There have been multiple studies that show how alcohol, or wine in some ways can be useful to your body, even healthy in some ways, but one thing that usually goes unnoticed is the ‘more than’ and ‘less than’ aspect of it.

According to the US guidelines on alcohol consumption, one glass for women and two for men is ok. These guidelines have been based on studies that show the effects of alcohol on the human body with multiple researchers working on them. But in the new research done by National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report, commissioned by a government shows that even drinking a small amount of alcohol every day can be bad for your health. The reason why this study is so significant, based on this and other studies, the guidelines on alcohol can completely change! The U.S. general surgeon has also suggested putting labels on the bottles.

Are The Previous Studies On Alcohol Not Relevant Anymore?

You must remember that whether you drink daily, or occasionally, are some things that need to be considered when you are claiming that drinking is ok or not. Other things that might change the way alcohol affects you is how much you have it, are you a daily drinker but drink a glass or half or are you an occasional drinker who drinks limitlessly until they blackout? No matter what kind of drinker you are, you have to keep two things in mind. One, alcohol will affect your system as soon as it enters your body, because it is a strong inflammatory component. Two, when studies say that ‘may cause less effect’ or something similar, you must always take into consideration that it is often comparing extremes like drinking small amounts daily is better than getting blackout drunk occasionally or vice versa.

Daily Alcohol Consumption Shows Higher Health Risk

The report looked at lots of studies and found that drinking daily can increase your chances of getting several serious illnesses. This news is important because it goes against the idea that a little bit of alcohol is good for you. It's crucial to understand these risks so people can make informed choices about their health. The report links drinking alcohol every day to a number of health problems. One major concern is liver cirrhosis, which is severe damage to the liver. Daily drinking also increases the risk of getting different types of cancer, including cancer of the colon, breast, liver, mouth, and throat. Another risk is an increased chance of getting injured, possibly due to accidents or impaired judgment. While some studies suggested a lower risk of a certain type of stroke (ischemic stroke) with moderate drinking, this potential benefit disappears if someone occasionally drinks a lot at once (binge drinking).

Challenging the Idea of "Healthy" Drinking

Many people have heard that drinking a small amount of alcohol, like a glass of wine with dinner, can be good for their health. However, this new report challenges that idea. Experts are now saying that there isn't really a safe amount of alcohol that is completely without risk. Even small amounts can have negative effects. The report says there's no level of drinking that will definitely make you healthier or live longer. This is a big change from some previous thinking about alcohol and health.

Role of Alcohol in Lives Of Young Adults

The report also looked at how alcohol affects teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 20. They found that the more alcohol young people drink, the higher their risk of dying. This is often due to accidents, especially car crashes, and other kinds of injuries. Alcohol-related incidents are a leading cause of death in this age group. This part of the report emphasizes the importance of preventing underage drinking and educating young people about the dangers of alcohol.

India is once again witnessing a worrying yet manageable surge in Covid-19 cases. As of June 13, 2025, the country’s active case tally stands at 7,131, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Though new daily cases rose by 33 and three additional deaths were recorded—two in Maharashtra and one in Madhya Pradesh—the overall trend signals a possible plateau and even a slight downward shift, offering cautious optimism.

The latest state-wise Covid-19 dashboard released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare highlights striking regional disparities in infection rates across India. Kerala continues to bear the highest burden, reporting 2,055 active cases, including 110 new infections in a single day. Gujarat follows as the second worst-hit state with 1,358 active cases, marking a sharp daily increase of 77 cases. Other significantly impacted regions include West Bengal, with 747 active cases; Delhi, with 714 cases; and Maharashtra, which has recorded 629 active infections. Meanwhile, Karnataka reported a notable surge with 72 new cases, bringing its total active caseload to 395. On a positive note, some states such as Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Manipur currently have no active Covid-19 cases, suggesting effective containment efforts. Despite these varied regional figures, the national trend appears cautiously optimistic. A total of 1,420 new recoveries were recorded, raising the cumulative number of recovered or migrated individuals to 10,976 for the year, underscoring the resilience of India’s ongoing Covid-19 response.

The uptick is largely attributed to new Omicron sub-variants, including JN.1, LF.7, NB.1.8.1, and XFG, which are more transmissible but cause milder symptoms compared to earlier strains. These variants are currently classified as “Variants Under Monitoring” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Although not yet considered variants of concern, they call for increased vigilance, especially among vulnerable groups.

Experts caution against interpreting these figures as the beginning of a full-scale wave. Instead, they point to a seasonal resurgence, not unlike the flu, which aligns with the virus’s post-pandemic transition to an endemic pattern.

Why Are Booster Shots Not Being Recommended?

Given India’s high levels of hybrid immunity—from both vaccinations and previous infections—health officials are currently not recommending mass booster drives. Instead, a targeted vaccination strategy is being promoted for:

• The elderly
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Those with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions

The Indian Medical Association and public health experts stress that this strategic, risk-based approach offers more efficient protection than blanket immunization campaigns.

Despite the recent spike, health professionals emphasize not to panic but to stay proactive. Differentiating between Covid-19 and other seasonal viral infections—which often manifest similar symptoms like fever, fatigue, and cough—is now crucial.

Doctors and public health expert, note that fatigue from prolonged vigilance can lead to complacency. We cannot treat Covid-19 as a relic of the past. It’s still very much here—but manageable with the right preventive strategies.

Actionable Tips To Prevent COVID infection

In the current phase of the pandemic, personal responsibility and daily habits remain your best defense. Here’s how to safeguard yourself:

1. Wear a Mask in Crowded Indoor Spaces

While mask mandates may be gone, masks are still effective, particularly in poorly ventilated indoor areas, public transportation, and medical facilities.

2. Stay Updated with Targeted Vaccines

If you're in a high-risk category, consult your healthcare provider about available boosters or upcoming trials for new variant-specific vaccines.

3. Boost Your Immune System

Focus on a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and regular exercise to keep your immune system resilient against not just Covid-19 but other seasonal illnesses.

4. Maintain Hygiene

Simple habits like frequent handwashing, using sanitizers, and avoiding touching your face in public can drastically reduce transmission risk.

5. Avoid Overcrowded Spaces

If you're symptomatic—or living with someone who is—avoid gatherings and opt for remote work options whenever feasible.

6. Recognize Symptoms Early

Be aware of symptoms like fever, persistent cough, body aches, fatigue, and loss of taste/smell. Get tested early and isolate to prevent spread.

7. Seek Medical Attention Promptly

Especially if you’re over 60 or have pre-existing conditions, don’t delay medical consultation even for mild symptoms. Early intervention can be life-saving.

The Covid-19 picture in India is complex but manageable. Although the number of active cases is over 7,100, recovery rates are strong, and deaths remain low and localized to vulnerable demographics.

Rather than anxiety, what this moment calls for is a renewed commitment to public health behaviors—from wearing masks when needed to watching for symptoms and supporting the vulnerable.

Key Figures at a Glance (as of June 13, 2025)

Total Active Cases: 7,131

New Cases in 24 Hours: 33

Total Deaths (2025): 78

Top States by Active Cases: Kerala (2055), Gujarat (1358), West Bengal (747), Delhi (714), Maharashtra (629)

Recovered in 2025: 10,976 and rising

Death IN Last 24 Hours: 1 (Kerala)

Dr. David Geier, a controversial orthopedic surgeon and known vaccine skeptic, is attempting to revisit long-debunked claims linking vaccines to autism. Recently hired by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Geier is now reviewing historical safety data to investigate whether government agencies concealed crucial information.

Accessing CDC's Vaccine Safety Database

Geier is reportedly seeking access to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Vaccine Safety Datalink (VSD), a repository of vaccine safety records from millions of patients. The VSD is maintained by a dozen major healthcare systems, each controlling its own data. Full access has always been tightly controlled due to privacy and misuse concerns.

Geier previously accessed the database in 2004 and 2006. However, according to The Wall Street Journal, CDC officials revoked his access both times, alleging he had misrepresented his research intentions.

Despite this, Geier is once again pushing to analyze the data. It remains unclear if access has been granted. A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated that the department intends to take a “fresh look at all data including old data,” and emphasized that they would “follow the science—wherever it leads.”

Scientific Community Raises Concerns

The scientific and public health communities have expressed concern over Geier's involvement. “He has no record in the scientific community of doing valid work,” said Dr. Walter Orenstein, former director of the CDC’s immunization program.

Geier and his late father, geneticist Mark Geier, have long promoted the theory that vaccines cause autism—an idea widely discredited by the medical community. The pair also introduced a controversial treatment using hormone-blocking drugs, which resulted in the revocation of Mark Geier’s medical license and disciplinary actions against David Geier for practicing medicine without a license.

At a 2015 conference, Geier defended his position, claiming the scientific community dismisses their findings without proper consideration. “They think that [the vaccine's link to autism has] been completely debunked,” he said at the time.

Kennedy's Role and the Larger Context

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a vocal critic of vaccine mandates, has clarified that Geier will not lead autism research. Instead, his focus will be on identifying any possibly overlooked or hidden data within the CDC’s database.

“There has been a lot of monkey business with the VSD,” Kennedy stated in a previous congressional appearance.

Kennedy, who once authored a now-retracted Rolling Stone article alleging a vaccine-autism cover-up, cited a 2000 CDC conference that explored preliminary data on thimerosal—a mercury-based preservative once used in vaccines. Though early findings prompted questions, later analysis confirmed no link between thimerosal and autism. Thimerosal was removed from most vaccines in 2001, and final results were published in 2003.

Exploring Autism Causes and Rising Rates

While Geier conducts his review, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is separately examining rising autism rates. The CDC now estimates that 1 in 31 eight-year-olds in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism in 2022. Experts attribute the increase to a combination of better diagnostic methods, genetic factors, and increased awareness.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) also plans to fund research into other possible causes, such as environmental toxins and diet. Meanwhile, Children's Health Defense, a nonprofit formerly led by Kennedy, is hosting an online event this week centered on what it calls the “autism cover-up.”

A team of researchers from MIT, New York Medical College, and Lyndra Therapeutics have introduced a once-a-week oral pill for schizophrenia. Published in The Lancet Psychiatry, this new treatment model could transform how antipsychotic medications are administered—enhancing patient compliance, improving long-term outcomes, and reducing relapse risk.

One of the most formidable challenges in treating schizophrenia is ensuring patients consistently take their medication. Daily dosing can be a significant hurdle, particularly in psychiatric conditions where cognitive and emotional symptoms hinder memory and motivation.

Enter the newly designed pill: a once-a-week oral capsule featuring a star-shaped drug delivery system that slowly releases risperidone over seven days. The innovation, led by Giovanni Traverso of MIT and Leslie Citrome of New York Medical College, aims to simplify schizophrenia treatment and drastically improve medication adherence.

"We’ve converted something that had to be taken once a day into a weekly oral solution using a novel delayed-release technology," said Traverso, also a gastroenterologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “This innovation can be adapted for a variety of medications."

How Does The Star-Shaped Drug Delivery Device Work?

Roughly the size of a multivitamin, the capsule houses a six-armed, foldable device that expands once it reaches the stomach. This unique shape keeps the device in the stomach for about a week, allowing the steady release of medication.

Over time, each arm breaks off and safely passes through the digestive tract. This ensures the body gradually absorbs the medication while preventing gastrointestinal blockages. “It’s a breakthrough that allows drug delivery in a controlled and sustained manner,” said Dr. Citrome.

Promising Phase III Results

In the Phase III trial, 83 participants with schizophrenia were enrolled across five clinical sites in the US. Of these, 45 patients completed the full five-week regimen, taking one risperidone-loaded capsule per week.

The results were compelling. Drug levels peaked immediately post-dose and tapered slowly over the week. The consistency was superior to daily oral dosing, where patient-administered pills often result in fluctuating drug concentrations.

Symptom control, measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), remained stable across the board. Patients did not experience the spikes and troughs commonly observed with daily oral intake, a factor often linked to symptom relapses and hospitalizations.

Does This This Offer Minimal Side Effects With Major Potential?

The trial noted only mild side effects such as acid reflux and constipation, which were temporary and manageable. Importantly, the pill demonstrated an impressive safety profile over the trial duration.

“This really validates our hypothesis from over a decade ago—that a once-weekly oral drug delivery capsule could function as a depot system in the gastrointestinal tract,” Traverso remarked.

What are the Other Application?

Beyond schizophrenia, the research team is already eyeing broader applications for this delivery system. Phase I trials are being planned for drugs used in managing conditions like hypertension, asthma, and even for oral contraceptives.

The capsule’s ease of use, combined with its potential to deliver various drugs, makes it an attractive option for chronic conditions where daily adherence is challenging. Patients often prefer oral medications over injections, and this technology could serve as a bridge between convenience and efficacy.

Schizophrenia affects approximately 24 million people worldwide, according to the WHO. Medication adherence remains one of the key challenges in managing the condition. The consequences of missed doses can be severe—leading to relapse, hospitalization, or deterioration in quality of life.

The once-a-week oral capsule has the potential to fill this long-standing gap, offering hope for better disease control and reduced burden on caregivers and healthcare systems.

Dr. Richard Scranton, chief medical officer of Lyndra Therapeutics and senior author of the study, emphasized that the results support moving forward toward FDA approvals. “We’re incredibly optimistic about what this means for the future of psychiatric and chronic disease management.”

Lyndra Therapeutics and MIT are currently preparing for larger Phase III studies to confirm safety and efficacy on a broader scale. If successful, the capsule could be submitted for FDA approval within the next few years.

“This marks a paradigm shift in how we think about oral drug delivery,” added Robert Langer, MIT’s renowned bioengineer and co-founder of Lyndra. “And we’re just getting started.”