Microplastics, the plastic particles smaller than 5mm in diameter, have been a cause of concern for years because they remain in the environment for a long time and are likely to affect human health. Microplastics have now, for the first time, been found in human ovarian follicular fluid, which raises concerns about the effects of microplastics on women's fertility. This finding is part of a continued quest by scientists to comprehend the ubiquity of microplastics in the human body and their capacity to interfere with essential biological processes.

A peer-reviewed paper in Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety uncovered the shocking occurrence of microplastics in the follicular fluid of women receiving assisted reproductive therapies at a fertility clinic in Salerno, Italy. The study analyzed the follicular fluid of 18 women, 14 of whom contained traces of microplastics. Follicular fluid is essential to the development of eggs, offering them the nutrients and biochemical cues needed for optimal egg maturation. Such contamination from microplastics thus has potentially disastrous effects on fertility and hormonal balance.

Luigi Montano, author of the research, was worried about the results, saying it's "an important warning signal about the invasiveness of these emerging contaminants in the female reproductive system." The finding is a major milestone in knowing how microplastics could influence women's fertility, although experts are in agreement that more investigation is needed to comprehensively understand the scope of the effect.

How Do Microplastics In The Body Risks Fertility?

Microplastics are everywhere, from the top of Mount Everest to the bottom of the ocean. These microplastics are not only a danger to wildlife, but they are also now well ingrained in the human body. Microplastics have been reported in different tissues of humans by recent research in the lungs, liver, and kidneys. Food is the major route of exposure of humans to these contaminants. Microplastics are found in virtually every food, from meat and seafood to fruits and vegetables, so it is almost impossible to exclude them completely.

But not only the plastic itself is a danger. Microplastics may be carrying a range of harmful chemicals like PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), bisphenol A (BPA), and phthalates. These are well-documented as being harmful, including disrupting hormone systems, leading to cancer, neurotoxicity, and developmental issues. For women, these chemicals, transported by microplastics, could have profound effects on reproductive health.

Whereas most studies on microplastics have centered on their effects on male fertility, the finding in ovarian fluid puts the focus on female reproductive health. Montano's work has also found microplastics in human semen and urine, indicating that these contaminants are affecting fertility in both men and women. Women's reproductive systems could be especially susceptible, though, because of the hormonal imbalances brought about by the poisonous chemicals microplastics carry.

Experiments with animals have already identified the occurrence of microplastics with ovarian dysfunction. They have shown that exposure to microplastics could result in lower oocyte maturation (egg formation process) and decreased fertilization potential. Other experiments with mice showed changes in ovarian tissue, which increased fears over the possibility of affecting human fertility. Besides, microplastics can also interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis that governs the generation of hormones required for egg development and reproductive activity.

The endocrine system is crucial for the regulation of female reproductive health through the maintenance of proper levels of hormones. The follicles of the ovaries that provide eggs also generate hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. Disturbance of this sensitive hormonal balance can compromise the maturation of eggs and result in infertility. When microplastics penetrate the reproductive system, they have the potential to interfere with the functioning of follicles and granulosa cells, leading to imbalances in the hormones needed for egg development.

Research has indicated that microplastic exposure is capable of augmenting the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which results in oxidative stress and inflammation. This can lead to the apoptosis or death of granulosa cells, a key cell type of the follicle. The loss of granulosa cells is capable of drastically affecting the quantity as well as quality of eggs and eventually fertility.

Role of Chemicals in Microplastics

One of the worst things about microplastics is that they are capable of taking toxic chemicals with them into the body. Toxins like PFAS, BPA, and phthalates interfere with hormone function, and when such chemicals take a ride on microplastics, they are more harmful. The work of Montano also discusses the risks these chemicals pose, which could potentially be causing decreased sperm quality as well as the overall health of the reproductive system.

The research on microplastics in ovarian fluid highlights the "Trojan horse" effect, wherein these harmful chemicals evade the body's defense and enter into critical organs such as the ovaries. Upon entry, these chemicals can permanently harm the reproductive system, both the quality of eggs and the capacity to conceive.

Although the results of Montano's study are dire, experts all concur that additional research must be done in order to understand specifically what kind of risks microplastics have for women's fertility. University of New Mexico researcher Xiaozhong Yu was keen to highlight the need for determining the degree of microplastic exposure that will lead to harmful effects. His group is performing larger epidemiological studies to answer these questions.

In addition, the complete extent of the reproductive hazards is unknown. Although animal research indicates dramatic effects on fertility, human information is limited. Experts think more intensive studies, especially those that follow the long-term outcome of exposure to microplastics, are necessary to achieve a better understanding of how these contaminants could affect human reproductive health.

How To Reduce Exposure to Microplastics?

While microplastics are almost impossible to escape completely, there are precautions one can take to minimize exposure. Minimizing the use of plastic items, particularly in the kitchen, is what experts suggest. Steering clear of single-use plastic wrapping, storing food in stainless steel or glass containers, and choosing organic fruits and vegetables without pesticide contamination can all help lower exposure to microplastics. Also, refraining from heating plastic products, like food containers made of plastic or coffee cups, can prevent the release of toxic chemicals into food.

Identification of microplastics in human ovarian fluid is a major breakthrough on how environmental pollution affects female fertility. Although much more research should be conducted, the existing discovery is something that should be alarmed about. Presence of these poisonous particles in the reproductive system in addition to their accompanying chemicals can be a significant threat to the fertility of women and reproductive well-being in general.

As microplastics keep on invade our surroundings and bodies, it is crucial to acknowledge the possible risks they may pose to our reproductive systems. The results of this study are a call to action for scientists, policymakers, and the public to act to curb plastic pollution and protect reproductive health for generations to come.

Typhoid fever is not the kind of illness most people in developed nations worry about. It's often written off as a disease of the past—something that plagued ancient societies before clean water systems and antibiotics. But here’s the thing: typhoid never went away. And now, it's evolving into something much more dangerous—something even modern medicine might not be able to stop.

A large genomic study published in The Lancet Microbe in 2022 has sounded the alarm. The bacterium responsible for typhoid, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (or S. Typhi), is rapidly acquiring resistance to nearly all antibiotics used to treat it. More disturbingly, strains resistant to multiple drug classes are spreading beyond their traditional strongholds in South Asia and appearing across continents—including in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

This is no longer a regional concern. It’s a global one.

What is Super Typhoid?

The study involved sequencing over 3,400 S. Typhi strains collected between 2014 and 2019 from patients in India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The results were stark. Not only were extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of typhoid rising rapidly, but they were also outcompeting and replacing less resistant versions.

XDR typhoid strains are already immune to several older antibiotics—ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. But here’s where it gets worse: many are now developing resistance to newer and more potent drugs like fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins, which until recently were mainstays of typhoid treatment.

Even the last reliable oral antibiotic—azithromycin—is showing signs of failure. The study found emerging mutations that could potentially render azithromycin ineffective. These haven’t yet converged with XDR strains, but scientists warn that it’s only a matter of time. If that happens, oral treatment options could become entirely obsolete.

For now, South Asia remains the epicenter of the crisis, accounting for about 70% of the global typhoid burden. But this doesn’t mean the threat is contained.

Researchers tracked nearly 200 instances of international transmission since the 1990s, most involving travel or migration. Typhoid "superbugs" have been detected in Southeast Asia, East and Southern Africa, and in wealthy nations where the disease was thought to be virtually eradicated.

“The speed at which highly-resistant strains of S. Typhi have emerged and spread is a real cause for concern,” said Dr. Jason Andrews, an infectious disease specialist at Stanford University who co-authored the study.

Why Is Treatment Is Failing?

If antibiotics are failing, what’s next? For starters, prevention. Experts say the most immediate and scalable solution lies in typhoid conjugate vaccines (TCVs). These vaccines offer strong, long-lasting protection and are safe for children as young as six months old. But access is patchy.

Pakistan became the first country to introduce TCV into its national immunization program in 2019—an urgent response to the first major outbreak of XDR typhoid that hit its population. Since then, the move has become a case study in how vaccination can cut off the disease at its roots.

India, Bangladesh, and Nepal have followed suit with pilot programs and localized rollouts, but global coverage remains far too low. Meanwhile, high-income countries have not prioritized TCV access at all, largely because typhoid isn’t seen as a domestic threat.

Antibiotic Resistance Crisis at Large

This typhoid crisis isn’t an isolated story. It’s part of a larger, systemic problem: antibiotic resistance is now one of the top global causes of death. A 2019 study published in The Lancet estimated that antimicrobial resistance was directly responsible for 1.27 million deaths worldwide, surpassing HIV/AIDS and malaria.

Typhoid is just the latest face of that threat. If azithromycin fails, intravenous treatments will be the only remaining option. This is not sustainable for low-resource settings, where typhoid is most rampant.

And as the S. Typhi genome continues to adapt, the search for novel antibiotics becomes more urgent but the global antibiotic pipeline is worryingly dry. Very few new drugs are being developed, and those that are rarely target neglected tropical diseases like typhoid.

How Globalization Makes It Everyone’s Problem?

COVID-19 reminded us how quickly a localized health threat can go global. Typhoid is no different. The bacteria travel with people—through tourism, immigration, and international trade.

The difference is: we already have tools to stop this. TCVs work. Better sanitation and access to clean water help. Public health messaging and travel guidelines can make a difference. But we’re not moving fast enough.

A recent Indian study estimated that vaccinating children in urban areas could reduce typhoid cases and deaths by up to 36 percent. That’s a significant dent—especially when combined with infrastructure upgrades and careful antibiotic stewardship.

What Happens If We Do Nothing?

If left unchecked, drug-resistant typhoid could become nearly impossible to treat in outpatient settings. That means more hospitalizations, more strain on health systems, more deaths—particularly among children in developing nations.

With around 11 million cases of typhoid annually, even a small increase in resistance could tip the balance into a major health crisis.

And if XDR strains gain resistance to azithromycin, we will be left with zero effective oral drugs, none. The path forward is clear—and urgent. Here’s what needs to happen:

• Expand global access to typhoid conjugate vaccines, especially in endemic regions.
• Invest in next-generation antibiotics that target typhoid and other neglected infections.
• Implement stricter regulations on antibiotic use in agriculture and medicine.
• Strengthen global surveillance systems to detect resistant strains early and contain outbreaks.
• Raise awareness that typhoid is not just a problem for the developing world.

Antibiotic resistance isn’t science fiction. It’s a biological reality. And typhoid is just one example of how quickly things can unravel when we underestimate an ancient enemy.

We can still turn the tide but only if we act with urgency and coordination. The warning signs are flashing red. Typhoid isn’t gone. It’s evolving. And this time, it may be deadlier than ever.

Obesity is no longer just a health issue, it is increasingly becoming a social phenomenon and a lifestyle disease. A recent study published in Current Developments in Nutrition, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that 27.4% of Indian married couples share similar overweight or obese status.

Analyzing data from over 52,000 married couples across India using the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), the study points to a troubling pattern- in wealthier, urban households, especially among young couples, there is a significantly higher risk of both partners becoming overweight or obese. At its core, this research uncovers how daily habits, routines, and food choices within marriages are driving a quiet but dangerous health trend across the country.

Are Shared Habits A Risk Factor for Married Couples?

Unlike genetically linked conditions, obesity in married couples cannot be attributed to shared biology. So how does this mirroring occur? It is in environmental exposure, mutual behaviors, socio-economic context, and emotional co-regulation.

According to lead researcher Dr. Prashant Kumar Singh of ICMR’s National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research, spousal similarities in health outcomes ranging from obesity and hypertension to smoking and sedentary behavior stem from shared lifestyles. These include eating patterns, physical activity (or lack thereof), screen time, media consumption, and stress management. Over time, habits converge especially in nuclear families with fewer social checks and less structured meal routines.

The study found that urban couples had a 38.4% concordance rate, significantly higher than rural couples (22.1%). Among the wealthiest households, this figure jumped to 47.6%, compared to only 10.2% in the poorest.

Where Obesity in Couples Is Rising Fastest In India?

Geographic disparities highlight how development and affluence correlate with rising obesity. States and territories with the highest spousal obesity concordance include:

• Kerala (51.3%)
• Jammu & Kashmir (48.5%)
• Manipur (47.9%)
• Delhi (47.1%)
• Goa (45.0%)
• Tamil Nadu (42.7%)
• Punjab (42.5%)

By contrast, states in eastern and northeastern India—where economic development is slower—showed much lower concordance rates, typically ranging from 19% to 22%.

“These figures underscore India’s uneven nutrition transition,” explains Dr. Shalini Singh, senior co-author of the study. “In wealthier regions, processed food consumption and reduced physical activity are becoming the norm. Marriage and cohabitation intensify these shared exposures, turning households into hotbeds of metabolic dysfunction.”

Is This A Disturbing Trend Among Under-30 Couples?

Perhaps the most concerning revelation is the early onset of weight gain in young couples. The study shows particularly high obesity concordance in couples under the age of 30, especially in Kerala (42.8%), Goa (37%), Jammu & Kashmir (31.6%), and Tamil Nadu (29.6%).

“This trend is alarming because early obesity increases the lifetime risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, PCOS, and metabolic syndrome,” says Dr. Singh. “We’re seeing the impact of lifestyle-driven diseases unfold during what should be the most productive and healthiest years of life.”

The study also examined behavioral patterns that reinforce spousal weight concordance. For instance, 32.8% of couples reported regular television watching, while 39.6% reported newspaper reading, both indicative of sedentary behavior. Dependence on processed and ultra-processed food, especially in nuclear households, was another major contributor.

Interestingly, couples with similar education levels (about 45.2%) showed higher obesity concordance (31.4%), likely due to aligned food preferences, media consumption, and leisure routines.

The type of family structure also mattered. Nuclear families had a 28.9% concordance rate, higher than the 25.9% seen in joint families, where shared responsibilities and traditional food habits often foster more physical activity and balanced meals.

This Indian data fits into a much broader global trend. According to the World Obesity Atlas 2022, over 2.5 billion adults (43% of the global population) were overweight, and 890 million (16%) were obese. The burden of obesity now surpasses many infectious diseases and contributes to over 160 million years of healthy life lost annually due to comorbidities like heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, and several cancers.

In India alone, obesity rates among adults are expected to climb significantly by 2040—27.4% of women and 30.5% of men, up from roughly 24% in 2021. If the patterns observed in married couples hold, these numbers could surge even faster than projected.

The study calls for a paradigm shift in how health interventions are designed. Rather than focusing on individuals, researchers urge a couple-based or household-level approach that takes into account the social dynamics of behavior change.

“Obesity is socially transmissible,” Dr. Singh emphasizes. “So the solution must also be social. Targeted public health messaging, fitness programs designed for couples, dietary counseling for families, and insurance incentives for preventive care at the household level are the need of the hour.”

Additionally, there’s a need to engage urban, affluent, and media-exposed demographics—who are often the earliest adopters of fast food, sedentary habits, and digital lifestyles—with interventions that feel relevant, aspirational, and sustainable.

As global health systems grapple with the rising burden of noncommunicable diseases, the Indian study offers a crucial insight: marriage can amplify risk—but also holds the key to prevention. By targeting couples early and acknowledging the influence of shared environments, public health systems can make strides in reversing obesity trends.

Veteran actor and producer Dheeraj Kumar, best known for his contributions to Hindi and Punjabi cinema, passed away at a private hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday, July 15. He was 79.

Admitted with Pneumonia, Succumbed to Organ Failure

According to sources close to the family, Kumar had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after being diagnosed with acute pneumonia. His health took a critical turn on Monday as he suffered multiple organ failure and was subsequently placed on ventilator support. He breathed his last around 11 AM on Tuesday, with his son by his side in his final moments.

A Career That Began With a Talent Contest

Dheeraj Kumar’s journey into the world of entertainment began in the mid-1960s, when he participated in a talent contest that also featured Rajesh Khanna and Subhash Ghai. In a 2012 interview with The Hindu, Kumar recalled:

“In a talent contest in Mumbai in the 1960s, three were selected to be actors among some 10,000 aspirants — Rajesh Khanna, myself and Subhash Ghai... He became a superstar.”

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Kumar went on to act in several films, including Rakhwala, Tyaag and Sargam, and shared screen space with many leading actors of the time. Over the years, he transitioned into television production and was known for creating popular shows such as Om Namah Shivay and Shree Ganesh. His last known collaboration with Rajesh Khanna was a TV series in 2019.

Understanding Pneumonia and Its Risks

As per the American Lung Association, pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation in the air sacs (alveoli) of one or both lungs. These air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, leading to symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. Acute pneumonia, in particular, can cause sudden and severe respiratory symptoms.

Some of the common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough with yellow, green, or bloody mucus
• High fever, sweating and chills
• Shortness of breath and chest pain while coughing or breathing
• Fatigue, nausea or vomiting
• Confusion, especially in older adults

Kumar’s condition is a reminder that pneumonia can escalate quickly, especially in older individuals or those with weakened immune systems.

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Can Pneumonia Be Fatal?

Yes, pneumonia can be deadly—especially when left untreated or when it occurs in high-risk individuals. According to global estimates, as noted by the American Lungs Association, over 1.8 million people die from pneumonia each year, with children under five in low-income countries being the most vulnerable. In older adults, complications such as respiratory failure, sepsis, or organ failure often lead to death.

Bacterial pneumonia is more likely to require hospitalization, but viral and fungal forms can also be life-threatening. Vaccines such as the pneumococcal vaccine and flu shots can significantly reduce the risk of infection, particularly in older adults.

Maintaining overall health, timely vaccinations, and early medical intervention are critical in preventing complications.