In a case that has left the medical community stunned, Chinese doctors successfully extracted a fetus from the brain of a 1-year-old boy. This very rare condition, "fetus in fetu," is when one twin gets engulfed by the other early in fetal development. Most fetus-in-fetu cases are discovered in the abdomen, but this case, where absorption into the brain occurred, is almost unheard of.

The parents of the young girl obtained medical care after they observed that she was developing delayed motor skills and had an abnormally large head circumference. Physicians found an abnormal growth in her skull, which was subsequently diagnosed as a malformed twin. The condition is estimated to happen in only 1 in 500,000 live births, making it a rare occurrence in the history of medicine.

Fetus-in-fetu is a situation where one twin gets trapped within the other in early embryonic development. It happens when identical twins do not fully separate and one embryo gets enclosed within the other. Usually, the engulfed twin does not develop, but the host twin develops normally.

Here, the mass in the infant's brain was a "monochorionic diamniotic twin," which means that the two fetuses initially shared the same placenta but existed in distinct amniotic sacs. In most cases, identical twins completely separate from each other, but in exceptionally rare instances such as this, unseparated blastocysts (early-stage embryonic cells) can result in one twin being imprisoned within the other. As the host embryo grows, it can wrap around the captive twin, incorporating it into its body structure.

Physicians concluded that removal of the parasitic twin by surgery was mandatory to ensure the baby's well-being. Scans of the brain indicated that the deformed fetus had a vertebral column, leg bones, and even the embryonic beginnings of arms and fingers. It also showed spina bifida, where the spinal cord is exposed because of the insufficiency of growth of the tissue around it.

The fetus was about 10 centimeters long and was trapped in a fluid-filled sac inside the child's head. With the unprecedented nature of such a case, medical experts were confronted with an untested challenge of conducting the delicate operation. The operation was completed successfully, excising the fetal mass without any reported complications, although the child's post-operative status has not been made public.

What is Fetus-in-fetu Condition?

Fetus-in-fetu can be confused with a teratoma, another tumor type which also involves undifferentiated tissue such as hair, teeth, and bone. Fetus-in-fetu differs, however, in that it is the result of a real twin instead of abnormal cellular development. Fetus-in-fetu is identified most commonly based on the formation of a vertebral column and internal structures which imply fetal development.

The fact that the fetal twin was found within the brain indicates that the condition presumably occurred during a developmental stage of neural plate folding. This step is important to the development of the brain and spinal cord. If a parasitic twin were trapped at this time, then it could get integrated into the forming nervous system, as noted in this scenario.

Genome-wide sequencing verified that the fetal mass was genetically equivalent to the surviving twin, further establishing its status as a malformed identical twin instead of a tumor.

Although fetus-in-fetu has been previously reported, cases in which the brain is involved are rare. Perhaps one of the earliest recorded instances occurred in 1982 when a 6-week-old infant underwent surgery to have a parasitic twin removed from inside its skull. That fetus was 14 centimeters long and had formed limbs, a torso, and a head.

The rarity of such cases makes them highly significant for medical research. Understanding how and why fetus-in-fetu occurs can provide insights into early fetal development and the mechanisms that lead to identical twinning. Additionally, these cases highlight the importance of early medical intervention when developmental abnormalities are detected in infants.

These cases underscore the need for prenatal and postnatal medical examinations. Early diagnosis by the use of sophisticated imaging technologies like MRI and CT scans may identify such anomalies early enough to prevent them from causing life-threatening complications.

Though much is yet to be discovered about fetus-in-fetu, this case will remain a vital point of reference for all future medical research. It also makes one more aware of the intricacies of fetal development and the unusual conditions that can develop as a result of anomalies in early cell division.

The excision of a malformed twin from the brain of a 1-year-old is a milestone in pediatric neurosurgery. It highlights the wonders of contemporary medicine and the need for ongoing research to comprehend unusual congenital conditions. With advancing medical science, these findings will make early diagnosis and treatment options more effective for future cases of this nature.

As Delhi's air quality levels and pollution continues to worsen, and people struggle to breathe, countries like Singapore, the United Kingdom, and Canada issued advisories for their citizens travelling to the capital city. However, the capital city's crisis continues to remain ignore, though CM Rekha Gupta did hold a review meeting on the same on Monday, with a follow-up scheduled on Thursday.

Singapore Travel Advisory On Delhi's Air Pollution

Singapore High Commission issued an advisory, which stated:

On 13 December 2025: The Indian Central Pollution Control Board invoked Stage 4, the highest level, of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi National Capital Region. Under GRAP 4, construction and industrial activities are heavily restricted, and schools and offices are encouraged to shift to hybrid format. The Delhi authorities have urged residents to stay indoors, especially children and those with respiratory or cardiac ailments, and to use masks if stepping out. In this regard, the High Commission urges Singapore nationals in the Delhi National Capital Region to pay heed to this advice.

We also note that given the low visibility, flights to and from the Delhi National Capital Region are likely to be affected. The Indira Gandhi International Airport and several airlines have issued advisories. Travellers should take note of this, and check with the respective airlines for updates.

UK And Canada Too Issue Advisories On Delhi Pollution And Its Impact On People

UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) warned that air pollution could lead to serious health threats for those living in northern India, especially between the months of October and February. The UK advisory also stressed on the health of pregnant women and people with any heart or respiratory. The advisory noted that they must seek medical advice before travelling to India.

The statement read: Children, the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions may be especially affected. If you’re pregnant or have a respiratory or heart condition you may wish to consult a medical practitioner before you travel.

Canada too issued a similar notice, advising, especially those who are already struggling with respiratory issues and to continuously monitor air quality levels. The notice also highlighted the pollution that is caused by fog and smoke trends that are increasing in urban areas like Delhi, especially during the winters.

The advisory read: Smoke haze and other types of air pollution can be extremely hazardous in urban areas and cities such as Delhi. It’s typically at its worst in winter. In rural areas, air quality can be affected by agricultural burning. Dust storms also occur across northern India. Monitor air pollution levels, which change quickly, especially if you suffer from respiratory ailments or have pre-existing medical conditions.

As of today, Delhi's air quality remained in "very poor" category, and the AQI stood at 342 at 8am, as per the Central Pollution Control Board. The 24-hour average AQI was logged at 412 under the "severe" category on Tuesday evening when Delhi's quality peaked to record the fourth severe air day in the month of December.

A Pennsylvania nursing home caught on fire due to an apparent gas explosion. The Silver Lake Nursing home in Pennsylvania's Bristol Township caught on fire, and videos show flames erupting from the building, and debris scattered around the area. The Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the that there are so far two deaths, with 21 people found injured. Many have been rescued, yet rescuers believe that five people are unaccounted for.

What Happened At The Silver Lake Nursing Home?

At 2.15pm is when the flames could be seen from the gas-related explosion. PECO confirmed that crew had started to respond around 2pm itself after they received reports of a gas odor. The explosion had occurred when the crew were on the scene.

“While crews were on site, an explosion occurred at the facility. PECO crews shut off natural gas and electric service to the facility to ensure the safety of first responders and local residents,” the utility said in a the statement.

State Rep. Tina Davis told the Associated Press. "I saw smoke and I saw car after car after car was a fire truck or ambulance from all over the city, from all over."

Davis says that there were talks of using a nearby school as a temporary evacuation area.

Also Read: Birthday Celebrations Gone Wrong When A Hydrogen Balloon Exploded, Leaving The 33-year-Old Birthday Girl With First And Second Degree Burns

How Are Burn Injuries Treated?

Burn injuries are first classified before the treatment. Their classification decides the treatment the burn will require. There are for classifications of burns:

First-degree or superficial burns: They only affect the outer layer of the skin or the epidermis. In these injuries, the burn site is red, painful, dry, and has no blisters.

Second-degree or partial thickness burns: They are only the burns of epidermis and part of the lower layer of the skin, the dermis. The burn site looks red and blistered and may be swollen and painful.

Third-degree or full thickness burns: Third-degree burns destroy the epidermis and dermis. They could also go to the innermost later of the skin, the subcutaneous tissue. The burn site could look white or blackened and charred.

Fourth-degree burns: They burn through both layers of the skin and underlying tissue as well as deeper tissue, and could possibly reach muscle and bone. There is no feeling in the area since the nerve endings are destroyed.

The right way to treat a burn depends on its depth and how much of the body it covers. While minor, superficial burns can be managed at home, deeper or larger burns may need medical attention. Keep these essential guidelines in mind:

Do's:

• Remove the source of the burn immediately – For example, take off clothing soaked in hot liquid to prevent further damage.
• Run cool water over the burn – This helps soothe the skin, except in cases of certain chemical burns.
• Keep the burn clean and protected – Cover it with a clean, non-stick bandage when possible.
• Seek medical help – If the burn is deeper than a superficial layer, larger than your hand, or full-thickness, see a doctor.

Don’ts:

• Use home remedies like bleach or butter – These can make the burn worse.
• Apply ointments or creams on deep burns – They can trap heat and worsen the injury.
• Put ice on the burn – It can cause more damage to the skin.
• Pop blisters – This increases the risk of infection.

Former Senator Ben Sasse shared on Tuesday that he has been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The former two-term senator, now 53, revealed in a long social media message that he learned about the illness last week. “This is a hard note to write, but since many of you have already sensed something, I’ll get straight to it: Last week I was diagnosed with metastasized, stage-four pancreatic cancer, and I am going to die,” Sasse wrote. He went on to describe advanced pancreatic cancer as “brutal” and called it a death sentence, adding that mortality is something everyone carries.

“I’m fortunate to have incredible siblings and half a dozen friends who are truly like brothers to me. As one of them said, ‘Yes, you’re on the clock, but all of us are.’ Death is a cruel thief, and none of us escape it,” he added.

The Nebraska Republican also wrote, “I’ll have more to share. I’m not giving up without a fight.”

Ben Sasse Diagnosed With Stage 4 Cancer

Former senator and former University of Florida president Ben Sasse announced on Tuesday, Dec. 23, that he has been diagnosed with terminal stage 4 cancer, as per CNN News.

In the deeply personal message, the former Republican lawmaker from Nebraska described the diagnosis as a “death sentence,” while expressing appreciation for the steady support of his family and close friends.

Ben Sasse: What Happens In Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer?

Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, also known as metastatic pancreatic cancer, means the disease has spread beyond the pancreas to distant organs such as the liver, lungs, or the lining of the abdomen. At this advanced stage, the cancer is generally considered incurable, and care focuses on prolonging life and easing symptoms like pain, weight loss, and jaundice through palliative treatment, with the goal of preserving quality of life, as per Cleveland Clinic.

Stage 4 Pancreatic Cancer: How Do Pancreatic And Prostate Cancer Survival Rates Compare?

Pancreatic cancer has a far poorer survival outlook than prostate cancer, largely because it is usually detected late and has fewer effective treatment options. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer that has not spread survive at least five years, while pancreatic cancer is often found at an advanced stage, where long-term survival is uncommon.

According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer makes up about 3 percent of all cancers in the United States but accounts for roughly 8 percent of cancer-related deaths. Most patients are diagnosed at Stage 4, and the disease is widely regarded as largely incurable. Prostate cancer, by contrast, is the second most common cancer among men, and the majority of those diagnosed do not die from it. The five-year relative survival rate for non-metastasized prostate cancer is 97.9 percent, dropping to about 38 percent once it spreads. These figures highlight how early detection and effective treatment options make prostate cancer far more survivable than pancreatic cancer.

Recent news has included diagnoses such as Ben Sasse’s terminal pancreatic cancer, as well as public figures like John Eimen, who died from prostate cancer. These cases draw attention to the difficulty of detecting pancreatic cancer early, since there are few reliable screening tools before symptoms appear. Prostate cancer, in contrast, often progresses slowly, and with regular screening and multiple treatment options, many men live for decades after diagnosis.

Ben Sasse: What Treatment Options Is Ben Sasse Pursuing For Stage-Four Pancreatic Cancer?

While treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and in rare situations surgery are available, stage-four pancreatic cancer is still considered largely incurable. The absence of effective early screening contributes to delayed diagnosis, and although a small number of patients, such as Ruth Bader Ginsburg, have lived longer following surgery, these cases are rare. Well-known individuals including Alex Trebek and Aretha Franklin also battled the disease, which remains one of the deadliest cancers in the United States.