Step 2: Position The Person

Lay the person on their back on a firm surface and open the airway by tilting the head back slightly. Check the mouth for any visible obstruction and remove it carefully if possible.

Step 3: Check Breathing

Listen for breathing sounds for no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing normally, begin CPR immediately.

Step 4: Chest Compressions

Place the heel of one hand at the center of the chest, slightly below the nipple line. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and push hard and fast — about 2 inches deep — at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions.

Step 5: Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, tilt the person’s head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose shut, and seal your mouth over theirs. Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, while watching for chest rise. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.

Step 6: Repeat The Cycle

Continue alternating 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths until the person starts breathing or emergency medical professionals arrive.

Key Considerations For CPR

• CPR should be used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or severe trauma.

• Always confirm that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally before starting CPR.

• CPR is intended for emergency situations. If a healthcare professional is nearby, seek their assistance immediately.

Excessive screen time use is harming sleep, mental health, learning, and development of children, according to a new advisory by the US surgeon general’s office, which urged parents to limit children’s screen time.

Even as President Donald Trump's nominee for surgeon general awaits confirmation, the "Harms of Screen Use" bulletin warns that children and teens are spending more time on their digital devices than on sleep or school, the USA Today reported.

It noted that excessive screen use is linked to heavy or compulsive screen use

• anxiety,
• depression,
• poor academic performance,
• behavioral problems
• developmental delays.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said evidence of risks to children’s physical and mental health is “mounting,” even though screens can also provide some benefits.

The advisory promotes the slogan “Live real life,” encouraging children and families to replace excessive screen use with in-person activities and healthier routines.

Alongside the report, the officials also released a toolkit recommending steps for parents, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers to help reduce screen dependence and encourage safer technology habits among young people.

The advisory also links excessive and "compulsive" screen use to

• poor sleep and school performance,
• mental health issues like anxiety and depression,
• behavioral and social issues, substance abuse, and developmental disruptions.

The report aligns with recent studies, which show how too much screen time affects developing minds.

Recent findings from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, suggest that early digital exposure to children before the age of one increases the baby's risk of autism.

The findings led by the Department of Pediatric Neurology showed that infants exposed to high levels of digital media at around one year of age are significantly more likely to display autistic signs by the time they reach age three.

India has also issued pediatric and education guidelines advising parents to limit screen exposure for young children, though there is no nationwide ban. States like Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have also taken up action against social media use and screen time.

Countries banning screen time

While countries are not fully “banning” screen time, several of them have introduced restrictions, guidelines, or proposed laws aimed at reducing children’s screen time, especially around smartphones and social media in schools.

• France banned smartphones in primary and middle schools in 2018 and has tested stricter “digital pause” policies for students under 15.
• China has some of the world’s toughest rules, including limits on video game play for minors, restrictions on nighttime gaming, and proposed limits on smartphone use for children.
• South Korea introduced laws targeting gaming addiction among minors, including past shutdown rules that blocked late-night gaming for children.
• Netherlands and Finland have encouraged schools to restrict phones in classrooms to improve concentration and learning.
• Australia has debated stronger social media age restrictions, and several states have tightened school phone bans.
• United Kingdom schools widely enforce smartphone bans, while lawmakers continue discussing stricter online safety rules for children.
• Sweden has pushed for reduced screen exposure in early childhood education, emphasizing printed books and traditional learning methods.

India has successfully linked the health records of more than 100 crore people with Ayushman Bharat Health Accounts (ABHA) under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said today.

Implemented by the National Health Authority, the milestone marks a major step towards building an integrated, citizen-centric, and interoperable digital healthcare ecosystem in the country.

“The linking of over 100 crore health records with ABHA is an important milestone in the journey of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. ABHA-linked health records empower citizens with secure and consent-based access to their health information and support continuity of care across the healthcare ecosystem,” said Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, CEO, NHA.

The Growing Adoption Of ABDM

According to the Ministry, more than 450 public and private health technology solutions have integrated with the ABDM ecosystem, enabling digitisation and seamless exchange of health records across healthcare facilities.

The ministry said ABDM doubled the number of linked health records from 50 crore in February 2025 to over 100 crore in just 15 months.

Nearly 10 crore health records are now being linked every two to three months. From fewer than 1,000 linked records during its initial phase to over 100 crore today, ABDM has evolved into one of the world’s largest digital health ecosystems.

Uttar Pradesh emerged as the leading contributor with over 15.03 crore ABHA-linked health records, followed by Andhra Pradesh with over 11.95 crore linked records.

Bihar, Rajasthan, and Gujarat also recorded major progress by linking over 7.37 crore, 6.32 crore, and 4.77 crore health records, respectively.

Also read: Preeclampsia Is Preventable & Treatable. Yet It’s India’s 3rd Leading Cause Of Maternal Deaths, Says AIIMS doctor

Programs Contributing To The Milestone

Among the major government programs and digital platforms contributing to the milestone are:

• Non-Communicable Disease Program
• CoWIN
• Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana
• Uttar Pradesh government’s eKavach platform
• Andhra Pradesh health programs
• Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) program
• eHospital by National Informatics Centre
• eSushrut by Centre for Development of Advanced Computing
• Gujarat government’s TeCHO platform
• Rajasthan government’s iHMS platform

Private health technology partners and ABDM-enabled digital solutions have also contributed significantly towards the creation and linkage of ABHA-linked health records.

What Is ABHA?

ABHA is a unique digital health identity that allows citizens to securely link and access their health records across hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and healthcare providers.

Through ABDM’s consent-based health information exchange mechanism, citizens can digitally share their medical records with registered healthcare providers while maintaining the privacy and security of personal health information.

“ABDM is designed to place citizens at the center of the digital health ecosystem. With consent-based sharing of health records, individuals can access their medical information whenever required and share relevant records with healthcare providers digitally. This will help make healthcare delivery more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric,” Barnwal said.

Key Digital Building Blocks Of ABDM

The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is creating the digital public infrastructure required for an interoperable healthcare ecosystem through key digital building blocks such as:

• Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA)
• Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR)
• Health Facility Registry (HFR)
• Health Information Exchange and Consent Manager (HIE-CM)
• Unified Health Interface (UHI)
• National Health Claims Exchange (NHCX)

With over 100 crore health records now linked with ABHA, ABDM has marked another milestone towards creating longitudinal digital health records for citizens and enabling a more connected, paperless, efficient, and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem in the country.